Author Archive: Eric Benson
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Bluesy Kind of Summer
Bluesy Kind of SummerBy Eric Benson Ritual brings us comfort and meaningful patterns that fulfill our lives. One for me is a family camping trip I have attended each summer since I was 12 years old. New and old friends unite, reminisce, and look toward the future. The day, wake up for Pete’s coffee, go […]
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Get Jazzy in the Spring
Jazz & Blues By Eric BensonWell, on we go to spring, which is in full swing. We’re tending the garden and thankful for the rain to keep things coming up. The flowers and the vegetable garden are sending up their shoots of things to come. The farmer’s markets are back with their offerings and the […]
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Some Blues You Can Use
Some Blues You Can UseBy Eric Benson There was a wonderful musical tribute to the late John Shaw musician who died recently. The event was at the Twin River Saloon with hundreds of well-wishers and musicians coming out. We hope that his family continues to be supported now and, in the future, RIP John Shaw […]
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Some Blues You Can Use Music In The Downtown
Some Blues you can use, Music in the DowntownBy Eric Benson After being down a minute with Blues Monday Party we are back Feb 12th at Café Urbano. The Jan 22nd jam went well with good attendance and musicians sitting in. The band features John Burt Sax, Cortez Flores drums, Raul Slaps Bass, and myself […]
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Falling Into Fall
Falling Into FallBy Eric Benson Blue Monday Party is looking for a new home folks. October is the last month playing Café Urbano. At this location over the years, we have played over a thousand Mondays with great players and attendance, but it is time for a change. Any venues that would work hosting the […]
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Beating the Heat
Beating the HeatBy Eric Benson I turned 66 in August, another trip around the sun and all is well. The body is still functioning with no spare parts, my health is good, my work is good, and my mental health well still a high-functioning sociopath but hey I’m a musician. Trying to work less play […]
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Beatin’ the Heat
Beatin’ the HeatBy Eric Benson Did anybody say been too long at the Fair? The summer has turned into a slow burn, up at the crack to start the day and cower inside until safe to return to the outside. My dog loves to walk but midday walking he gives me crazy eyes does his […]
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Music in Downtown
Music in the DowntownBy Eric BensonHey folks! Blue Monday Party needs you! We have received the green light that COVID restrictions are lifted, and it is time to get back to our routine, at least until the next catastrophe comes along. We host Blue Monday on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at […]
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Spring Back with Music
Jazz BluesView Springing Back with MusicBy Eric BensonThe weather is cooperating, and downtown is bustling with arts offerings. The farmers’ markets are thriving, and spring events keep us active. It is the perfect time to come down and support local businesses. Downtown is starting to come back to life, and there’s no better way to […]
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Jazz BluesView-Music in the Downtown
Jazz-Blues View: Music in the Downtown.By Eric Benson Okay, folks, spring has sprung, and I got my vegetables in and planted. I have Arugula popping up on my lawn. I hope you all are doing well and returning to our venues in the downtown area. I would love to see you at the Blue Monday […]
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Got Blues You Can Use
Got Blues You Can UseBy Eric Benson Back at it downtown with some live music that’s a jam session different every time. The peeps are returning to venues, and Blue Monday Party always has excellent music, now has a good crowd two times a month. Please try and make it out, as there are some […]
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Got Blues You Can Use!
Got Blues You Can Use!By Eric Benson The Hodidaze are upon us and plenty to do in the downtown Modesto scene. People are starting to come back out to the downtown and arts and music. Please continue to support the arts in our community so they can flourish. We lost Chefs of New York Downtown. […]
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Live Music in the Downtown
Jazz-Blues View: Live Music In The DowntownBy Eric Benson Well, I am officially old and a card-carrying member of AARP, and Medicare! turned 65 years young with a celebration of a garden party in Berkeley. New Orleans food, live music with the Blue Monday Band and friends. Good to be alive and kickin!, as many […]
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Jazz&BluesView – Summer Blow Out
By Eric Benson Live Music in the downtown Blue Monday party goes to twice a month! Well things are beginning to turn to normalcy a little at a time and the “smile is returning to their faces” as the song goes. Blue Monday Party now goes to twice a month with good turnout and the […]
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Blue Monday Party Goes Twice A Month
Jazz-Blues ViewBy Eric Benson Blue Monday party goes on twice a month! Well, things are heating up, and summer is on the move. The farmers’ market is in full swing and we are getting back to some normalcy once again. Happy to be playing the Funraiser for Prospect Theatre Sunday, June 5th at 5 PM. […]