Celebrating Modesto Area Music
By Middagh Goodwin
On October 21st, the Modesto Area Music Awards will celebrate twenty-six years of music and live entertainment in the 209 at the Historic State Theatre. Over the years, thousands of acts, venues, and events have been nominated, and you, the fans, have chosen the winners.
Who would have imagined in 2000 that twenty-six years later, MAMA would still be going strong and become an annual event so many people look forward to and are so passionate about? Both Chris Murphy and Ricci have championed music in Modesto and the surrounding areas, from X-Fest to the ModestoView, creating and sponsoring events incorporating all styles of music and hosting the annual awards show.
Check out all the nominees, visit the venues, cafes, and bars, see the artists perform, and then vote. You will have five weeks to cast your votes, and I am certain more than one friend or family member will ask you to vote for them. A couple of great opportunities to catch some nominees will be at Rock Fest at Twin Rivers or Porchfest in Ripon on August 2nd, Modstock at Graceada Park on August 10th, and Black Bomb Fest at the Motherlode Fairgrounds in Sonora on August 16th. Music in the Plaza each Friday until the end of September. Catch a show at the Queen Bean or one of the many craft breweries that host live entertainment. Remember that you can only vote once, so review all the categories and select your choices. After you have submitted your votes, please verify your email. Voting will be live at www.modestoareamusic.com on Sunday, September 15th at Noon; you are the academy, and your votes choose the winners.
The Modesto Area Music Awards is free, but unfortunately, only for MAMAnees and their guests. It is streamed live on the ModestoView website, allowing you to tune in and watch the excitement unfold. Everything will take place at the State Theatre on October 21st, the one night of the year when Punks and Metalheads, Bluesmen, and singer-songwriters all get together for a night to celebrate each other.
Performers and venues, send your gigs to events@modestoview.com to stay on the radar and be included in the calendar. Make sure to tag us in your posts #modestoview
