Author Archive: Eric Benson
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Jazz-BluesView: Put your mask on and come on down!
Jazz-BluesView: Put your mask on and come on down!By Eric Benson Well, there is light at the end of the tunnel but in the meantime get your vaccination, wear a mask and keep on doing the right thing folks which is to go on living life! Things will improve over time but until then stay […]
Jazz-BluesView: Out with the Old in with the Blues
Jazz-BluesView: Out with the Old in with the BluesBy Eric Benson And so it goes another year laid to rest full of Christmas cheer and resolutions on that list checking it twice and seeing who’s been naughty or nice. A lot of change in our lives, business, and music. Shout out to Hanibal Yategar of […]
Jazz Blues View: Live Music Support It and It Will Grow!
Jazz Blues View: Live Music Support It and It Will Grow!By Eric Benson A little bio on one of our fellow Jazz pianists – 81 years young Kent Gripenstraw, who is hanging up his shingle playing out, secondary to feeling like his playing is not as it once was and schlepping around music gear. Kent […]
