UNPLUGGED Metro-Grade Amnesia
When Christine Capsuto starts to sing, you’re liable to forget about anything else happening around you. I first heard this stunning soprano when I first attended the superior local concert series, Sunday Afternoons At CBS, and I walked away understanding just how Odysseus must have felt while tied to the mast of his ship. Christine and her fellow singer took us on a glorious vocal tour around the world that day. (What do you call someone who belts out opera songs in English, Italian, German and Czech? A polyglottis!) Christine has performed with theater and opera companies all over the Bay Area and across the country, playing leading ladies in Chicago, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Marriage Of Figaro and more. She’s appeared on multiple occasions with our local Townsend Opera, who are bringing her back this month to kick off their Cabaret recital series. Friday 11/18, you can find her at Urbano Bistro, 1016 H St. It’s sure to be a merry and mesmerizing exposé of classic arias, duets, and much more with Christine and accompanist Elizabeth Neff on piano. Music starts at 7:30; $25 general/$40 reserved seats. Call the Townsend box office at 209-388-2100.
by Aaron Rowan
tains of Colorado. Xanthe is a sweet indie-folk songwriter and an award-winning arts educator. With her soaring vocals, she weaves an unforgettable tapestry of sounds conjuring late nights by the fire and still mornings when the day is brand new. Seating is limited to about 40 at these
MAMA 2016
intimate listening concerts, so be sure to RSVP at 209-543-5306 or modestounplugged@ yahoo.com to grab yours. Doors at 7, concert at 7:30, general admission $15 / free for kids under 12.
By Chris Murphy
Music in Modesto is an amazing thing.
Music At The GMC is also offering up some vivacious voices this month. Our concert series at the Gottschalk Music Center recital hall (1502 E St.), co-sponsored by Modesto View, will welcome folk/jazz/lounge duo The Singer And The Songwriter on Saturday 11/12. Vocalist Rachel Garcia’s rich and nuanced style draws inspiration from everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Fiona Apple. Guitarist & songwriter Thu Tran merges traditional styles with modern pop sensibilities, influenced by the Bossa Nova sounds of Antonio Carlos Jobim, the swinging jazz guitar of Django Reinhardt, and more. The duo’s critically acclaimed debut album premiered at #34 on the CMJ Jazz Top 40 Charts. Also appearing that evening is my dear friend Xanthe Alexis, visiting from the moun-
We have so much musical talent, so much variety and a community that is really special. It was really special to celebrate 17 years of the Modesto Area Music Awards last month. There are few cities that rival what we have in terms of music, the variety, the creativity and the flat out hard working musicianship that we see nearly every day. Our huge thanks goes out to the MAMA team that put this show together and donated their time and effort and thanks to the State Theatre. This is a treasure Modesto. We need to embrace, celebrate, support and encourage our local musicians, from the time that they start learning how to play in school band, with a music teacher to the day they do their first gig or even later, headline the Fillmore and tour the USA. All of that has happened with Modesto bands and on October 11, at the State Theatre we celebrated. Over 23 music awards were given that were chosen by the voters. The
MAMAs recognized the hardworking band Silvermoon, celebrating their 40th year. There was a moving tribute to the late Ryan Russell whom we lost too soon. We celebrated Modesto’s own music, Rockabilly, and we honored the bands of the next generation with a youth award. From singer songwriters, metal to classic Americana, Modesto came together to support our local musicians and venues. On behalf of Chris Ricci and myself, thank you to the Modesto music community. You are fantastic. Please check out www.facebook.com/modestoview to see the picture from the Red Carpet and the full show.
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planetfitness.com Nov. 9-16, Planet Fitness will donate 100% of new member enrollment fees - $10 per member - to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, local Boys & Girls Clubs, and STOMP Out Bullying. For more information on our partners and how the funds will be distributed to combat bullying and promote a culture of kindness, please visit www.planetfitness.com. *Must be at least 18 years old, or 13 with parent/guardian. Incentives offered for enrolling in other memberships. Participating locations only. Planet Fitness facilities are independently owned and operated. ©Planet Fitness
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Nove mbe r 2016
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