Rockabilly View By: Jennifer Allsup

Holy Jumpin and Jivin’! Now that we have another year of Rockabilly , Psychobilly, classic cars, pin-ups and burlesque behind us, I am looking forward to what’s in store in 2013. Let’s start with a young man making his way out to the Modesto music scene. Born in Modesto, Ca. in June of 1997. With music in his blood, now this 15 year old young man that has a passion for the oldies such as Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, Johnny Cash, Son House, Etta James, Ray Charles & Nina Simone just to name a few of his favorites (you may recognize). He first recorded his first CD at the age of five, strummin’ his guitar with his mo-hawk flying and mean grins of expression on his face. Standing out on the ranch on a sunset evening. Singing about Wasp & Sprinklers and how everyone likes to BBQ.

With all the musical influences in his life, no wonder he has such a passion for music. At, the age of six he started piano lessons in Riverbank, Ca. As, a seventh grader at Teel Jr. High in Empire, Ca. he began playing with the Johansen Marching Band. Mr. Tyler Buer was his teacher at the time along with Mr. Alan Davis. They gave him the encouragement to make him want to make more music, outside of his musical family. His freshman year he was drumming for the band “Vomit Party”, pounding out those punk & metal beats . Along with “Vomit Party” he was the drummer for “ICK” which opened up for “Joe Buck” the bass player for “Hank III”, “The Pendeltons” with the fabulous Tony Trevino, and “The Hooten Hallers” out of Columbia Missouri. He has joined his dad on many acoustic shows in the Central Valley as a duo singing originals and covers of “Johnny Cash”. Last year he performed at the “Prospect Theater” on Scenic Ave in Modesto for a birthday celebration to Johnny Cash along with an all-star line-up…..The Wrong Doers, Poor House Millionaires, Nick Shattell and many more.

This past year he won his first MAMA in 2012 along with his dad as “Best Acoustic ” Mike Allsup & Eli Allsup as a duo. Eli is following in his dads’ footsteps and his other musically talented family. Dad Mike Allsup started an acoustic scene in Modesto called Mike Allsup and Friends Acoustic Shows and is also singer of DAM. Big Mike Allsup ( Three Dog Night ) guitarist is also from Modesto, Ca. Jesse Allsup an amazing drummer which use to play with Christy Hollywood and The Walk of Fame with Skeez and Christy Neva and Russ Allsup is the bass player for DAM.

Now, Eli Allsup has returned the roots of music with his full band Eli Goodtimes & the Oldtimers with Jacob Canada (on bass) and Nathan Ignacio ( on drums). Playing music influenced by Rockabilly and Country, Eli Goodtimes & the Oldtimers have played a few shows to end the year, one in particular opening for Lucky Tubb and the Modern Day Troubadours. Ladies and Gentlemen keep your eyes and ears always open for the future of young talent in the valley in whatever genre of music they decide to embark upon. Eli Goodtimes & the Oldtimers will be performing at the Barking Dog on Jan. 29th with The Deltaz. This is an all ages show.

Wishing you the best in 2013. Jennifer Allsup 209-214-0137

RockabillyView By: Jennifer Allsup

June Modesto’s Graffiti Month is under way ! But, first a brief memory of a fabulous and exquisite wedding. Mike and I attended Lauren and Tony Trevino’s wedding at the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge in May. They are the hardest working Rockabilly couple in Modesto. You may also know them, as being the owners of “Unity Music” and vocalist /guitarist of “Tony T. and the Pendletons”. We had a fabulous time. Also inattendance was the lovely Jill Ferris (local promoter) and Rockin Rick (owner of Hi-Ho Silver Records) and Sara Teter hard working street member for Unity Music. Along with many other gorgeous guests to say the least.

If there is an event you want to book, I suggest you look up the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge for your wedding, birthday, etc. The ambiance and the staff is incredible! Located at 930 11th St. downtown Modesto it is in the best location.

Speaking of Lauren and Tony Trevino, there company “Unity Music” is celebrating Modesto’s famous 50th Anniversary of Graffiti Celebrations. Unity Music Presents “Hi-Ho Silver Away” June 8th on 11th street at the Barking Dog . With 700 classic cars cruising nearby in the annual Kiwanis Car Show and parade downtown, the musical portion of the show will help flow the parade of classic cruising the downtown area. Music at Barking Dog starts at 6pm all ages and it’s FREE ! Many talents to check out from Hi-Ho Silver Records.

One of the reasons you see Unity Music and Hi-Ho Silver Records so much is their love and passion for Modesto’s true roots, as some would say, classic cars, music, entertainment, modern-vintage rockabilly, the regular graffiti patrons and our culture. Please, join Unity Music and Hi-Ho Silver Records for Modesto’s famous Graffiti celebration.

Other dates you might want to check out during the month of June. 1. June 9th/10th ~ Tony T. and the Pendletons will be performing at the 2nd Annual “Inking the Valley Tattoo Expo” in the Centre Plaza, Modesto Ca. 2. June 15th-17th ~ Reno’s Rockabilly Riot with Hellbound Hayride ! 3. June 23rd ~ Sacramento Swingtime~ Patt James and the Nite Crawlers also Jailbreak at 11am.

So whether you are in Modesto, Sacramento or Reno in the month of June, these are shows you want to check out for sure !!!

P.S. If you have a gig about to happen in the surrounding area(s) of Modesto, email me.

Smiles, Jennifer Allsup 209-214-0137 rajeildak@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/jennifer.allsup

Rockabilly View By Jennifer Allsup

Rockabilly is one of the earliest styles of Rock~n~Roll,dating back to the early 1950′s. The term “Rockabilly” stems from “rock~n~roll” and “hillbilly” to the latter reference of country !

Rockabilly included “boogie woogie” a piano based blues which was popular in the late 1930′s to the early 1940′s, even with a little gospel mix. “Western Swing” a sub-set of country music, which started around the late 1920′s with Western string-bands, often up tempo beat and of course a mix ofRhythm and Blues, a rocking jazz with a heavy insistent beat. The slappin’ bass of our own Maddux Brothers and Rose helped create the toe tappin’ high energy sound that made Rockabilly special.

Some of these Rockabilly great might send a familiar ring to your ears: Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee, Wanda Jackson. Here are a few you might not recognize Gene Summers, Tommy “Sleepy” LeBeef. All great in my book as I am sure yours as well and you should check them out. Their influence is still felt today.

In November of 1956 the first record to contain the word “rockabilly” in its song title was called “Rock a Billy Gal” by Merle Allen and then in 1957 by Hayden Thomson

In 1997 the Rockabilly Hall of Fame was established. This year will be there fifteenth anniversary. With over five-thousand artists photos and memorabilia. I suggest you look it up and check it all you Kats and Kittens ! See what you really have been missin !

Locally, check out Norcal Rockabilly Psychobilly and Hotrods. It is Northern Californias place to post your event or see what is happening from San Francisco, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento and more. It is one of my favorite web-sites to visit when looking for a fantastic show. But, even closer, there are a few in the Modesto area that put on fabulous show as well like Unity Music and Belladonna Beauties. Check their sites on Facebook. So if you are up to some fast jiving entertainmentcheck out those sites !

Until next time my lovelies ” Stay Wild and Jive Fast”!

Jennifer Allsup Sweet Pea Knickers Productions

RockabillyView By: Jennifer Allsup

The Hooten Hallers ~ Columbia, MI to Modesto, Ca.

First and foremost, I and many others owe a tremendous THANK YOU to Michael Miller of DCMM Productions, for having introduced Modesto to the mind-blowing Hooten Hallers out of Columbia MI.

When I first met John Randall and Andy Rehm, I came overwhelmed with excitement, mainly because they are such gentlemen….haha! Unless you play a round of “Circle of Death”, those gentlemanly stories are best told only in the FamDAMily backyard.

Anywhoo, back to The Hooten Hallers ! DCMM Productions decided Modesto needed to be spiced up a little with some Joe Buck, The Pendletons, Mike and Eli Allsup at Minnies. Needless to say Mr. Miller failed to mention the vibrant- bone chilling rhythm and soul John and Andy bring to the stage. That is where the crowd fell in love with “The Hooten Hallers” !

Mr. Miller was gracious enough to ask Mike Allsup and me if we would be interested in hosting the Hooten Hallers for a night ? Wow, what an experience! An all night free jam with Columbia Missouri’s Dog Pound, “Circle of Death”, and the infamous “Kings Cup”. Since John and Andy adventure all across the nation and we have become their “West Coast Dog Pound” WELP!!!

These fine young men started in Columbia, MO in2006. In 2011 they started touring nationally which brought them to the Central Valley and other amazing smallhole in the walls venues. John Randal, vocals and guitar and Andy Rehms on drums and vocals deliver a sound that you have not heard before, a sound that is sensational, inspiring to the soul. There is so much power that comes forth from this two piece band of Hillbilly, Blues and Rock, you will be blown away.

A new CD on it’s way and I am positive it will be just as amazing as the first two. Check out The Hooten Hallers on Reverbnation or their record label Bucketcity. FamDAMily will be hosting The Hooten Hallers again in March. Keep your eyes peeled !!!

WELP!!!!!!

Sweet Pea Knickers Promotions Jennifer Allsup sweetpknickers@yahoo.com 209.735.9682

Go Modesto Show Alert: All Ages: Hooten Hallers Thursday Night Ramble – March 22 7 pm Café Deva

Over 21: Hooten Hallers, Shaylin Nicole and DAM March 23 – Fat Cat Music House 7 pm

Rockabilly View By Jennifer Allsup Unity Music Skate Jams, Skateboard competitions an Underground California Amateur Skateboarding team out of the Bay Area, Livermore Ca. to be exact!!! In 2003 Unity was a little old skate shop which consisted of doing skate competition, poetry slams and live music. Many well known skaters, record labels and musicians supported Unity back in the day, such as Tony Hawk, Thrasher Magazine, Dead Kennedy’s, Wild Records, Road Lords and Mark Gonzales. In 2007, Unity made a big jump to Modesto and changed Unity to more of a musical adventure, with founder Tony T. of The Pendletons and Tony T. and the Headhunters. In 2010 X-Fest had their first Rockabilly stage in Modesto andUnity Music was a big part in gathering all the bands to perform. This is where Tony T. met the love of hislife Miss Lauren, who is now the womanly-hand in the Unity Music adventure.Along, with their lovely lady street-team Valerie Gray and Lindsay Atkinson. Unity Music adventures in Modesto consist of “Day at the Altamont “ which, would be Mike’s Roadhouse Bar, it is an amazing little bar in the middle of the Altamont with the Modesto Throttlers car show and live music with DAM and the Pendletons. Also, Wreckin Rita of the Belladonna Beauties where in attendance. In June of 2011 right along with Modesto’s famous Graffiti Nights, Unity Music threw their first big show at Minnie’s on McHenry called “The Tiki Party” live Rockabilly, Pin-ups, and Classic Cars. Needless to say it was a huge success for Tony T. and Lauren. Look for it in June of 2012. You will not be disappointed! Tony said in so many words “They say when you retire from punk music, you jump onto a swinging grand time with Rockabilly”! Even though back in the day Tony T. and Lauren of Unity Music were huge Ska and Punk fanatics, rockabilly lives within their souls. Unity Music not only does “Rockabilly” bookings but would love to hook-up with other genres as well. Unity Music strives on supporting local talents and our community of Modesto! Tony T. and Lauren encourage you to contact them for shows near and abroad. Contact Information for “UNITY MUSIC” www.facebook.com/unitymusicpresents email : unitymusic.contact@yahoo.com So, Swing a little Swing and we will meet up next month! Smiles, Jennifer Allsup Sweet Pea Knickers Productions 209-735-9682

Rockabilly View

By: Jennifer Allsup

BELLADONNA BEAUTIES

Lights, cameras, pin-ups, hotrods, rockabilly and a true sisterhood.

Yes, the Belladonna Beauties a group of six stunning women making their mark as a social club that started in the Central Valley which now has extended to the Bay Area. This sisterhood started out in 2007 by the lovely Sophia Mendoza, with her passion for pin-up. She found Sarita Martinez a promoter of Psyhcobilly and80’s club music. When the two ladies decided to join forces together it sparked a fabulous sisterhood with dedication and passion within our subculture.

When I sat down with the Belladonna Beauties, I asked “What drove you to be so passionate about such an old genre of style?” Each one of us girls has the same taste for Pin-up, Rockabilly/Psychobilly and Classic Cars. With that our “Sisterhood” became a close friendship. If ladies are interested in becoming a Belladonna Beauty we start at “Prospecting” this could take up to several months and consists of working hard, have a positive attitude,ethics,good heart, time and most important common sense. Our motto is “QUAILTY NOT QAUNITY”In order to have the fabulous opportunity to wear the Belladonna Beautie jacket.

Your event Everyone Get Lei’d, how did that come about with three stages, pin-ups, classic cars etc..? Miss Sophia Valentine answered “Rita always threw her own birthday parties with bands. Once, bands got wind of what was going on it expanded into so much more then what we excepted to happen. It started out as a small event three years ago with hotel rooms for your crashing convenience.Everyone Get Lei’d went so well that we decided to move it to a bigger venue. More bands, pin-ups and car clubs wanted to be apart of the Belladonna Beauties Event. We had no idea what kind of success this would be. Our event has doubled in size and with growing support from the bay to L.A. Belladonna Beauties fans are our biggest supporters.

Lots of hard work and dedication to pull something so thrilling in the Modesto area. So. Keep you eyes and ears open for these Beauties for they will always be watching you.

The Belladonna Beauties consist of:

Sophia Mendoza a.k.a. Miss Sophie Valentine ~ President

Sarita Martinex a.k.a Wreckin Rita ~ Vice President

Cece Orozco a.k.a. Cece Demented

Marilu Mansilla a.k.a Miss Marilu

Leah Harrison

Celina Perez a.k.a Celina Pepina the Pineapple Latina

Contact and booking you can find these lovely ladies

http://www.facebook.com/BelladonnaBeauties or belladonnabeauties@yahoo.com

Congratulations to all of the nominees and the the winners of the 2011 MAMA Awards. It was an exciting night of music, fun and celebrations. It was so very cool to have Kent Witt of the Downbeats, Modesto’s first rock band in the house for the BobDeLeon honor for Lifetime Achievement.

Here is a list of all of the winners.

Mama 2011 Winners

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Pop
Braata

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Alternative
Dandelion Massacre

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Metal
Nothing But Losers

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Acoustic/Unplugged
Shaylin Nicole

2011 MAMA Award
Best Urban
Luna J

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Rock
Tragic Culture

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Blues/Jazz
Pinkie & the Blind Resistance

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Americana
House of Orange

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Blue Collar
Hari Kari

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Rockabilly
The Refuzniks

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Dance Club Promoter
Random Nights

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Rock Show Promoter
Middagh Goodwin – Beat Happy Music

2011 MAMA Awards
Best DJ – House
DJ Liquid

2011 MAMA Awards
Best DJ – Urban
DJ Topek

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Comedian
Anthony K

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Venue
Gallo Center for the Arts

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Live Music Restaurant

The Beeler Industry MAMA Award

P. Wexford’s Pub

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Large “X” Event
Modesto Blues Fest

2011 MAMA Awards
Best Small Event
P. Wexford’s St. Patrick’s Day

2011 MAMA Awards
SuperMAMA Lifetime
Bob DeLeon

Rockabilly View

By Jennifer Alsup

Modesto? Who would of thought that Rockabilly originated in the valley?

Many would argue that it was right here in Modesto, CA in the mid to late thirties.  After being unsuccessful with sharecropping during the early Depression, the Maddux family hitch-hiked from Boaz, Alabama to California to get in to the music business in 1933.  The band members consisted of (Fred, Cal, Cliff and Don) and one sister, Rose.  After settling in Modesto, and honing their musical talents, they first performed on the radio in 1939.  The Maddux Brothers and Rose very quickly became California’s best hillbilly band. In those days, the band was considered hillbilly, not country.  “There was no rock n’ roll in those early days, before 1955.  Only country-boogie. My brothers also played that way.  We called it country then,” said Rose Maddux. They were the beginning sounds of rock with a hillbilly background, mixed with an authentic sound and risqué lyrics.  Fred Maddux played the upright bass.  The trademark “slap bass” technique was used by him as early as 1937.

Rose Maddux was known for her very signature style of singing.

“Nowadays, all the girl singers sound alike.  I sounded like nobody else, and I guess that’s why I was so distinctive,” said Rose.

By 1951, the band had recorded for Four Star and Columbia Records.  From 1953-1955, the band was playing packed places every weeknight while on tour across the country. They played shows with Elvis Presley and became part of a movement in musical history that has influenced many of today’s famous as well as local musicians. By 1955, the rockabilly scene was in full bloom and the Maddox Brothers and Rose had already been paving the way for nearly 20 years right here in Modesto.

Thanks to their musical influence, mixed with the western swing, boogie woogie, and rhythm and blues style of the 50′s and 60′s, today we enjoy bands that still sing true to that era.  For example, Stray Cats, Reverend Horton Heat and local bands like The Refuzniks and The Pendeltons.

Smiles,

Jennifer Allsup

209-735-9682

Photo from www.hankwilliamslistings.com/

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ModestoView Note:

Make sure you Vote for MAMA and check out the new Rockabilly Category

Www.modestoview.com/mama

By Jennifer Allsup

Modesto has a culture and reputation for American Graffiti. But, I do believe that we are missing a crucial part of that history. The music genres such as blues, androots rock-n-roll that make Rockabilly great are a big part of our history dating back to the 30s and 40s.

I recently met up with Tony Trevino of The Pendletons and asked him a few questions about genres of music and why he decided the musical path of Rockabilly? “It is one of the main roots of pure American music. It’s the original bad boy music. As a child my father and aunt turned me onto The Stray Cats and as I got older Ibecame super passionate about music, art and culture. I began to research on who invented rock-n-roll. It mainly, boiled down to the marriage of folk, blues and country all mixed in one big pot and formed Rockabilly. It’s the original cool….. It’s rebellious along with fun to write and play.” Tony also mentioned that he took the traditional rockabilly roots with The Pendletons and fusedthem together with my more modern roots i.e. punk, psychobilly and broken blues to form what he likes to call modern or neo-rockabilly”.

Tony founded The Pendletons in 2003 and had the opportunity to play with a few different musicians over the years, for which he is incredibly grateful.  Tony picked up Elan Tribo in 2009, an upright bass player  “extraordinaire”.  He recently added new drummer Mikey Skullz, whom he met while performing on a segment on FCC Free Radio. Mikey was the DJ and is now the back beat of the Pendletons. 

Living in the Central Valley (Modesto) what do you see happening with the Rockabilly Scene?  “I see an incredibly bright future”, Tony said.  When it comes down to the timeless sounds of Rockabilly roots in the Central Valley. You can find The Pendletons on Unity Music Presents or Facebook.

Jennifer Allsup

Sweet Pea Pickers Promotions