There are exciting things happening at the Graffiti USA Museum this fall. We have received some amazing contributions from local Modesto businesses and people that are going to help us jump to the next chapter. Over the last 2 years, we have done the hard stuff, the sewer, water, ADA, sprinklers, improved access and loads of seismic retrofitting. We have been selling classic cars and hosting many events, all while working hard on construction. THANK you to all that have supported Graffiti USA. We have been reaching out, hosting kids’ programs, and supporting fellow non-profits as we are all part of Team Modesto.

The 23rd Modesto Area Music Awards were recently held. It’s always nice to see some artists from my own series go home with prizes. But something is missing from MAMA – has been for a while now – and we need to talk about it. The awards recognize local musicians in a wide range of genres; annual events; venues; DJs, and even comedians…..but the category that once honored those who actually bring live music to town vanished without a trace years ago. I was the penultimate winner of the Best Live Music Promoter statue in 2017, but by 2019 the award was retired despite a host of superb musical programmers hosting supremely cool things on our music scene. This makes as much sense as an Academy Awards show with no ‘Best Director’ category. While I don’t go back quite as far as the founding of our city, my suspicion is that its Greatest Of All Time is hiding in plain sight among the musical movers active today. So let us take a moment to acknowledge a few of the visionary presenters making Modesto a more interesting place.

Roddy Radiation guitarist for one of the most Iconic bands from the late 70s early 80s The Specials is kicking off his West Coast Tour at Rancho Fresco Cantina in Downtown Modesto on November 16th. Performing originals and songs he wrote for the Specials like “Rat Race,” “Hey Little Rich Girl,” “Concrete Jungle,” and “Gangsters” mixing in a fair dose of Rockabilly to his 2Tone inspired SKA. From Fresno, Belmont Sound System will be performing some Boss Reggae and Rocksteady, and 1335 bring their mix of SkaPunk, and opening up the show is Modesto’s own The Bracers. Spinning vinyl between bands will be This is SKA(and ModestoView) own Middagh Goodwin and Selector Dave Bracer Central Valley Reggae & Soul Club. Nov 16th, 6 pm $20 adv $30 door 21+ http://Purplepass.com/roddy.

I want to say what a great night at The State Theatre of Modesto for the Modesto Area Music Awards. The point is and I believe always has been to elevate the entire entertainment scene in the 209 not just those MAMAnated. It is a celebration bringing together differing musical genres, venues, bars, cafes, breweries, promoters, comedians and this year drag queens and kings. A celebration of everyone who puts an effort into making things brighter and better through the arts. If you were not nominated or if you didn’t win it does not detract from the work you are putting in, it takes a village and rising tides and all that.

My little and I recently attended the Toddler “Let’s Explore Art!” class offered at the Carnegie Arts Center. Our teacher told us about the monthly drop-in craft for kiddos, called “Saturday Studio”, held one Saturday each month. For the low price of $5, your kid can make a really cool craft (or sometimes two!).

Congratulations to all the MAMAnees, and thanks to everyone who came out and supported the Modesto Area Music Awards at the Historic State Theatre.

ModestoView features contributors from our community on a regular basis. We enjoy and welcome these honorary ViewCrew members. If you would like to message them, email to info@modestoview.com.

There are stories and myths about the Fountain of Youth, although Ponce De Leon never found it. However, I’m here to provide you with some ways to maintain a youthful appearance. While we can’t stop the aging process, we can take steps to keep our youthful look. Feeling good on the inside reflects how we look and feel on the outside. So, exercising is great, but don’t stop there. Take additional steps to enhance the benefits. The biggest factor in maintaining a youthful appearance is time itself. Around 30 years ago, my mother gave my wife and me some valuable advice to start using face moisturizers at a young age, even when we didn’t need them. In our teens to early 20s, we began using them daily. It’s never too late to start using face moisturizers and taking care of your skin, but starting early in life may provide more benefits. Other contributing factors to a youthful appearance include not smoking, avoiding alcohol, and eating natural, unprocessed foods. Try to follow a diet that consists of foods available during the time of Christ, around 2000 years ago. In other words, if Christ didn’t eat a Big Mac, you shouldn’t either. Drinking enough water daily is another way to maintain a youthful glow. When our bodies are hydrated, our skin looks healthy and radiant. I personally drink around 12-8oz glasses of water per day. It all comes back to the basic lesson we learned in first grade: we are what we eat and drink, so keep it clean. Sun exposure can age your skin quickly, so remember to use sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and limit direct sun exposure. One simple tip is to always remove your makeup before going to bed. I make sure to wash my face regularly throughout the day, especially after exercising. Each night, I spend around 10 minutes washing my face, exfoliating, brushing and flossing my teeth, and applying my night facial moisturizers. The key is to make time to take care of yourself. It’s important to try and get 8 hours of sleep each night, avoid stressful situations and toxic people, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly. These are just a few anti-aging tips I’ve learned over the years. At 55 years old, I’m a happy and healthy man who feels that I look better than ever before. You can achieve this too! Just prioritize your health, hygiene, and overall well-being, and you’ll reap the benefits at any age. Cheers to your health!

This year it has been brought to many people’s attention just how long Hip Hop has been around. All this talk of the 50th birthday of Hip Hop makes this year’s Modesto Area Music Awards extra special. For well over two decades the Modesto Area Music Awards have been a spotlight that focuses on the local talent in and around Modesto California. There have been quite a few changes in the local music scene in the past 20 years. The venues, bars, and events in and around Modesto have not been as receptive to Hip Hop and Rap music as it was just a decade ago, never the less, those that remain focused on the art, music, and style of Hip Hop remain untethered and determined to carve out their very own significance to this culture.

I love Rocktober. So many things are happening, the weather is changing, maybe some rain, but the evenings get darker as we work our way to Halloween at the end of the month. But first things first, our new granddaughter is a month old already and these are magical and the most important times and we have one proud big brother. I treasure these moments and we count our blessings to have our family so close to us.

“When hinges creak in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still. That is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight!” – Haunted Mansion- Disneyland. Up in the hills, there is...

Where do they go? When animals lose a home or are lost, where do they go? Traditionally, we all think of the pound, a government run entity that tries very hard to reunite pets and owners. But in the course of time, these institutions were never designed to handle the extreme number of pets.

Falcon’s Lair Brings Vintage Hollywood to Life. This October, we celebrate the Haunted Mansion and the vintage elements of Halloween lore, it is only appropriate that we explore the Hollywood legends and enjoy going back in time to the glitz and glam of the silent era. Rudolph Valentino was a legendary presence in silent film Hollywood, throwing elaborate parties and private gatherings at his exclusive home, the Falcon’s Lair.

Happy October, Modesto! It is officially my favorite month. I could go on and on about how beautiful Modesto is in the fall. The air is finally getting a little colder and crisp. Are you ready for the fall season? I know I am! With the arrival of October, Modesto offers a diverse range of opportunities to embrace the spirit of the season. From pumpkin patches to haunted houses, Modesto has something for everyone looking to celebrate fall.

Noel Serafin Aka E-Nock is just the type of guy to lead a crew, and this crew is Knock Squad. We had a chance to talk with him about preserving the future of Bboy culture in Modesto. Knock Squad, what is it, who are you?. Hi, my name is Noel...

8pm – 2am. For more info please email cvpe209@gmail.com. Chris Murphy is the President and CEO of Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group and Publisher and Founder of ModestoView Inc. Chris worked globally in the cycling industry returning to Modesto in 1996. He is also the founder of the Modesto Historic Graffiti Cruise Route, Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame, Modesto Rockin’ Holiday, the Modesto Music History Organization and co-founder of the Modesto Area Music Association. Chris is married to his artist wife Rebecca since 1985 and has two daughters Madison and Abigail, both graduating from Modesto High and UC Berkeley. He is lead singer and guitarist for his band, Third Party that donates their performances to non-profits.

Chris Murphy is the President and CEO of Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group and Publisher and Founder of ModestoView Inc. Chris worked globally in the cycling industry returning to Modesto in 1996. He is also the founder of the Modesto Historic Graffiti Cruise Route, Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame, Modesto Rockin’ Holiday, the Modesto Music History Organization and co-founder of the Modesto Area Music Association. Chris is married to his artist wife Rebecca since 1985 and has two daughters Madison and Abigail, both graduating from Modesto High and UC Berkeley. He is lead singer and guitarist for his band, Third Party that donates their performances to non-profits.

ModestoView has always been a big supporter of the Haven Center that helps stop and assist in domestic violence and spousal abuse. The Kick up Your heels, event is the kick-off to the Walk a Mile event next April 1. Please join us at The Century in downtown Modesto for an evening of delightful appetizers and cocktails, to accompany our signature shoe-centric raffle, silent auction and wine pull. All proceeds will benefit Haven’s clients and help to ensure our critical services can continue without interruption. This year’s event will be focused on the shelter and housing services and programs that HAVEN provides.

Nestled in the gorgeous woods of Tuolumne County in the city of Sonora, is a barn surrounded by several groves of apple trees. Those groves were purchased by Jay & Judy Watson back when Indigeny Reserve was just an idea. At first, he sold the apples straight from the tree, and soon decided to tap into the cider market with an amazing cider recipe. Their son Joe joined the business as the Orchard Manager. Now it is a national brand, and the barn is an attraction for locals and tourists alike. The barn is complete with a tasting room, gift shop filled to the brim with local vendor’s wares and you can even take a tour of the barrel room. Surrounded by picnic tables, outside games for kids, ample parking, tons of shade provided by super old trees, and lush apple groves & grape vines as far as the eye can see. They do full facility tours often, so check their facebook for dates and times.

Maybe the better question is how can my band or event, get nominated for the Modesto Area Music Awards? This question often arises just after the voting goes live. One of the easiest ways to get noticed is to email your gigs to events@modestoview.com. This not only shows how active you are but also gets your local shows added to the ModestoView calendar online and in print (if you submit them before the 20th of each month).