We owe so much of our freedoms to our Veterans that have offered up their lives to keep America Safe and Free. Here are some of the ways that you can show your support today in Modesto.

Modesto’s Veterans Day Parade – ‘The End of World War I’ 9:00am Downtown Modesto 9:00am. Begins at 10th and O St., proceeds down Needham Street to Graceada Park. A Ceremony will be at the park following the parade. The Flag raising ceremony will include a 21 guns salute and prayer. New Veterans will be present. There will the announcement of the new Veterans Board of Stanislaus County. The park will have food and refreshments as well as local veterans’ services booths. Patriotic music will be MoBand. Richard Edgecomb 209.521.0093.

Sunday, November 11, 2 pm Free to the Public Limit 2 Tickets Per Person—General Admission

The California State University Stanislaus Department of Music and the Gallo Center for the Arts are proud to partner in presenting a Concert Celebration Honoring Our Veterans. The concert will feature performances by the Wind Ensemble, Concert Chorale, small chamber ensembles, and soloists from the music program at CSU Stanislaus, readings on the ideals of service by community members, and comments on the experiences of service by veterans. The concert will be held in the Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, and admission is free. Tickets can be picked up at the Gallo Center Ticket Office, 1000 I Street in downtown Modesto, beginning Thursday, November 8 (limit two per person) or at the door prior to the event.

Higher Ground The Journey Home State Theatre 3:30
To recognize and pay tribute to our country’s veterans, The State Theatre and Rivers of Recovery have teamed up to bring the documentary High Ground to The State on Fri. Nov. 2, the same night it opens in New York City, and again on Veterans Day, Sun. Nov. 11. High Ground follows 11 wounded vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as they climb Mt. Lobouche in the Himalayas with blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer. Representing nearly every branch of the military, the veterans, and the Gold Star Mom who joins the trek, bring humor and deep emotion to this hero’s journey, all captured with breathtaking, vertigo-inducing cinematography by three-time Emmy winner and five-time Everest climber director Michael Brown. The film allows surviving veterans to tell their stories in their own way and in their own words. The mountain is a metaphor for one of the basic concepts of military action: The high ground is the safest, most defensible, safest place with the greatest perspective. One of the climbers featured in the film, Modesto resident Sergeant Justin Moore, Army National Guard, and John von Seeburg, a Bay Area resident and one of the High Ground cinematographers, will be on hand at both screenings to discuss their experiences and talk about the making of the film. All proceeds from the film will directly benefit Rivers of Recovery, a program specializing in the rehabilitation of combat veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), minor Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), stress, anxiety and depression. Rivers combines outdoor recreational activities with instruction on the self-treatment of symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety, and empowers veterans to live a life that is no longer restricted by psychological or physical disabilities.

Modesto’s Citizen of the Year Dinner a no-host Social Hour at 6:00pm followed by Dinner at 7:00pm. The recipient of this years Citizen of the Year title will be announced. American Legion Post 74, 1001 S. Santa Cruz Ave., in Modesto.

Tom’s Turkey Night- Veterans Remembrance- Modesto Elks Lodge #1282 Flag Ceremony will start at 5:00pm, Cocktails 5:00pm, and Dinner 6:oopm. Veterans eat free. Modesto Elks lodge, 645 Charity Way, Modesto.

Honoring Veterans at Modesto’s Crosspoint Community Church 5:30pm. There will be a Veterans Choir and Veteran speakers. The guests will also have a chance to record a message to their loved ones over sea. For more information call 209-521-0181.

Something amazing happened on March 1, 2011. The Modesto City Council approved the special designation of 10th and 11th Streets as the Historic Graffiti Cruise Route. This is such a huge milestone in the history of Modesto and for the future of our city. Modesto has a very special brand, one that is all about the small town feel blended with the arts and culture of huge cities, a brand that is fueled by the feeling that is represented in the movie American Graffiti by Modesto native George Lucas.

For the first time, we are going take Graffiti Summer to the next level and promote our connection to American Graffiti in new ways that will attract visitors from around the world and create civic pride and a new awareness of our history. This is just the start, people travel around the world to see the Field of Dreams, walk the waterfront in Hoboken, propose at the top of the Empire State building and soon they can stroll the historic streets of American Graffiti. Wop bom a loo bop a whop bam boom.

One of the best things about Modesto is the way our local government encourages people to get involved and speak up. Whether it is acting upon the ideas of a citizen like the cruise route, or engaging in community forums, the city makes it easy to get involved and make a difference. A brilliant example is the partnership of the City of Modesto and the ModestoGarden Club. The Modesto Garden Club creates so much beauty in our city in so many places. Whether it is a park partners program, or a NEAT team clean up or pulling the community together to attract the Amgen Tour of California, it is rare that a city welcomes so much cooperation. We are all lucky in this way.

One of the other great things about Modesto is that when someone comes up with an innovative idea, raises the bar, takes something to the next level, the people and businesses in our area respond, whether it is the support for Greens Market, or the embracing of a new restaurant or the support of an innovative business, Modesto deserves special recognition.

Now, more and more cities are fighting back against these city rankings by the cowardly business magazines. It just tells you that we need to be shouting what makes us unique and special from the rooftops and make sure that we go on the offense so our brand and special features are well known, do we don’t have to keep playing defense after the fact. We can do it, you can do it and together we will make the Greater Modesto Area a better place.

Gabriel Manzo

With the changing of the seasons we are sad to see the change in format of Live 105.5, “The River” radio station which provided the Central Valley with a smooth Jazz format and helped promote a lot of the acts many of us promoters have brought into town over the years.

Well I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m ready for some sunshine and to see folks flocking to the downtown for a good time and some music. I encourage all of you to send me your info and I will send it out on weekly email and in the Modesto View. Hit me at: mbenson@fire2wire.com, or give me a holler at (209)918-7033.

The Clarion Hotel located on 1612 Sisk Road continues with some quality Jazz and R & B showcases. Featured are: the Cartel Band, (seasoned R & B band), rotating with Valley Rhythm Section with dance floor to get your groove on. The event is promoted by Jai of Thin Line Productions and goes from 8:00-12:00 p.m. The Clarion also now has Reg Evans as house promoter for regional and national acts. Reg and Central Valley Music Group are bringing in Slim Man on April 9th at the Clarion and will host “Hot Latin Nights” on May 7th with artists to be announced. He’s also bringing in Latin Essence April 1st at the Whitmore Mansion in Ceres. Reg is also doing an urban Hip Hop show May 20th at the Fat Cat with Rappin Fourtay and Dru Down holdin down the mike. Call for mo info: (209)521-1612 or (877)237-8013. Reg@Centralvalleymusicgroup.com

The new Jax on H Street, (formerly Clayton’s Restaurant), continues to host the Blue Monday Jam session every Monday night featuring the best in local bands hosting the jam playing Jazz, R & B, Funk, Rock, Reggae in an all-age venue. The lineup for April: Monday 4th Valley Rhythm Section, Monday 11th MALO’s lead guitarist and singer Gabriel Manzo will guest with Johnny Valdez & Straight AheadBand, Monday the 18th TBA,Thursday 21st Art Walk with the mighty Tim Allen on piano and keys, and Monday 25st MCW Band. The MOFO Party Band will be back at Jax on Saturday April 16th for a Blues Party show.

The Barkin’ Dog Grill has Threlle Productions & John Black Presents great Blues showings on Fridays. April 1st Threshold, classic rock, April 2nd DJ Slate & Rocket 88, April 9th Les Rainey & Bill Macpherson. John Griswold is also bringing in a blend of Global music, (we won’t use the term smooth Jazz anymore), and international acts to the venue. On April 8th Matt Marshak guitarist is coming in. Call John at: (209)491-7185, or http://www.eArtsnews.com. The Dog also continues to have quality Jazz on weekends and a Jam session Thursday nights led by Ernie Bucio and Dave Hawks. Call the Dog for more info: (209)572-2341

The West Side Theatre in Newman is bringing in Tom Rigney & Flambeau on April 30th. The group plays a fiery Cajun music and Zydeco with some 2-steps, low down Blues and New Orleans R & B thrown in. Call (209)862-4490 for the low down on the hoedown.

Tom Rigney & Flambeau

Manhattan Transfer is returning to the Gallo Center April 2nd. Modesto’s own, the late Dave Wallace, used to play with this smoking Jazz vocal harmony group.

One of our local Blues promoter Pinkie Rideau of Blind Resistance is doing a monthly Blues showcase at the Fat Cat. April 3rd bands featured are Laurie Morvan Band, Pinkie & Blind Resistance, and Great Oglee Moglee Blues Band headline.

And don’t forget Nino’s Place, a bastion of live local bar bands that rock the house. The bands rarely disappoint for a dose of live music and dancing your backside off. Call (209)544-2050 for the lineup.

The Board Room located on the corner at J Street and 16th Street is now open for business. The Boardroom is a nice upscale Bar catering to the workingprofessionals with promises of live music for listening upstairs in an intimate showcase.

All the best, Eric Benson, Peace Out.

April is a busy month in Stanislaus County Art Scene starting with the Stanislaus County Artists Open Studio Tour April 2 and 3,ending with the last day of the Celebration of Fiber Arts Exhibition April 30, at Mistlin Gallery.

Coffee and Elvis

We hope you have your map and passport for the Stanislaus County Travel and Tourism Round Table sponsored, Artists Open Studio Tour. If you haven’t, they will be available for $10 at the Mistlin Gallery, the Chartreuse Muse, and Artel Art Center, or by calling 209-554-6924  The event will feature 53 artists in Stanislaus County and  Manteca open 10-6.  My house is number 20 on the Modesto listings.

The Western Art Show in Oakdale at the Bonsack Gallery runs April 1 through April 28 at 13480 Orange Blossom Road Oakdale, 209-613-7126. See bonsackgallery.com for more info.  Over at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum, The Cowboy World of Jo Mora art exhibit opens April 1. Oakdale Cowboy Museum is holding this exhibit and fundraising art sale April 1-July 30, 2011. According to Oakdale film maker Kevin Fox, “It’s a wonderful collection!  That includes  Sketches, Prints, Bronzes and a history of Jo Mora.”  The Opening reception is April 1st, 5:30-8:00pm at 355 East F Street, Oakdale. www.oakdalecowboymuseum.org

In Turlock, California State University Stanislaus gallery, Recent Acquisitions to the University Fine Art Collection will feature Julie Heffernan ,  April 4-29. Reception is Thursday April 7 at 5:30pm, artist talk at 6:00pm.at the  College of the Arts, University Art Gallery. California State University, Stanislaus, One University Circle, Turlock. Exhibit is free andopen to the public!

Spring show entries are  due April 9 for the Central California Art Association & Mistlin Gallery 58th Annual Spring Art Show show June 11 – July 14, 2011. I noticed the deadline had been extended due to conflict with Open Studio Tour dates.  Get your entry form at Artel Art Center or The Mistlin Gallery! ccartassn.org

Patterson Art and Wine Gala Patterson Art and Wine Gala is April 9.  Come enjoy an evening of art, fine wine, hors d’oeuvers and live is music while celebrating  and supporting Patterson Repertory Theatre! This all happens.  Saturday, April 9 from 6-10 at the Patterson Community Complex, 1033 W. Las Palmas Avenue. pattersonrep.org

Artwalk

Modesto Art Museum offers a walking tour touting Modesto’s architectural heritage, including many precedents Modesto historically noted for.  Ironic, that MJC cut the architectural program if this is the case. The museum is offering its popular Modernism in Modesto walking tours this spring. There is room for the tour on Saturday, April 9th; from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Admission is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Reservations are required. Details on the web site http://modestoartmuseum.org/ This tour event meets at Anderson Gallery on 1323 J Street.

Cross roads country quilters fabric show “ A Celebration of Fiber Arts Exhibit” runs  March 22 – April 30, 2011.  Show includes Quilts, needlework, weaving, wearables and more! Mistlin Gallery, 1015 J Street, Modesto. ccartassn.org

April 15 , Second Annual Riverbank Downtown “Sips and Stroll’ Wine Tasting, appetizers, live music, Open Houses at over 15 Downtown Businesses, Dessert bar, Raffle prizes and Art Show! $20 in advance, $25 day of event. All proceeds benefit our Jacob Myer Park project Location: Plaza Del Rio, Third and Santa Fe Streets, Downtown Riverbank Time: 5:30PM.

Downtown Modesto Third Thursday Art Walk is April  21. New additions,  Paper Airplanes, Tatoo and Art Gallery at1216 H Street, , and McHenry Mansion Visitors Center 924 15^th Street.  Get a new map at any number of downtown businesses and venues, or see the online map and art walk venue listings at www.modestoartwalk.com

“Found Again” is the new show at the Chartreuse Muse, running April 1 through June. Using found objects and repurposed objects to create new works of art will be the focus of this group show.
Opening Reception:  Saturday, April 9 5:00 – 8:00 PM. thechartreusemuse.com

Coming up in May at Artel Art Center, “Mini Canvas Art Show and Sale” Receiving Date are  May 2 to May 7, 2011. Show Dates are May 9 to June 30, 2011. The Show is open to allcustomers who purchase any of the following canvas sizes (purchase must be made at Artel) See details for  this event at Artel Art Center in McHenry Village. www.artelartcenter.com

See the Artists of Modesto Facebook page, where I try and post updates on art events and art news in the area as soon as I get the information.  If you’d like to get some notice on art events, or bring something to my attention for Modesto View, my email is mercenary_graphics@yahoo.com.   For art events, Chris likes to keep Modesto View online calendar up to date, so send your event notice in to events@ModestoView.com

Public On Sale Date Is 4/27

Alan Jackson

March 2011 – Murphys, CA.  We are thrilled to have this country music superstar return to our stage.  His show at Ironstone in 2009 SOLD OUT in advance, and was one of the most exciting and best attended concerts we’ve had at Ironstone!  Ironstone is now established as one of Northern California’s premier concert venues!!  This year promises to continue Ironstone’s great concert tradition.  We have been in the Top 100 Amphitheatres Worldwide for the past six seasons.  Last year was an amazing concert series at Ironstone, we were # 73!  This year we are looking to have another fabulous season!!

Ironstone is a stunning outdoors facility located in the historic Gold Rush town of Murphys in Calaveras County, right in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. Our shows are a terrific value with ticket prices that are very reasonable compared with other winery ticket prices and lineups that feature more than one great act.  While you are here, enjoy Ironstone’s tasting room and gourmet deli and visit neighboring wineries.  This incredible wine region is garnering a great reputation by producing many award winning wines and is becoming a very hot destination for tourism.  Great wineries, the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada Foothills, the charm of a historic town, great restaurants, great shopping, great music, and an amazing Amphitheatre, we have it all here.  If you live near by, you don’t have to travel far from home for a concert with a major star or to enjoy the treasures of the region.  If you are coming from faraway, come experience the beauty and hospitality of this amazing region of California and come when you can see a show at one of America’s most beautiful Amphitheatres.  We look forward to seeing you at Ironstone.

Ticketing options include the Platinum Dinner package (premium seating, pre-show four-course Winemaker dinner); Gold Seating (premium seating with no meal); Silver Seating (reserved seating with buffet dinner); Reserved Seating (reserved seating with no meal) and General Admission (lawn seating). Low beach chairs and blankets are allowed into the General Admission section. Low beach chairs must have a seat lower than 12″ from the ground, and the back must be lower than 32″ from the ground.  NO HIGH BACK CHAIRS WILL BE ALLOWED INTO THE VENUE!

Tickets can be purchased on line at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, please, call (800) 745-3000.  Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster Outlets.  Reserved and lawn tickets are available at Black Oak Casino.  On the day of the show tickets to that show will be available on site at the Ironstone box office.

For more information, call (209) 728-1251 or visit www.ironstonevineyards.com

About Ironstone Vineyards
Ironstone Vineyards is one of the 10 largest family owned and operated wineries in the US.  It features the Ironstone Vineyards, Christine Andrew, Leaping Horse and Sonoma Creek labels.  The estate nestled in the beautiful Sierra Foothills town of Murphys, CA, includes a seven-story winery complex, award-winning gardens, gourmet delicatessen and tasting room, culinary center, jewelry shop and heritage museum.  On exhibit is Ironstone’s forty-four pound crystalline gold specimen, the largest in the world.  Completed in 1998, the Ironstone Amphitheater provides a stunning and intimate open-air setting for world-class music performances in the Sierra Foothills.   For further information see www.ironstonevineyards.com

Fly Fishing Film Tour

Modesto Fly Fishing Film Tour March 10, 2011 Doors Open 5:30 pm- Introduction andFilm at 6:15 pm The 2011 Fly Fishing Film Tour (www.thef3t.com) is returning to The State, courtesy of Stanislaus Fly Fishers (www.stanislausflyfishers.org) and Rivers of Recovery (www.riversofrecovery.org). Proceeds will again benefit “Rivers of Recovery” (also on Facebook) to provide scholarships for local combat disabled veterans to enjoy two days of guided fly fishing on the Green River in Utah.

Last year’s proceeds funded the Green River experience for 37 local combat disabled veterans! The trip costs an estimated $1600 per veteran. Those donating at the $1600 level will receive 8 movie tickets and 8 raffle tickets, a Rivers of Recovery fly fishing shirt and on-screen sponsor recognition. Of course any other donations will be thankfully accepted! Donations may be mailed to Rivers of Recovery, c/o Law Offices of Mayol & Barringer P.O. Box 3049, Modesto, CA 95353, or brought to the theatre the night of the show.

A silent auction and raffle will be held. Items presently include a Dinner and Wine for 6 at Galletto Ristorante, a 4 wt. Sage Z-Axis fly roddonated by Sierra Angler’s Fly Shop, a guided fly fishing trip for two donated by The Fly Shop, a box of hand-tied flies by “master” Bud Heintz, a hand-constructed fly tying board by Roger Ringsted, guided fly fishing for 2 on the Green River ala Rivers of Recovery and, Dinner for 6 at Jim and Birgitt Mayol’s home with casting instruction by FFF Certified Casting Instructor Derald Lahti and fishing in “Amerine Pond.”

Tickets for the film are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and may be purchased at www.thestate.org, the State Theatre box office, Sierra Anglers Fly Shop, or at www.thef3t.com. Raffle tickets are $20 and available at Sierra Anglers or at the show

Please support our local veterans! We hope to see you there!

Derald Lahti James D. Mayol
President Board of Directors Stanislaus Fly Fishers Rivers of Recovery

Prom is a magical and memorable celebration that should be cherished, if the planning is organized. The Riverbank Men’s Wearhouse is presenting Prom Expo. They are partnering with David’s Bridal for a Prom inspired Fashion Show including tuxedos and gowns. They are expecting about 10 exhibitor booths to be set up. Most of the exhibitors are locally owned businesses like limousine companies, florists, salon services, and other businesses that specialize in Prom. Exhibitors will be giving away exclusive specials, coupons, and free giveaways for Prom patrons. There will also be local law enforcement speaking about Drunk Driving Awareness.

Prom Expo

Men’s Wearhouse, Riverbank Shopping Center, 2401 Claribel Road, Riverbank
Sunday, March 6, 2011 @ 2pm – 5pm

Fun at the Fair!

Turlock, CA (January 20, 2011) – The Stanislaus County Fair is once again a blue ribbon winning Fair, not for best pie or preserve, but for its innovative and authentic Fair.

Stanislaus County Fair was recognized for a total of eight awards at the Western Fairs Association (WFA) convention in January. The WFA is a professional non-profit trade association serving the fair industry throughout 14 western United States and Canada.  Its 88^th Annual Convention and Trade Show was held in Reno, Nevada this month.

“Our success is a result of the Stanislaus County Fair’s dedicated team of board members, sponsors, staff and volunteers,” said Adrenna Alkhas, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “Our team is committed to excellence and that is what makes the Stanislaus County Fair a stand out among fairs in the Western United States and Canada.”

Winning four first place awards, the Stanislaus County Fair was recognized for “Our Best New Idea This Year, Marketing,” which featured the new SCVNGR mobile text game.  SCVNGR is a mobile text game that can be played by anyone with a cell phone. It took guests for an adventure around the Fair by asking questions in the form of text messages, while earning points with the correct answers. A total of 1,800 guests signed up to play in 2010 and the person with the most points won an iPad and four Disneyland Park Hopper Tickets from KAT Country 103.

Also earning a first place award was the Fair’s “Social Media Campaign,” which included the Fair’s outreach through Twitter, Facebook, text message, YouTube, MySpace and eblasts.

The Fair’s “Community Outreach Program” received a first place nod as well, in which the Fair partnered with Stanislaus County Office of Education for the 2010 “Fit for the Future” campaign. This campaign is linked with the State of California’s Governor’s Challenge in which kids in participating schools work to reach fitness goals, with prize incentives. The Fair was proud to partner in the incentives by offering 10,000 Fair ticket vouchers, good for one free child admission ticket and $2 off one adult admission coupon. Through the “Fit for the Future” campaign, the Stanislaus County of Office of Education, emphasizes and promotes healthy, active lifestyles for students in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

“We have been building on the foundation of a great partnership with the community for years,” said Alkhas. “Stanislaus County has helped our Fair so much in the past 100 years. We find it an honor to be able to help the community in return.”

The Fair’s exhibitor handbook also received first place in the “Printed Competitive Exhibit Handbook” category.  This handbook has valuable information for people wanting to enter their exhibits into the Fair.

The Stanislaus County Fair also walked away with three second place awards, and one third place award, in the large fair division. Each division is based on the size of the fair, large fair attendance being between 150,000 and 500,000.

Second place awards included: “Pamphlets, Brochures Flyer & Direct Mail,” “Fair Programs/ Schedule,” “Overall Children’s Program.” The third place award was in “Outdoor Advertising.”

The 2011 Stanislaus County Fair opens for its 100^th anniversary celebration Friday, July 15 for a 10-day run. Fair guests can count on an award-winning experience that has been 100 years in the making. Discounted Fair admission tickets and unlimited ride wristbands will be on sale Saturday, April 30, 2011. Visit the Fair’s website for complete ticket sale details at www.stancofair.com.

The 2011 Fair will feature a newly renovated children’s area, which will include the highly-popular Rainforest Adventure, sponsored by Sky Trek Aviation, which debuted in 2009. Also planned for 2011 are 10-nights of free celebrity concerts included with admission, metal-mashing motorsports and a rodeo in the FoodMaxx Arena, a total of five stages of live entertainment, upwards of 30,000 local exhibits and over 1,750 animals.

To receive future Fair announcements by text message, text the word “FAIR” to 82672.  Fair enthusiasts can also follow how the 2011 Fair is developing at twitter.com/stancofair. In addition, become a fan of the Fair at facebook.com/stancofair. Fair news and event listings are also available at myspace.com/stancofair.

The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology.  For more information about the award-winning Stanislaus County Fair, or to host a company picnic during the Fair, visit www.stancofair.com.