Author Archive: Eric Benson

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Some Blues You Can Use

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 […]

By March 3, 2024 Read More →
Some Blues You Can Use Music In The Downtown

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 […]

By February 4, 2024 Read More →
Falling Into Fall

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 […]

By November 4, 2023 Read More →
Beating the Heat

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 […]

By September 4, 2023 Read More →
Beatin’ the Heat

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 […]

By August 4, 2023 Read More →
Music in Downtown

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 […]

By June 3, 2023 Read More →
Spring Back with Music

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 […]

By May 4, 2023 Read More →
Jazz BluesView-Music in the Downtown

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 […]

By April 3, 2023 Read More →
Got Blues You Can Use

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 […]

By March 4, 2023 Read More →
Got Blues You Can Use!

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. […]

By December 1, 2022 Read More →
Live Music in the Downtown

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 […]

By September 5, 2022 Read More →
Jazz&BluesView – Summer Blow Out

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 […]

Blue Monday Party Goes Twice A Month

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. […]

By June 1, 2022 Read More →
Jazz-BluesView: Getting Back to the New Normal

Jazz-BluesView: Getting Back to the New Normal

Jazz-BluesView: Getting Back to the New NormalBy Eric Benson I am back promoting live music in downtown and keeping things rolling for myself, the music and the fans. Vinnie appreciated everything I did and that means a lot. And a shout out to those that have supported me: Chris Murphy, Gary Nelson, John Black, John […]

By April 3, 2022 Read More →
JazzBluesView: Live Music Downtown

JazzBluesView: Live Music Downtown

JazzBuesView: Live Music DowntownBy Eric Benson Live Music Downtown, Put your mask on and come on down! Well, I got my soul vaccination, got boosted and still got Covid but got through it and am alive to tell the tale. Please get vaccinated folks for yourself and for those around you that are vulnerable. People […]

By March 3, 2022 Read More →