MAMAView: MAMA Review, Rockin’ Holidays and You
By Middagh Goodwin

We just celebrated the 26th annual Modesto Area Music Awards at the State Theatre, with some incredible performances by Good Luck Road Show featuring Nate & Em Riddle honoring the Swanee Cowboys, ICK, Sonny VaGunn, The Indecisives, and more. Big up to all the nominees, the winners, and all the talented performers who make the greater Modesto area a more vibrant place. Queen Bean took the award for Best Cafe/Restaurant, and Dying Breed took the award for Best Brewery with Live Music. I would not call it an upset, but the youth bands dominated this year, and props have to be given to Darin Morris and Valley Music Institute, who had students or former students take home best in the youth, unplugged, punk, alt/indie/pop, blue collar, and hard rock/metal categories.

Just a reminder: if you want to stay on the radar for next year’s MAMAs, email us your gigs at events@modestoview.com. Not only does it let us know how active you are, but it also adds them to the online and print calendars. If you have recorded music suitable for radio (no curse words), please email mamarecords209@gmail.com to be considered for play on MAMA Radio and station rotation on KCBP 95.5 FM Modesto Community Radio and KFUT 89.5 FM, bringing you Sierra Sounds from Foothill Friends.

Modesto Area Music Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that champions the local music scene not just with the awards show but sponsoring events like Music in the Plaza, Rockin’ Holidays, and  Blue Monday. Consider making a donation; all funds go to paying bands, production, and music scholarships. https://ow.ly/BykH50Xivht Every little bit helps in big ways.

Speaking of Rockin’ Holidays, I will be co-djing as DJ M-Eighty with Soul Fidelity Sound System on December 6th after the Parade of Lights at the tree lighting in the 10th Street Plaza. Rockin’ Santa will be there with his elves, there will be snow, lights, glitz, and more. Rockin’ Holidays in the 10th Street Plaza are Thursdays through Saturdays in December, leading up to Christmas, 11th-13th and 18th-20th from 6-9 pm. Free Family Fun for everyone. Some of the confirmed performers are Winter Animals(12/11), Dave Dow and Friends (12/12), David Perez Band (12/13), Imaginary Friends (12/18), Melynda Rodriguez and Friends (12/19), and Hit Replay (12/20). Thanks to all the sponsors, with extra special thanks to the team from Collins Electric and Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group for setting up and breaking down every year.