ModestoView April 2025

Photo illustration by Michael J. Mangano

THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE IN THE 209

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APRIL 2025

April 4-6th Modesto Nuts Opening Weekend at John Thurman Field

April 5th Pollinator Festival LaLoma Native Garden

April 11th Barry “The Fish” Melton Band at the Prospect Theatre

April 12th RecFest at Tuolumne River Trust

April 13th Spotlight Modesto at The State Theatre

April 19th Earth Day at Graceada Park

April 20th Powerman 5000 at Persuasion Brewing

April 24th Wynonna Judd at Gallo Center

April 25th Dogstar at Gallo Center

April 26th Love Modesto in Downtown Modesto

WYnonna Judd DOGSTAR

EARTH DAY

BARRY MELTON

GREETINGS VIEW

an amazing place, filled with natural beauty. We live in a place that is adjacent to some of the most scenic vistas in the world.  During the last few months, people from all over have been making their way to Modesto to see the almond blossom magic, rivalling the cherry blossoms in Washington DC and Japan.  Now, it’s spring and it has sprung.  We have fallen ahead to daylight saving time and our evenings are more beautiful than ever.  More time to play, stroll, ride, climb, run, ride and enjoy a twilight dinner on a downtown patio.  It’s just breathtaking isn’t it? How do we make Modesto the place that that it can be.  What do people want? How do we get our ideas through? How do we fund what we want?  Many of us rallied to get Measure H passed, and it did.  Now, Modesto has a unique chance to change our community forever.   We are looking for safety. We are looking for better sidewalks. We want to address the homeless issues. We want more park rangers.  We want new gathering spaces and parks. And most importantly, we want to take care

of what we have and make it better.  You couldn’t ask for a better time to celebrate Earth Day.  It’s not one thing that makes Modesto better; it is many things, many organizations and groups all working in the same direction.

ModestoView works very hard to promote the positive things happening in our community.  These events, businesses and activities are all connected to each other.

Measure H funding succeeds when we spend our dollars locally. Local business you support are our lifeblood.  For one example: Local taxes fund music in schools. These taxes also fund an improved Graceada Park. These two things, plus generous donations from our community are what make MoBand possible in the summer for families to enjoy in the park.  Music in the schools and picnic in the park are all connected.  Our park rangers make our parks safer and then more people use them and we stop for food and drink on the way to a picnic and it all is connected.  When our city looks better, when people visit from out of town, thanks to the efforts of Visit Modesto, people enjoy what they see, spend their money here and even stay a while.  It’s all connected.    Supporting local businesses is key. These are our friends and neighbors. Our friends at Intrinsic Elements turn 15 this month.  We are excited to see the return

of Sideline’s and the great memories and live music that comes with it.  Let’s learn our history as our traditions are key.  Now is the time to make sure that live music becomes a bigger part of our community. Off the Air is on the air again, Music In the Plaza kicks off in May and there are some great talent shows at the State Theatre this month and kids keep learning to rock at VMI and fourth graders are learning how to play trumpets and violins in school and one year olds are learning synthesizer.      Let’s embrace what makes us beautiful, energetic, creative and be a place where people want to visit, live and raise a family.  I know my family had great opportunities here in Modesto and we are having so much fun with our grandkids.  Hopefully yours does too.  It’s up to us to make this a better place, get involved, tell the city what you want and let’s make sure it happens.   We the people are the catalyst to make a difference.  I know ModestoView readers are THE BEST.

Thanks for reading and being a messenger for a positive community.

With Gratitude, Chris Murphy, Founder & Publisher- ModestoView chrism@modestoview.com

Read my Measure H editorial in the Bee from October 2022 in the Modesto Bee.   https://www.modbee.com/opinion/opncolumns-blogs/article267652932.html

Publisher Information

PUBLISHER

Chris

SALES AND ADVERTISING Advertising@modestoview.com

Managing

DESIGN, LAYOUT, & ART

PGrimaldi, Creative

Art

Peter Grimaldi pete@pgrimaldicreative.com

Photo Director

Michael J. Mangano

Production

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS

Madison Leupp – Adobe Specialist Brandon Brush - Correspondent

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jim Christiansen

MEMORIAM VIEW

Remebering Gene Winfield

Gene Winfield was supposed to be immortal.

Gene Winfield was so special to Modesto and to our cruising and classic car heritage. Over the years we became friends, at shows, at festivals, launching the Modesto Cruise route and even hanging out and saying “yes” when he said he was going to make guitars. I think I got the only one he made, and I’m so happy to have this incredible Winfield creation.

Gene was always going, chopping cars, traveling and doing what he loved until he passed away at 97.     He was a regular at the American Graffiti Festival, a Grand Marshal of the Cruise Parade and has a permanent market on the Cruise Route Walk of Fame.

Mitchell

Tasha Wilson

Carly Russell

Steve Perry

Savanna Williams

Mattea Overstreet

Joseph Zimmerer

Coach Colin McBride

Sam Pierstorff

Devry Thayer

Paula Treick DeBoard

Chris Condon

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael J Mangano

Eugene Winfield graduated from Modesto High in 1945 customizing cars in his mother’s chicken coop on Figaro St.  he was all about going fast, founding the Century Toppers car club, only for cars that could go over 100 MPH.  He served in the military where he learned how to hammer weld in Japan.

GO MODESTO

By Chris Murphy

His mixing of paint and creative customs caught eyes everywhere and won awards.  One of his most famous is the Jade Idol, built in his shop at 451 Tully Modesto. His close friends Pete Hischier and Bart Bartoni were part of his early creations and the produced some of the first custom car shows.

He changed the classic car world in the late 1940s and blazed a trail for many more to follow creating cars for TV and film, including Star Trek and Blade Runner.  A few years ago, his famous Reactor visited Modesto.

He will always be remembered here as a Modesto hometown hero and Modesto High Hall of Fame.

Gene, your spirit lives on and you will always be part of our community. Rock on and keep the pedal down.      There will be a memorial for Gene at the Graffiti USA Museum. There will also be a Gene Winfield exhibit at the Graffiti USA Museum.

Khmer/Cambodian New Year

There are over 4000 Cambodians in the greater Modesto area and most are Buddhist. You can celebrate the Khmer Cambodian new year at a beautiful celebration at the Wat Khmer Modesto Temple with beautiful park like grounds. The general public are welcome to come visit this beautiful traditional celebration and observe the Salvation to the Buddha, offering to the monks with live band entertainment and traditional dancing and games. Oh yeah, enjoy and amazing variety of traditional food and beverages. Join the celebration April 18 at 4pm April 19 & 20 9 am to 6 pm.

Free family event, offerings welcome Wat Khmer Temple, 1528 Grimes Ave. Modesto - https://watkhmermodesto.org

Top Middle.

Pete Hischier, Bart Bartoni, Bob Bryant, and Gene Winfield in the 70s

Right – Gene  with Frank Burnett with the amazing ’40 Rainbow Ford

ART VIEW

Artful Showers

By Jim Christiansen

April showers us with several art events and calls to artists.  Rain or Shine, the month opens on April 5 and 6, Stanislaus Artist Open Studio weekend.  47 Artists in 28 Venues from Turlock to Knights Ferry will open studios with art for show and sale.  It’s an excellent opportunity to see how prolific many artists are.  Paintings, ceramics and mosaics, sculpture, wood, metal, art jewelry, multi-media. Some studios will showcase more than one artist.  It pays to review the map early and plan your route.  My studio citation is about the middle of the map book, and I will share my space with the photographs of Krystle Lisek on Olive Avenue in the Graceada Park Neighborhood. FREE Maps are available at The Queen Bean, Dragonfly Art for Life, Stanislaus Arts Council Gallery, Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, and Knights Ferry Arts Studio and Gallery.  An online map is available at the www.stanislausaos.com website. Please look for signs in your neighborhood to guide your way: All Ages event and hours 11 AM to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday. The Open Studio map includes artist contact information if you don’t get around to all 28 studio locations.

The Escalon Library hosts the Oak Valley Art Association exhibition on April 12th and 13th. This show is FREE to the public and features 12 award categories. It is open from Noon to 5 PM on Saturday and noon to 2 PM on Sunday, with an awards presentation and reception from 2 to 3 PM. The Library address is 1540 Second Street in Escalon, an easy drive out of McHenry Avenue.   April 3rd is the posted end to the HeART with a Purpose fundraiser on display at Picasso’s Gourmet Deli and Art at Tenth and J Street.  I attended the opening art and wine reception.  The show benefitted the American Heart Association. By the end of the evening, art by Brad Hawn, Jack Morris, Anne Whitman, and Jordi Camps Jr had Sold stickers.  I dropped off ten open studio maps

to Picasso’s to see the art on display again. Stanislaus Artist Collaborative Gallery (Stanislausarts.org) Emerging Artists show is displayed from April 2 to May 2 at 1315 J Street.  The Stanislaus Arts Council has a Call to Artists for two shows.  Fragments of the Mind; the healing power of Creativity in May, entry deadline April 12th, and California Flora and Fauna in June.  An Arts Council newsletter mentioned that greater participation and fundraising are needed to keep the gallery open after June.  The Second Annual Arts Council fundraiser, “Celebration of the Arts 2” is scheduled for

June 14 at The Silos.  For details, check web site for updates. Tickets start at $150 The Brick, down in Turlock, has a call for Artists for a show from May 1 to July 24th.  Entries are due April 21. The third Thursday Art Walk is scheduled for April 17th. March expanded participating artists and venues.  Rhett Owings the featured Artist at the Kruse-Lucas Imports gallery on Tully Road across the street from MJC and The Silos.  Drop in at the MJC Art Gallery on the East Campus. Check-in with Bookish at Roseburg Square and see who is the featured artist.

GO MODESTO BunnyCon

Hop on down to Downtown Modesto on April 4th for BunnyCon 2025. It is a frolicking fun bar hop through downtown Modesto, stopping off at various locally owned bars and restaurants. Get into the spirit and dress up as a bunny, a peep, a carrot, or another Springtime Icon; the group photo will be taken in the 10th Street Plaza at 8:20 p.m. Bring cash for your drinks and tips for the bartenders. It is always free to Hop together and Rock together with Modesto Pub Crawl. More info at @modestopubcrawl on Facebook.

BREW VIEW

Paper Planes and Bee’s Knees

Don’t you love this time of year? It’s kind of a banger, with some of my favorite random “Holidays” in an event calendar, National Beer Day and National Coffee Cake Day, both on April 7th?! This year, we have Easter on the same day that a bunch of people have meetings in Haight-Ashbury, which makes me imagine a hilarious egg hunt with plenty of tie-dye pastel green. We have the National Scrabble Day on the same day as the Oakdale Rodeo… which I think is super fitting. Looking at these fun days gets me smiling and looking at how we can have old-school traditions and fresh new takes on every day.

This is the time of Spring, the time of rebirth and green grass. We start planting our new herb gardens, and the trees are starting to bloom and smell funny. Most every year, the wonderful people who worked behind the bars on St. Patrick’s Day celebrate a new month because the green food coloring is finally coming off our fingertips.

But I have been thinking about the modern classics, the idea of large belt buckles and small lettered tiles, traditional practices and new strains of “doctrine, “ the idea of seeing something as a staple ingredient and using those blocks to make something new and different.

The cocktail world has been doing this since someone decided to call something a base spirit. The time of walking up to a bar and saying, “give me a drink” and the barkeep just plops a mostly full bottle of whatever whiskey was under counter onto the bar for you to pour yourself, isn’t this how things work in this day n age. Look at the menus of bars and restaurants all over Modesto, look at the new takes on oldschool drinks, and try them.

My favorite cocktail of this category would have to be the Paper Plane. Whiskey-based

By Devry Thayer Mixologist, Tiki Trader and Bartender, ChurchKey

with Aperol, Amaro, and Lemon Juice, shaken and strained. It is a simple enough drink, with equal measurements of each liquid. 1 ounce each, and boom, you got yourself a delicious drink. The Paper Plane is a variation on a classic cocktail called The Last Word, which is gin-based with Green Chartreuse yeah… Chartreuse.

The Paper Plane was created as a summer drink, lighter and sweeter than The Last Word. Old school thinking, new school re-imagining.

The Bees Knees is a new take on a traditional Lemon Drop Martini with more herbaceous gin, honey, and lemon. The New York Sour, even though it’s been around for a long time, is still considered a new-era class, with a traditional whiskey sour as a base and a dry red wine float. Heck, even the Old-Fashioned has new and awesome varieties like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, with an earthy tequila and smokey mezcal as the base spirits.

All this is just getting me excited to see what comes next and what this new spring will look like in the cocktail world. The next great drink that will take a classic drink and turn it upside down, combining tradition and unconventional to spark a new era of drinks.

It gets me excited about having a drink right now… Alright, so go enjoy the fresh world outside, see what people are coming up with, try new things, and enjoy the weather before it is 110 degrees.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It’s not just me who thinks this is the perfect date.

“I’d have to say April 25th because it’s not too hot or cold. All you need is a light jacket.”

-Cheryl (Miss Rhode Island)

OAKDALE VIEW

This is one of the longest running rodeos on the west coast and has attracted many famous people over the years. Live from the Cowboy Capitol of Oakdale, the festivities start early the week of April 8 and get crazier as it leads up to the weekend finals.  One of the highlights of the whole week is Rodeo parade Saturday morning.   Key rendezvous point is the H-B Bar where they make an amazing ViewCrew tested Bloody Mary while our friends at KAT Country 103 announce the parade.

The weekend events at the rodeo grounds are great for the whole family as there is a lot of food, fun, thrills, spills and rodeo clowns. Plus you want walk through a lot of the corrals there and see some of the most amazing animals and check out the Cowboy and Cowgirl actions.  Good times. Get tix and more information:  www. oakdalerodeo.com

Learn more about Oakdale History at www.thecowboymuseum.org

By Chris Murphy

Rodeo Schedule

April 8 - Local Team Roping – 7 pm – Rodeo Grounds

April 9 - Cowgirl Luncheon – 10:30 - Sold Out @thecowboymuseum

April 10 - Oakdale Rodeo Queen Crowning – 6 pm – Cowboy Museum

April 11 - Time Event Slack - Rodeo Grounds 8 am

April 11 - Barrel Racing Slack – Rodeo Grounds 1 pm

April 12 - Oakdale Rodeo Parade – Downtown Oakdale – 9 am

April 12 - PRCA 1st Rodeo Performance – Rodeo Grounds 1:30 pm

April 12 - Oakdale Rodeo Dance – Rodeo Clubhouse - 8 pm

April 13 – Rodeo Church - Rodeo Clubhouse – 10 am

April 13 - 2nd Rodeo Performance & Finals Rodeo Grounds – 1:30 pm

HISTORY VIEW

Herb RamontPark Advocate and Notable Designer

By Harrison Power @historyharrison

When it comes to Modesto’s built environment, as well as its preserved green spaces, among the advocates and leaders at the forefront of Modesto’s early 20th Century development was Herbert W. Ramont (18951980), who worked in close partnership with his wife, Hollis Moore Ramont (1897-1979). Ramont, a local home designer and innovative developer, left his mark in Modesto through whimsical and creatively designed homes in the La Loma and College Area neighborhoods, the creation of Legion Park along the Tuolumne River, and years of public service.

Herb Ramont graduated from Modesto High School in 1915 and studied civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, later enlisting to serve in the American Expeditionary Force as a machinist and ambulance driver in France during World War 1 from 1917 until arriving back home in 1919. After returning, he co-founded the United Automotive Service station at 12th and J Streets in 1920. The following year, Ramont married Hollis Moore in Berkeley on December 31, 1921. By the mid-to-late 1920’s, Herb Ramont had begun venturing into development and home design. Herb and Hollis Ramont were among the owners of and signatories to the Elmwood Court tract subdivision in 1927. His first home design in Modesto was reported to have been in 1929, and from there he also went on to design commercial buildings in Downtown, including the no-longer-standing 1930 “La Casa de las Tiendas” at the corner of 16th and J Streets, and homes along Dry Creek in the newly subdivided La Loma blocks in the 1930’s, including his own home at 315 El Rio Avenue. The homes he designed were primarily of the Spanish and Old World styles, and can still be found on El Rio Avenue, La Loma Avenue, Wilson Avenue, Morton Boulevard, River Road, and Elmwood Court. Notably not a trained architect, his wife Hollis was known to have been the one to draft plans and sketch out designs based on Herb’s vision and ideas. A testament

SONGWRITER VIEW Artists Making Impact

By Mattéa Overstreet

La Casa de las Tiendas, 12th and JModesto Bee 1930

to his extensive influence in building design and civic development, Herb Ramont served on the Modesto Planning Commission from 1931 to 1954.

In addition to his residential and commercial development, Herb Ramont shared a passion for preserving and embracing open spaces, especially along Modesto’s waterways. Through his affiliation with the American Legion Post 74, in the early 1930’s Herb Ramont took an option on the 5-acre parcel on the Tuolumne River adjacent to the Legion Hall, and with the land secured by the Legion, offered to donate the land to the City of Modesto for parkland pending completion of a dam downstream, when the Dennett Dam was dedicated on July 4, 1933. His vision for recreational space grew from there, into an idea for a 200mile state park along the San Joaquin and Tuolumne Rivers, essentially connecting “the Sierra to the Sea.” While that may not have come to fruition, progress was made at the time to support Tuolumne River recreation, and today Tuolumne River Regional Park is one the crown jewels of Modesto’s parks and outdoor recreation.

In September 1982, the Modesto Bee featured an article deeming Ramont to be “a man ahead of his time.” From his several surviving homes, to having been an early leading voice for expanding Modesto’s park resources, Ramont’s visions for what housing could be and for how Modesto should pursue growth are as prescient now as they were decades ago. So whether going for a drive in one of Modesto’s historic neighborhoods, or spending time outdoors in one of Modesto’s many parks, Herb and Hollis Ramont can be thanked for their early impact on Modesto home development and parks and recreation advocacy.

On May 2 and 3, the sounds of live music and community spirit will fill Blaker Brewing in Ceres as Parkinstock returns for another powerful year. Parkinstock is an annual two-day music festival organized by the Parkinstock Team in partnership with Team Fox. This is an uplifting weekend with a stellar lineup of local musicians and a mission-driven call to raise funds and awareness to battle Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinstock was born from a spark of local compassion, teamwork, and advocacy. The journey began in 2006 when Sherri Todd, then 35, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Determined to make a difference, Sherri and her family started an annual walkathon in 2012 to support PD research. After years of dedicated fundraising, the pandemic made large gatherings impossible in 2020. Rather than giving up, the group adapted, and Music for a Cure emerged. What started as a live-streamed front porch concert - featuring local musician Neil Buettner -quickly grew into something bigger. By 2022, the event had transformed into a full-scale live music festival at Blaker Brewing, drawing in nine local acts, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, a supreme raffle, and a special edition craft brew. Since its inception, Parkinstock has raised

over $136,000 for Parkinson’s research and has been recognized multiple times by The Michael J. Fox Foundation as an MVP fundraising campaign.

The Parkinstock vibe is created by a soulful lineup of local musicians who offer their art and performance to make an impact.

Neil B’s musical contributions to the event during the COVID year were an inspiring display of the group’s willingness to pivot and expand their vision. The power of live music has amplified Team Fox’s mission, driving increased donations year after year.

The 2025 festival in May will feature Neil Buettner, Jamie Byous, Scott Beck, Kenny Moore, Matt Davis, Makin’ Noise, Bloo, and more.

“To have a meaningful life, our actions should help the world. I am proud to be using my talents and time to bring the community together for this event for the third year. It warms my heart being around such a caring and dedicated group of people.” – Matt Davis.

“The exposure and confidence I’ve gained from playing, along with the love and support from everyone involved, is something I may never be able to pay back.” – Scott Beck.

Admission to Parkinstock 2025 is free!

On May 2 and 3 at Blaker Brewing, attendees can enjoy local vendors and craft beer, enter to win unbelievable raffle prizes and experience Music for a Cure.

Wine Flights • Snack Plates

Tastings

us on social media to discover

H. Ramont, 1930 - Modesto Bee

H. Ramont, 1930

SidelineS iS Back! FOOD VIEW

By Chris Murphy

There hasn’t been a more anticipated reopening in Modesto in a long time.    For most of the 2000s, Sidelines was a hotbed of awesome local music, sports and great food.   For you old timers, this was the old Dreyer’s by the Mervyns, now the location of Culture Coffee.  It was a great scene, live bands, great food and drinks and some well-loved favorites like the band Late with Dave Souza.  However, the neighbors did not care for the local music and forced it to close. Since it closed, the whole social world was begging for a reunion.      NOW, Sidelines is back, in a location where local bands can shine again and the famous Triple Play is on the menu along with other favorites.  Tony Arnebeck was behind all of the great food and purveyor of a great scene. I first met Tony at Firkin & Fox, where on St. Patrick’s Day he had his Mammas Corned Beef. It was amazing.  Following some great years at P. Wexford’s, Tony team up with Reggie White who has been a big part of Modesto’s nightclub scene and they teamed up to bring Sideline’s back, teamed up with Whiskey Jack’s nightclub.  Walking in to Sideline’s, it is all sports and the walls are covered with TVs with all sports networks.  Tony says you can “even” watch the Mets or the Dolphins. The next thing you notice is the menu. It’s big and it has something for everyone, entrees named after your fave sports players and 75% of the items are from the original Sidelines. From burgers to oysters you can find something you love.  But, the most famous thing on the menu is the Triple Play. Chicken, TriTip, and Shrimp over fettuccini with special cheese bread.  This is amazing and no wonder everyone likes it.  There is so much more.  If you see a “Mama’s” item, it’s because Tony’s mom is actually in the

kitchen creating her specialties. We love the Mamma’s Meatloaf.   Oysters? They specialize in both east and west coast from the north west and they come in a variety of tastes.

Now get this, the BBQ is a house specialty and is all smoked on-site. Take a walk outside to the patio, and the smoker from Doc’s is there.  No wonder it’s so good.  Doc even comes by to check on everything, so check out the ribs, briskit, tri-tip, pork, links and more. We recommend the brisket sandwich.

There is so much to try.  We really enjoyed the footling giant Chicago Dog, and the Club Sandwich. For those of you that need some tacos, they are amazing. The Miami Marlins Fish and Chips is on the menu and you can get Hot Dog Sliders. We could go on, but you just need to go check it out yourself.

Nighttime is fun at Whiskey Jack’s with Wednesday Line Dance @ 730, Thursday Karoake @ 7:30 Live Music  Friday and Sat nights. Each side has a bar and you can go back and forth.  Look for larger events

this summer on the huge patio that can host outdoor concerts.  In the meantime, you can chip and putt and there’s a special Sidelines golf score card.

This is a fun place.  The food is good, the tables are comfortable and it already seems like you have been there before. Sunshine Maddux is behind the bar and will make you feel at home.  There are even four people on staff that are kids of the old Sidelines team.  I am sure you will be seeing Dave Souza in one band or

another, and we are hoping for a Late reunion, but we were happy with the recent Journey Revisited and Flying Blind shows.   We feel something good is happening and hope to see you there.

Sidelines and Whisky Jacks

1000 Kansas Ave, Modesto, CA Sun-Wed 11am–Midnight Thursday–Sat 11am–2am www.whiskyjack209.com @sidelines209

HIP HOP VIEW

By Joseph Zimmerer

Eye On Hip-Hop Culture

Ink 20th Anniversary

Jose “Hocus” Manriquez—arguably Modesto’s first graffiti artist and a true hip—hop pioneer—is hosting a celebration marking 20 years of Hocus Ink Tattoo Shop. We sat down with him for a history lesson while he was tattooing, proving that Hip-Hop Doesn’t Stop!

MV: Yo DEEBO, 20 years is wild! How did the Hocus Ink journey begin?

Hocus: I started tattooing on the streets in the ‘90s with a single needle and a homemade machine—what I had was all I needed to do my thing. Around 2000, while painting a mural for Buffalo Bill, he asked if I’d ever considered tattooing. He took me under his wing and introduced me to my first real professional rig. Not long after becoming Bill’s apprentice, I opened “Creative MyndZ Tattoo Shop” around 2004 with “Tattoo Andrew” and “Tattoo Sam,” who were homies with the SFR skater/graffITI crew. By 2005, this shop evolved into Hocus Ink—with “Tattoo Andrew” and “Sayo” on board. Respect to Tattoo Andrew for naming it Hocus Ink, though it will always be Myndz Eye.

MV: Would you say that graffiti art led you to tattooing?

Hocus: I never stopped doing graffiti, but it definitely influenced my move into tattooing. I had friends coming out of jail with tattoos, telling me, “You should start doing tattoos.” That encouragement, combined with Buffalo Bill’s mentorship, really helped legitimize my work. I still love graffiti, even though tattooing has been more financially rewarding, and I continue to paint

MV: Have you noticed a change in how people view graffiti and tattooing over the past 20+ years?

Hocus: Absolutely! It used to be that only

skaters, gangsters, and street folks with tattoos were accepting, whether I was a graffiti artist or a tattooist. Now, both art forms are widely accepted. Social media has played a huge role in this shift—kids see it online and think it’s cool; many of my friends are now parents, and their kids are into it. Social media has made it much faster for kids to access information and produce fantastic work. Tattooing, too, has evolved; people are now creating much more artistic designs.

MV: What was the main focus when planning the 20th-anniversary event?

Hocus: It was all about bringing together friends and family. I wanted DJs, rappers, and graffiti artists all doing what they love. I made sure to invite the Hocus Ink supporters and customers, who eventually became lifelong friends.

MV: Any new goals or ambitions for the future?

Hocus: I dream of securing a warehouse space where we can do it all under one roof—teaching every element of hip hop, training new apprentices, painting cars, airbrushing, and continuing to pursue these passions.

MV: Shoutouts: Hocus: There are too many to list—huge thanks to YOU, my mom and dad, my six brothers, extended family, Tattoo Buds, Tattoo Mario, and everyone who has supported the shop over these 20 amazing years.

Much Respect to Hocus. We love and appreciate all you have done for this Central Valley Hip Hop Community!

Join the celebration on April 12th @ Hocus Ink, 2701 Mitchell Rd, Ceres, CA 95307. Instagram: @Hocus1.

MAMA VIEW

Music is the Heart of the Plaza

Music returns to the 10th Street Plaza on May 2nd, the 2nd First Friday of 2025. NAACP presents Nat Bolden and the State of Mind Blues Band. Nat Bolden has been singing the blues and bringing the party for over 60 years, and we can’t think of a better way to kick off the Music in the Plaza season. May 9th, don’t miss The Good Ones; this female-fronted Alternative Rock powerhouse is a crowd-pleaser. May 16th, we invite you to dance to the hits of the eighties with Neon Radio. On May 23rd, enjoy a night of Ska and Rocksteady with Modesto’s only Ska band, The Bracers. Ending the first month and performing for the first time at Music in the Plaza is The Denise Choate Jazz Ensemble, bringing a night of jazz, blues, and R&B.

On June 6th, it’s Graffiti Night, and a specially curated First Friday will be in the 10th Street Plaza. Check out the vendors before or after the parade. Triple D with the Sensations will be performing. Their set last year at the 25th Annual American Graffiti Festival was a highlight of the weekend. The Red Pony Band will bring a set of pop, country, rock, and soul hits and their original tunes with Americana/Folk instrumentation and tons of vocal harmonies. On June 20th, the first day of Summer, Valley Heat will join us with their mix of blues, rock, and alternative. June 27th, we are happy to welcome the R&B Project to Music in the Plaza, a powerhouse R&B and Blues band known for high-energy performances and audience engagement. There are a few special dates in the Plaza you will want to make sure you do not

By Middagh Goodwin

miss. First, there is May 4th, aka May the Fourth Be With You, aka Star Wars Day, which is happening on Sunday, May 4th, from 4 to 9 p.m., with music performed by the hornified Emo-Pop Punk band Horizon Point.

On Wednesday, June 4th, as part of Legends of the Cruise, Third Party will bring the hits of the ‘50s—’80s to the Plaza as we induct this year’s Walk of Fame.

That takes us through the first two months of Music in the Plaza. The rest of the season will be announced on our Facebook page @10thStreetMusic and in the ModestoView.

Music in the Plaza is free and fun for the entire family. Come out early and get a spot at Fuzio’s or T-Cups, or bring your lawn chairs and set up in front of the stage. The music starts at 7 pm and goes until 9 pm.

MAMA is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit.  Please consider donating to help us develop more live music in Modesto www.modestoareamusic.com Please keep us in the mix for all your local upcoming shows by emailing events@ modestoview.com

MUSEUM VIEW

Janet Lancaster History Center

The McHenry Museum and Modesto area residents have benefitted from the decades of research and archival work done by Janet Lancaster, the teacher turned volunteer archivist who was committed to setting the historical record straight and helping countless people uncover their family histories and connections to Modesto’s past. Lancaster passed away in September 2024, and to honor Janet’s longtime commitment to Modesto history, the McHenry Museum is aiming to establish “The Janet Lancaster History Center” – a public research space and staff workspace to allow for the proper preservation of the Museum’s archive collection. The Museum outbuilding and basement storage will be remodelled and utilized for a multilevel History Center.

The Modesto Art Museum is sponsoring a donation match of $5,000 to support the project, so please consider contributing to help make this community resource come to fruition!

Those interested in supporting the project can make donations payable to McHenry Museum, with the memo: 101479 JLancaster.

Please mail to:

McHenry Museum

ATTN. Jessica Flores, PRN PO Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353

INTER VIEW

Modesto is in a renaissance period.  For over 150 years, Modesto has been a financial and cultural leader.  Graceada Park is a gem and our history as a Tree City and All American City set the tone.  Now, thanks to the passage of Measure H, our network of parks and recreation facilities are getting much needed attention. Parks and safety are some of the top things our citizens want.

In 2024, Modesto hired Jeremy Rogers to lead Modesto’s Parks and chart a new path.   Growing up in the Midwest and beginning his professional career in Parks and Recreation in Wichita, Kansas, Jeremy made the journey to California in 2020.   As a Director of Community Services in Visalia and Pinole, he relocated to Modesto in 2024 as Director of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhoods at the dawn of a new age in Modesto as the City of Modesto reaches across our community to see what our citizens need and want.    Jeremy lives in the area with his wife, Amy, and two boys, Easton aged 19 and Camden aged 15. Jeremy looks forward to engaging our community.   As we ramp up to Earth Day in the Park, let’s meet Jeremy.

ModestoView: How is it that you found your appreciation of Parks management so early in your career?

Jeremy Rogers: I got into Parks and Recreation on accident.  After college, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for my career.  I was a college baseball coach, a personal trainer, worked in retail and worked for 3 different professional sports teams.  I came across a job posting that “sounded fun” and was hired as a Recreation Supervisor with the City of Wichita, KS. 25 years later, I’m still working in Parks and Recreation.

MV: Needless to say, our parks are more than just grass and a playground, what do they do for our community?

JR: Parks mean so much to a community.

Jeremy Rogers

Director of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhoods

I could write a whole book on this topic.  But in whole, parks allow for families to be active, socialize, and create a more positive environment for the community.

MV: Is there anything you learned in the past that inspires you today?

JR: Early on in my career, when I was with the City of Independence, MO, we built an all-inclusive playground.  At our grand opening event, there was a 9-year-old girl that went down a slide for the very first time in her life.  The rush and adrenaline that came over her as she raced down the slide moved the entire crowd to tears.  I can still see the smile and joy on that little girl’s face.  Play is for EVERYONE.  I have made it my life goal to providing play to everyone regardless of stigmas that society has put on them.

MV: You have launched the first parks master plan project in ages;  how is this tracking and are you finding surprising results?

JR: The response that we have received is incredible.  I know what I like in a parks system but what I like may not be what the community likes.  I am here to provide

a parks system for everyone in Modesto.  This master plan will give my department a road map to do exactly that.  The things that we are hearing from the community are that they want safe and well-lit parks.  Our community wants more opportunities for youth development and programs for families together.  We are reaching out to every corner of Modesto so we can ensure every voice and everyone is heard.

MV: What do you notice when you walk through our parks?

JR: We have an amazing parks system here in Modesto.  We have 75 parks that serve this community to all different levels. As the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhoods Director, I want to serve the community to the greatest extent possible. We have an aging infrastructure with over 20 years of deferred maintenance. My priority is to take care of the things we have first, repairing playgrounds and restrooms, and then looking to grow from there.

MV: What is something that people may not know about our Parks Department?

JR: We have over $100,000,000 in parks projects right now.  Some of those projects are being designed and some are being constructed as we speak.  Never in my career have I ever seen a community invest in a parks system like Modesto does.  There are not too many park systems across the

country that can match what we are doing here. One unique thing about our department is that we have several employees with over 25 years of experience here in Modesto with one of them being here for 54 years!  That is a lot of experience to pull from so that we can remember the past while building the future.

MV: How can we make sure that our citizens feel safe with their families and enjoying our parks.

JR: I’m a firm believer, “If you build it, they will come”.  If we make our parks clean and inviting and create quality programming in those parks, the families will come for the enjoyment of the park and programs, and the negative use will leave.

MV: How have the Park Ranger made a difference in Modesto and do you see their visibility growing?

JR: When I started here in Modesto a little over a year ago, there were 3 Park Rangers.  3 Park Rangers for 75 parks is not sustainable.  Today, we have 12 Park Rangers.  This program, which is ran by Modesto PD, has really had an impact on our parks.  The response time to issues has significantly decreased and I believe our parks system is safer.  My department works very closely with MPD and with that collaboration, it has created Modesto a safer place to recreate.

MV: If you had unlimited budget, what special project would you do?

JR: I love this question. If budget was not an option, I would redo every playground in Modesto.  I LOVE playgrounds.  I’m a kid at heart.  Like many, I spent my childhood on a playground.  The technology in today’s playgrounds is mind blowing.  We have some really cool playgrounds here in Modesto but I want to change the world one playground at a time!

MV: How can people get involved and be a part of our park network?

JR: We have so many opportunities for our citizens to get involved.  Sign up for a class or attend one of our many community events.  We also have numerous volunteer opportunities year-round ranging from park cleanups to special events.

MV: The new activity guide is out, what are some of the highlights?

JR: Some of the upcoming highlights are movies in the park, summer swim lessons and aquatic classes.  We also will be offering pickleball and tennis lessons, adaptive programming, youth baseball and softball, computer classes, and so much more.  Also, for our teens that are looking to get their driver’s license, we are offering an online drivers education course.

MV: Even though you are a “relatively” new resident, describe your ideal Modesto day.

JR: An ideal day would start off with coffee and breakfast from Mocha Magic Café followed by a round of golf at Creekside or Dryden.  Then I would float down the Tuolumne River in a kayak or bike the Virginia Corridor.  Starting my night off I would catch a Nuts game at John Thurman Field and finish with a cocktail at Fuzio’s.

Our signature question:  Beatles or Stones?

Hands down, Beatles!!

Learn about Modesto’s Park’s Department and connect with Jeremy at www. modestogov.com/481/Parks-Recreation-Neighborhoods

BIG VIEW

by Chris Murphy

Earth Day!

Every day we celebrate our earth , but on Earth Day, we all get together to share our ideas to make our planet cleaner, and learn about how we can do our part. Modesto has been a leader in Earth Day, hosting some of the first events and was the home of Ecology Action that lead to recycling programs back in the early 70s. You can read more about this in ModestoView.com Modesto gathers in our central park, Graceada Park on April 19 from 10am – 2pm. to share our environ ment experience. You can experience many vendor and information booths, as well as tasty treats and craft stations to teach conservation ideas. Here are just a few of the many activities.

• Modesto City Schools will share sustainability programs, student projects, free reuse market,

• City of Modesto will be giving away free compost and native wildflower seeds

• City and County will be there with information on programs and services

• OB Green will have paper shredding for a $15 donation to The Awesome Spot from 8am to noon

• Stop by the Modesto “Mo Beautiful” booth to learn about volunteer projects for Love Modesto

• Kiddos can play booth bingo and guess the weight of recyclable materials to win prizes

If you ride your bike to Earth Day, there is a free Bike Valet and the StanRTA busses are free to get to Earth Day. You can even get FREE Compost to take back to your yard and even learn how to compost. Learn more at www.modestogov.com/earthday

Loving Our Earth and Community

This world was made for our littlest explorer. It’s a big world out there and we need to take care of it. April is National Volunteer Month, Earth Month, and contains Earth Day and Arbor Day as well as National Park Week – it’s a perfect month to find a way to engage with your community, do community service, and enjoy local events

There are so many wonderful places to explore right here in our community, but if you get a chance, don’t wait to visit our national parks.  One of the most beautiful places in the world is two hours away. Yosemite inspires and is literally “awesome”. Easy trails, amazing waterfalls this time of the year, and views to take your breath away. Our wilderness guide James on the cover is leading the way to your Yosemite exploration.  Don’t miss other National Parks like Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Pinnacles, Joshua Tree, Lassen, Channel Islands, and Redwood. These are east trips and you will learn a lot. These are valuable resources for us all to enjoy.

National Park Week is April 19 to April 27 2025

Entrance fees will be waived (FREE) on April 19, 2025 to kick off the celebration everyone is encouraged to enjoy their national parks in person. National Park Service parks, programs, and partners will host events and activities all week! Follow National Park Week on social media and join the fun all week using #NationalParkWeek. Take your trail shoes, a back pack with snacks and hit the trails and go climb a rock! There are 400 parks nationwide and learn about them all at www.nps.gov

Fun Fact

There is a reason it’s called the National Park “Service”. These are wonderful and beautiful protected areas that are for the good of our nation, expose us to the beauty of nature and make sure that it can be enjoyed for decades to come and they are really good for our economy, especially places like Modesto that are on the way to a National Park. In 2023, national park visitors spent $26.4 billion in local gateway regions, supporting 415,000 jobs and contributing $55.6 billion to the national economy, while the National Park Service’s operating budget was only around $3.1 billion. How’s that for the value of the travel and tourism economy? Visit Modesto is working local results with efforts like the Almond Blossom Cruise. For a small investment, huge and fulfilling results. These small expenses lead to greater returns. Visit a park soon and let your elected officials how important they are and make sure you thank a Park Ranger.

Love Modesto!

This is one of the best Modesto days. For 18 years, thousands of our local residents, gather to make a difference with nearly 100 projects and it’s amazing what we can all do together. There is truly something for everyone whether you are young or old, alone or with a group. You can make this a great family day by picking out a family-friendly project at Love Modesto to do on April 26. Get the kiddos exposed to helping others! Love Modesto is a great way to give children a sense of purpose and importance. Let your child choose which activity seems most interesting to them. There are currently over 20 “family-friendly and kid-friendly” activities and all will make a difference and Modesto will sparkle and shine. Projects range from easy labor to fairly hard effort.

Join everyone at 7 am, April 26 at 11th & I St. You can also purchase a pancake breakfast for a $10 donation, hand cooked by North Modesto Kiwanis. There will be dozens of vendor booths and a variety of snacks and drinks to sample.

Check out www.lovemodesto.com and click “Volunteer” to learn more and sign up!

RecFest is coming April 12th

Enjoy our Parks!

Thanks to Measure H, there are many parks that have had complete overhauls with new equipment, play and picnic areas. They are more accessible, more fun and able to handle more uses from kids afterschool to family picnics and neighborhood parties. Many of our parks have water features, some have pools that will open later this spring and most every neighborhood has a city park. The City of Modesto is currently doing a full study for what the people of Modesto want from their parks, so make sure you connect and say what you want. Most of all, enjoy our parks with your family. The more we use our parks, the more important they are. Make sure you check out the Modesto Parks Activity Guide to learn about all of the programs available. @modestoparksandrec on socials and www. modestogov.com

Pollinator Festival

There have been a lot of studies on pollinators showing that these vital insects that go from tree to tree, flower to flower are at risk. One of the ways that we help rebuild our pollinator populations is the creation of Native Plant Gardens. Modesto’s LaLoma Neighborhood has Modesto’s only Native Plant Garden that has become home to pollinators, a place to relax and enjoy and has become a learning place for protecting them and using plants that match up to our climate.

On April 5, from 10- 2pm, enjoy the Pollinator Festival. This is a free family event with many information stations, face painting, crafts, food trucks, music, and the most fun of all, a little “Pollinator Parade”. Kids are invited to dress up as their favorite pollinator and take a musical walk through the park. Awards will be given to the most creative costume. Event starts at 10, and the parade begins at 10:15 am. LaLoma Native Plant Garden 2000 Encina Ave, Modesto. @lalomaneighborhood

Spring Ski – Stay Water Safe Spring Skiing

Get your mountain bike or trail shoes on and join your friends at Gateway Park, which is a key section of the Tuolumne River Regional Park here in Modesto. Many people in our area have not explored this area and this is a great time to do it with info booths, guided bike rides, lectures and more. Throughout Gateway Park, different groups will be providing free recreational activities for the community to participate in birdwatching and nature hikes, youth fishing activity and more). All equipment and safety gear will be provided for participants to use during the activity at no cost.

RecFest is 9am-1pm on Saturday April 12th, 2025. There will be an info area with a variety of local organizations, recreation groups, and community-based organizations with information, resources, and activities for participants who stop by.  But, it’s not just April 12, Gateway Park on South Morton in Modesto is always available to use, walk, ride and more. There is river access for human powered boats with a boat launch. www.tuolumne.org/events/modesto-recfest-2025

This is the time friends. Sunny days, shorts and T-shirts, and a kick back attitude. Ski Bear and Dodge while you still can and don’t forget to get your season passes for next year when they are cheap. The Cali Pass covers both Bear and Dodge. www.bearvalley.com www.dodgeridge.com

Stay Water Safe

Our friends at Modesto Irrigation District are getting ready for a busy water season. The rivers and creeks are running really strong this month and the storms are not over. As the snow starts to melt it will get stronger. Please watch out for dangerous currents and sudden drop offs. Stay away from the river edges as they are soft and may collapse. Be careful of cold temperatures, rocks and vegetation.   Don’t take chances. https://www.cawatersafety.org/

Protect your kids:

Watch kids in around water, including pools, without being distracted

Teach kids how to swim, in also in open water

Use a US Coast Guard lifejacket appropriate for the child’s weight

Learn what to do in an emergency without putting yourself at risk for drowning. For more info www.safekids.com

By Middagh Goodwin

Modesto Nuts’ Final Season at John Thurman Field

As the Modesto Nuts embark on their farewell season at historic John Thurman Field, the opening weekend against the San Jose Giants and the first month of play will be filled with nostalgia, excitement, and memorable performances. The stadium, which has been home to professional baseball in Modesto since 1955, welcomed fans for one last opening day celebration on April 4th at 6:40 pm. Make sure to stick around after the game for a dazzling fireworks display. Make sure to come out early on April 5th at 6:40 pm when the first 500 fans to enter the ballpark will receive a 2024 California League Championship replica ring! On Sunday, April 6th at 1:40 pm, the Nuts finish the opening weekend against the San Jose Giants.

On Tuesday, April 15th, which marks the 70th anniversary of the Ball Park((opened in 1955 as Del Webb Field), the Modesto Nuts will face the Inland Empire 66ers at 6:40 p.m. On Wednesday the 16th, the game will start a little early at 4:05 p.m., and if you bring two cans of food, you will get in Free.  On Thursday the 17th, bring your pups to the park, where things kick off at 6:40 pm. Friday, it is halfway to Halloween, and there will be candy. On Saturday,

celebrate Latino heritage through the team’s alternate Latino identity - Los Alebrijes do Modesto. It will be a night of Latino entertainment, food & drink, and newly created alternate team Jerseys for 2025! The game starts Sunday at 1:40 pm and ends the first full week of the last season at John Thurman Field.

The San Jose Giants return on April 29th and 30th. They will face the 2023/2024 Champions, the Nuts, who are finishing out the first month of the last season for Modesto’s beloved baseball team.

It is a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to the Nuts, John Thurman Field, the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the warm spring evenings that have created so many lasting memories for fans who have called this ballpark home for generations. Each game will become increasingly precious as the season progresses, marking another chapter in the final story of professional baseball in Modesto. The Modesto Nuts’ farewell season is more than just baseball—it’s a celebration of community, history, and the enduring spirit of America’s pastime in the heart of California. For more information and tickets  www.milb.com/modesto/schedule

GARDEN VIEW

The Modesto Garden Club has been Beautifying and Serving the Community for over 100 years. From creating and maintaining Modesto’s Flower Clock to the Annual Spring Garden Tour, the Garden Club delivers beauty.  Get your tix now for Spring Garden Tour coming up on April 12th. This year there are 4 remarkable homes plus the Garden Club Office for touring as well.  These gardens are always amazing and you can get great ideas for your own garden on this tour too.  So grab your green thumb friends and make a day out of it.

Find the garden locations get tickets at: Morris Nursery, Marcy’s Hallmark, The Paper Habit, Thompson Building Supply and Nursery, Westurf Nursery, The Greenery Nursery,  the Modesto Garden Club Office & online through VENMO or www. ModestoGardenClub.org and are available for purchase on the day of tour at each garden location.

Modesto Garden Club Office 622 14th St. Modesto

April 12, 10 am - 4 pm

Tune Into Exciting New Exhibits

Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum begins its first three permanent, immersive exhibits! In preparation, the Museum’s East Wing roofing and insulation project begins in April.

Get ready for the “10th Street Experience”! This unique exhibit will transport you to Modesto’s golden era through lifelike replica storefronts. At its heart, the Radio and Music History exhibit space will feature a reimagined K-5 & KTRB radio station, the future home of “Graffiti Gold” radio. Currently broadcasting on the LIVE365 Internet radio network, Graffiti Gold plays nostalgic hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, alongside vintage ads and entertainment news, including Graffiti Summer events! The radio station exhibit showcase Modesto’s music history by the decades along with the radio station history that played the hits and brought our community together. The space will feature a working broadcast studio where the Modesto Radio Museum will host live broadcasts and educational programs, giving visitors an interactive look at the city’s broadcasting and music heritage. Museum Executive Director Cecil Russell notes, “This exhibit will not just preserve our radio history—it will bring it to life for new generations.” Thanks to Chris & Rebecca Murphy, Gary & Sharlyn Nelson & ”Uncle” Lonny Davis for initial funding.

15th YEAR ANNIVERSARY

11th - 18th

Two more exhibits are also ready for construction! Murf’s Record Store will serve as both a retail space for vinyl lovers and an educational venue. It will showcase the musical influences that shaped rock ‘n’ roll, allowing visitors to buy authentic 45s and LPs while learning about the stories behind the music.

Completing the trio, Nichol News will recreate Modesto’s beloved downtown newsstand, featuring local newspapers from the 1950s through the 1970s. This exhibit will offer a fascinating glimpse into Modesto’s past through period news coverage while connecting visitors to our city’s rich history.

Graffiti USA welcomes donations and offers various sponsorship opportunities to donors of all levels. Historic car clubs including the Modesto Model A’s, the Sylvan Club, and the North Modesto Kiwanis have donated to the Museum, planning to commemorate their community contributions through interactive storefronts, murals, and exhibits. Contact the Museum today to learn about our diverse donor programs!

Save the Date for Graffiti USA Summer Events

Mark your calendars for the Legends of the Cruise Park N’ Shine on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025. This free community event will feature classic cars, live entertainment, and a special ceremony honoring new inductees to the walk of fame, joining luminaries such as George Lucas and Gene Winfield.

* excludes consignment

The Legends of the Oak Tree concert at Del Rio Golf & Country Club is set for July 26th, 2025, at 7pm. All proceeds will benefit The State Theatre and Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum. This year’s concert features tribute bands performing the music of Tom Petty, Chicago, and Steely Dan. Tickets will be available through the State Theatre Box Office after May 1st, 2025, $50 per person.

Donate, visit our website, purchase tickets, listen to Graffiti Gold and more using the QR code below!

POETRY VIEW

National Poetry Month

Sam Pierstorff TT/IG @njapoe

April is National Poetry Month, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how—under the stars, surrounded by community, creativity, and good vibes. Join the Modesto Artists Movement on Wednesday night April 9 at Queen Bean Coffee & Social House from 7:30–9:30pm for an evening of poetry, music, and a little bit of magic. (Tickets available at modestoartistsmovement.org.)

We’ve got a haiku battle (yes, with kazoos

so you can buzz for your favorite poems), open mic performances, and live music by Dave Rogers on bongos and Marina John Hanna on piano or cello. We’re even giving away $100 prizes— one for the haiku champ and one for the best open mic poem—plus a homemade trophy you’ll definitely want to brag about.

But it’s more than just a fun night—it’s part of something bigger. We believe Modesto is the next great city of art, and poetry is at the heart of that movement. These gatherings are how we elevate the culture of our city— by celebrating language, creativity, and connection. So come be part of this artistic renaissance. Whether you’re a poet or just love the power of words, your presence helps build something beautiful. Let’s create the kind of city we all want to live in—one poem at a time.

STAR WARS VIEW

May the Fourth Be With You Star Wars “PRE” View

On May 4th, Star Wars is on everyone’s mind worldwide. But it is an extra special day here in Modesto, USA, where we are the home of the creator, George Lucas. The original Star Wars movie was released on May 25, 1977, a day that changed modern film forever. From the opening theme and the rolling script, the world had a new lexicon of interstellar, starships, and even speed measurements. In as little as a few parsecs, this film propelled Modesto native George Lucas into the Hyperspace of film fame. We have celebrated May the Fourth since 2016, when the Modesto City Council was the first to make an official proclamation, making it Star Wars Day. Yes, friends, this is our day, and we will celebrate and bring the action to 10th St Plaza. So get the whole family and join the Northern California Star Wars community in celebrating May 4 in Downtown Modesto—a free, family-friendly event. We have invited the 501st, Central Valley Cosplayers, Dark Empire, the Wolves of Mandalore, the Rebel Legion, and Astromech builders to join us at this event. Horizon Point will go full Jedi performing in the Plaza; you can expect a few musical interludes from the movies. We will also have a band composed of students from different Modesto schools, led by Brad Hart(Johansen High School/MoBand conductor), who will be performing some movie selections. There will be vendors, artists, face painters, and two extraordinary guests, Andrew Nelson, who spent more time in the Darth Vader suit than any other actor, and David Gonzales, who portrayed Ak-Rev in the 1997 special edition of Star Wars Return of the Jedi. You won’t want to miss the lightsaber battles as the sun goes down. I will create a Death Star Pinata or two for the kids to enjoy.  Everyone is encouraged to cosplay as their favorite Star Wars characters.

Star Wars food and drink specials will be served at Fuzio, T-Cups, and several other spots in Downtown Modesto. Modesto Pub Crawls is hosting a Free Star Wars-themed pub Crawl that will start at Che’roots at 6:30 p.m., stop by the Plaza around 7:15 p.m., swing by the Fox Pub, Fuzio, The Goat Bar, and lo-fi, and end up at the SpeakEasy around 10:30 p.m

Fans of the Mel Brooks Star Wars spoof Space Balls can rejoice. You can watch it on the big screen at 9 pm at Brenden Theatre. You can get in the spirit of the day by watching the original Star Wars trilogy and Solo and Rogue One at the State Theatre on April 26th and 27th. for tickets and more info thestate.org

While you are downtown, check out the murals, including Star Wars themed ones, at Never Boring on 14th Street and in the Art Alley off 10th Street.

Ensure you like the May Fourth Facebook page to stay up to speed. @maythefourthmodesto #homeofstarwars #homeofGeorgeLucas #homeofAmericanGraffiti

“Did anyone see the easter eggs on the cover? Message us if you did @modestoview”

By Middagh Goodwin

PERFORMING VIEW

Packed Schedule!

By Chris Murphy

It is “Game On” in our local performing world.  There just something magical about performances, live on stage.  These in person event connect you with the actors and the feeling of the story and there is so much to choose from, from music, song, dance, opera and more!

The Gallo Center schedule is packed and you better scan their event for the remainder of the 2024/5 season.  Even if you are a regular, there are new shows added all the time.  Here are some of the great shows this month.  One of the first people that ever played the Gallo Center was Patti LuPone and she returns April 3.

April 4 & 5 enjoy the Juline Youth BalletGiselle and then follow up on April 6 with Chris Botti. On April 11 & 12 the Modesto Symphony presents the amazing Carnival of the Animals and Copeland’s Rodeo. April 18, enjoy Viva La Quebradita and then one of the Queens of Country, April 24- Wynonna Judd @ 7:30. Rock fans will be ready for Dogstar on April 25 at 7:30 with Keanu Reeves on bass (yes that Keanu)

Rolling out the end of the month, April 25- Sittin’ In & Groovin’ Out and the on April 26, The Jacksons.  Finish off April with the amazing Beatle Tribute “Rain” at 5 pm.  Rain is spot on as the Beatles and is a “do not miss” show. Get more info for Gallo shows at www. galloarts.org

New Gallo Repertory Theatre

If you caught Boeing Boeing last month, don’t miss the Putnam Spelling Bee in May.  The N25/26 season is out and it has some mystery, with Dial M for Murder, Into the Woods, Curious Incident of the Dog and the DaVinci Code.  Get your next season tix at www.galloarts.org

State Theatre

In addition to the amazing films, the State’s auditorium is amazing for live shows.  You can laugh it up with We Own the Laughs with Jeff Dye, then two amazing local talent showcases.  The Modesto Youth Showcase is on April 6, with Yes Co and VMI, Ballet Folklorico, and TDHS Chorus. Then Spotlight Modesto presents a Talent Competition April 13 presented by Leadership Modesto.  On April 18, In the Air Tonight, a special Phil Collins tribute will take you back through the last few decades of hits.  Find the great State presentations at www.thestate.org

Giselle by Juline School of Dance

This is the place where so many of our local ballet and modern dancers have started.  There is a really special show from the Juline Regional Youth Ballet as they present the stunning ballet, Giselle on April 4 & 5.   This special show will showcase the amazing local talent of our youth dancers as they bring this classic story to life.   Do not miss this performance and celebrate our young talent benefitting the Juline Foundation.

Tix at www.galloarts.org and Juline info at www.juline-foundation.org

Prospect Theatre

Joe & the Fish).  Great local music with legendary performers on April 11 at 7:30.

April 12, the Radio Cavalcade presents the thriller, The Postman Always Rings Twice”.

Get tix and info at www.prospecttheatreproject.org

West Side Theatre

Our friends in Newman are bringing the Boys of Summer, Eagles Tribute on stage on April 4 & 5.  Get tix at www.westsidetheatre.org

Turlock Theatre

Turlock brings the Power.  Tower of Power that is.  This brass attack of rock and funk will take the stage on April 4 at 7:30 pm. Get tix & info at www.turlocktheatre.org

Off to See the Wizard!

Central Valley High School (4033 Central Avenue, Ceres) will be presenting the play The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on April 11 & 12 at 6 pm and also April 12 at 1 pm. Tickets are $10 for students (from ANY school), and $15 for adults

These are just a few of the things happening this month.  Check out the ModestoView calendar 24/7 at www.modestoview.com

Don’t miss the last performances of the Revolutionists on April 4, 5, & 6. We saw this last month and it is captivating and well done. Check it out. The focus for April is the Artist Lab, located next door,  featuring many experimental shows, from Modplayers, Playwriting Workshop, & Electronic Music

There will be great music at the Prospect with the Vibes & Friends, sponsored in part by ModestoView, featuring a special guest, Barry Melton of the Fish (Country

ALL AGES VIEW

My name is Abigail Power

(Former All Ages

writer circa 2009-2013 – what’s up! Go MoHi Panthers!) and I moved back to Modesto in 2018 for work and to grow my family in my hometown. My husband Harrison and I have a 14 month-old daughter, Vivian, and we are having so much fun rediscovering things to do in town through her eyes. Modesto is filled with fun activities every day and I’m excited to return to the All Ages pages, along with my sister Madison who is also a “Modesto Mom”, to share family friendly things to do each month.

By Abigail Power

Dragonfly

Tea Room

Afternoon Tea –

Donuts, Coffee, and Cartoons – The Goofy Movie at the State Theatre on April 5th. Craft at 9:00 AM, film Starts at 10:00 AM. A heartwarming story about Goofy and his son Max taking a road trip filled with fun and misadventures!

City of Modesto Parks and Recreation Spring Festival – April 5th at James Marshall Park 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Perfect for kids aged 2-12 with music, raffles, games, egg hunt, music, face painting, and more!

Enjoy an afternoon tea filled with delicious treats and welcome in a floral, bright spring at Dragonfly! They are open Wednesday to Saturday 10 – 4 PM and once a month they have a bonus Sunday, this month is open on April 13th! For a full “tea” reservations are required a day in advance, but café menu is available anytime. Cheers!

Bookish Storytime – Every Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 AM join the Bookish team in Roseburg Square for stories and magic! Check out the kids section of Bookish to pick up a few to take home while you’re there – they now serve coffee & snacks, too. (Also, if you haven’t already, check out the Modesto Express Library at 10th St. Plaza with the Stanislaus County Library closed!)

UNVEIL A SHOW-STOPPING PERFORMANCE

Spring Flourishes

By Monica Barber

Spring flourishes in April and it is the peak season for flower viewing, farmer’s market shopping and taking in a baseball game. Ms. M enjoys the annual tulip blooms this time of year and spending time in her garden with her pack of pups, rain or shine. As the warmer temperatures arrive it is the perfect opportunity to step out into the community and enjoy a few bargains around town.

The Modesto Nuts are back for another year as the 2025 season of baseball opens on April 4th. The Nuts will be taking the field in newly designed Cancer Awareness jerseys to spread awareness this season. The evening presented by Sutter Health will focus on spreading Cancer Awareness and prevention information as the Modesto Nuts take on the San Jose Giants.  Fans will also be delighted with a fireworks show and the chance to participate in a silent auction for a Limited edition Modesto Nuts jersey of their own . Tickets: $14-20.50. https://www.milb.com/modesto/tickets/ single-game-tickets

There are a few annual events that bring people together and The Stanislaus Artist Open Studio tour is one of them. Annually local artists open their creative spaces for viewing pleasure of the community and they spread good cheer. All artists on the tour have extended invitations to welcome visitors into their studios during the weekend of the event. The free self-guided tour

BARGAIN VIEW ZEN VIEW

The Great Arising

Publisher’s Note:  Huge congratulations to ZenView’s Chris Condon for helping get Tai Chi added to Modesto City Schools activities.  In this day and age, teaching peace of mind and calm focus has never been more important.  Way to go

By Chris Condon

will be held Saturday April 5th through Sunday 6th  from 11am to 5pm both days. For those curious or returning explorers the art studios and spaces of artists located in Stanislaus County with a free map available online. . Information http://www.stanislausaos.com/

Spring is associated with the most beautiful blooms and greenery throughout the gardens of Modesto. On April 12th, Modesto Garden Club will be holding their annual Spring Garden Tour at a handful of gardens in the Modesto area.  From 10am to 4pm, you are welcomed to view the remarkable gardens. While they are lovely all year, they are spectacular in the spring. There’s truly something for everyone in each garden.

Tickets: $25. Info: https://www.modestogardenclub.org/

Earth Day is a day of action and on April 19th you can join in the celebration of all things sustainable and good for the environment. This annual family friendly community event promotes conservation and environmental education for everyone of all ages. Connect with eco-conscious professionals and uncover useful advice for living and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. This free event takes place 10am to 3pm at Graceada Park in Modesto. There will be vendors, eco friendly booths, music, games and more for all ages. Info: https:// www.modestogov.com/415/Earth-Day

Enjoy April! Kisses, m.

GO MODESTO

Porchfest is coming May 18

This is Modesto’s largest party of the year! Over 60 porches across the College and La Loma and the Bodem/ Morris Area neighborhoods will be making a huge party. Grab your bicycle and go from house to house, porch to porch and hear most of Modesto’s favorite musicians.  This is a fun day to hang out with friends and find new bands.  Remember, the homeowners and the bands are donating their porches and their performance so PLEASE tip these folks during the day from noon- 5 pm. Bring water and lawn chairs and enjoy the day. Make a point to cross Dry Creek and get over to LaLoma area, Brookway Park, Edgebrook Dr for music fun. Final maps and band listings will be posted later this month at www. modestoporchfest.com

As I am writing this column in mid-February here in California’s magnificent Central Valley, hints of spring already abound.  The trees are still mostly bare, and the California poppies have not yet opened their flaming bonnets of gold. Yet even today, as I look out at the expansive country fields on the edge of town, an image comes to my mind’s eye – more a premonition, really, but nevertheless quite distinct.

I imagine fields upon fields of almond blossoms arising, as if in an instant, by magic, as far as the eye can see.

When I first moved to Modesto from the Bay Area in the late 1980’s, I recall one day in late February when, driving down the freeway, I looked out the car window and suddenly saw an entirely new world.  The almond trees had bloomed.  Where winter had once reigned, with its own lovely character of overcast skies, its intermittent wind and rain, its holiday and new year cel-

ebrations, something else had arisen in its place.  Far from being just another day on the calendar, I sensed on that day that something deeper and more mysterious had been changing all along.  Now again the seasons are turning, spinning the world around and within us.  This is the spring equinox.  The great arising. I am reminded of Bruce Springsteen’s song, The Rising.   “Come on up for the rising”, he sings.  It is a call out of ourselves, our self-preoccupation, away from that sense of implosion (“this darkness,” Springsteen calls it)  that modern society seems to engender in so many of us.

“Come on up, lay your hands in mine,” he sings.  This uprising is collective and universal; it is for everyone, everywhere, for all time.  Even our ancestors are here with us, in memory and spirit, their “eyes burnin’ bright”, he sings.  And here we are, in this moment, and the spring is here, too, as if it were our companion, sharing our joy in being alive as we walk the earth, breathe the cool air, and see the fields of almond blossoms in white, shining in the sun. christopherpc@myyahoo.com

AUTHOR VIEW

April is poetry month, and we started celebrating early at Bookish! Something about spring—maybe the rain and the flowers, the idyll before high temps and mosquitoes— practically breathes poems into the air. We hosted poets Bob Stanley and Dane Cervine at Second Tuesday Poetry, sponsored by the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center on March 11, and Stanislaus County’s youth poet laureate Zoe Byron led an all-ages workshop and open mic on March 22.

Also, our Five Mondays in March kept plugging away, with writers showing up week after week, laptops in tow, stories ready to spill from their fingers. Our biggest poetry event yet is coming on Saturday, April 5, which coincidentally is the one-year anniversary of Bookish opening its doors. We’re honored to have California’s Poet Laureate Lee Herrick grace our space for a reading at 6:30pm. This event is free and open to all—but space is limited, so come early.  Born in Daejeon, Korea, Herrick was adopted and raised in Modesto and as a professor at Fresno City

College maintains his deep ties to our region. We’ll have copies of his books, including In Praise of Late Wonder (2024) available on hand for purchase. If you’re a reader or writer and interested in connecting, check out www.bookishmodesto.com/events for more information.

THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE IN THE 209 CALENDAR VIEW

Día de los Niños

It’s “Día” time again! This year’s Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros/Children’s Book Day, also known as “Día” for short, will be held on Saturday, April 19, from 10 – 1 pm. This FREE event is a celebration of children, families and reading that culminates in this annual springtime celebration. It brings families together and emphasizes the importance of literacy for every child, regardless of their linguistic or cultural background with stories, crafts and info tables.

Gallo Center Music Garden, 1000 I St

Karaoke

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Marcella Arguello

Modesto Nuts vs San Jose Neon Radio

Pharoahs Cruise In Sandy Maule

Science Night at the Museum

Tea Noelle The Osman Trio The Revolutionists Tower of Power Trax on Wax

Veterans Bar Happy Hour

Veterans Coffee & Donuts

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Valley Fire

A Goofy Movie

Artists Open Studio

Baby Animal Days Boys of Summer

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From Princess to Pirate

From Princess to Pirate Gotcha Country

JRYB Giselle

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Urbano California Bistro, Modesto

Modesto Senior Citizens Center

VFW Post 3199, Modesto

The Udder Place, Turlock

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Wildfire Pub House, Modesto

The Partisan, Merced

Martin G. Petersen Event Center, Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Eagles Hall, Modesto

Urbano California Bistro, Modesto

Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock

The Standard Pub, Modesto

Persuasion Brewing, Modesto

Splash Bar, Modesto

Obrien’s Tavern, Modesto

Secret Garden, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

Bookies, Modesto

The Brave Bull, Modesto

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

The Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, Modesto

3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank

Dutch Hollow Farms, Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Mountain Mike Pizza, Ripon

MJC East Campus

P Wexford’s Pub, Modesto

Persuasion Brewing, Modesto

El Torito, Modesto

Torii, Modesto

Main Street Inn, Ripon

The Udder Place, Turlock

White Elephant Lounge, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

Dust Bowl, Turlock

Modesto County Library

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

The Crooked Spur, Oakdale

Gallo Center for the Arts

Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Dutch Hollow Farms, Modesto

West Side Theatre, Newman

Eagles Hall, Modesto

Knockin’ Boots, Modesto

VFW Post 3199, Modesto

MJC East Campus

Unitarian Church, Modesto, CA

Nino’s Place, Modesto

Modesto Senior Citizens Center

Gallio Center for the Arts

Secret Garden, Modesto

Torri, Modesto

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Obrians Tavern, Modesto

The Reef, Modesto

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

John Thurman Field, Modesto

Blaker Brewing, Ceres

Nations Burger, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

The Great Valley Museum, Modesto

Ripon Social Club, Ripon

Strings Italian Cafe Modesto

Prospect Theater Project, Modesto

Turlock Community Theatre

SpeakEasy Lounge, Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Dying Breed Brewing, Oakdale

The State Theatre, Modesto

Stanislaus County

Dutch Hollow Farms, Modesto

West Side Theatre, Newman

The Boardroom, Modesto

MJC East Campus

MJC East Campus

Whisky River Saloon, Atwater

Gallio Center for the Arts

Secret Garden, Modesto

Sandy Maule

Senual Sabbath

The Integrated Actor The Revolutionists

We Own the Laughs

Western Bound

April 6th

All That Jazz Brunch

Breakfast with the Bunny

Chris Botti

FOE

From Princess to Pirate Karaoke

Karaoke

Karaoke

Karaoke

Karaoke

Karaoke

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Local Launch Los Dos Carnales

Melodies & Mimosas

Modesto Nuts vs San Jose

Modesto Skate Nights

Modesto Youth Talent Showcase

Open Mic

Open Mic

Sunday Breakfast

The Revolutionists

Zoey Rae

April 7th

Gotcha Singing

Karaoke

League Night

April 8th

2nd Tuesday Poetry

Bachata Lessons Bunco

Clovis King Karaoke

Jamie Byous Karaoke

Karaoke

Matt Davis Open Mic

Stanislaus Fly Fishers Meeting

Veterans Coffee

The Fruit Yard, Modesto lo fi lounge, Modesto

Prospect Theatre Project, Modesto

Prospect Theater Project, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

The Udder Place, Turlock

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto

Stanislaus County

Dave & Busters, Modesto

Gallo Center for the Arts

Eagles Hall, Modesto

MJC East Campus

CR2 Bar, Modesto

Torri, Modesto

The Reef, Ceres

Secret Garden, Modesto

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Nino’s Modesto

Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto

Persuasion Brewing, Modesto

Stanislaus County Fairgrounds

The Queen Bean Coffee & Social House

John Thurman Field, Modesto

Johansen HS, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

Pesuasion Brewing, Modesto

The Queen Bean Coffee & Social House

VFW Post 3199, Modesto

Prospect Theater Project, Modesto Gusto Italiano, Modesto

Donoby’s Bar. Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

The Smart Axe Modesto, Modesto

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Modesto Senior Citizens Center

VFW Post 3199, Modesto

Strings Italian Cafe Modesto

The Udder Place, Turlock

Low Key Saloon, Modesto Wildfire Pub House, Modesto

The Partisan, Merced

Touloumne River Lodge, Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Urbano California Bistro, Modesto

Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock

The Standard Pub, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

Splash Bar, Modesto

Obrien’s Tavern, Modesto

Secret Garden, Modesto

Bookies, Modesto

Persuasion Brewing, Modesto

The Brave Bull, Modesto

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

The Queen Bean Coffee & Social House

3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank

Denny’s, 1525 McHenry Ave, Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Mountain Mike Pizza, Ripon

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P Wexford’s Pub, Modesto

Persuasion Brewing, Modesto

El Torito, Modesto Torii, Modesto

Main Street Inn, Ripon

The Udder Place, Turlock

White Elephant Lounge, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

Dust Bowl, Turlock

Modesto County Library

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

Twisted Pig, Modesto

The Crooked Spur, Oakdale

Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Stanislaus County Library Facebook

SpeakEasy Lounge, Modesto

San Joaquin County Fairgrounds

Eagles Hall, Modesto

Knockin’ Boots, Modesto

Karaoke

Karaoke

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Karaoke with Seve and Marcella

Knights Ferry Car Show

Marcella Arguello

Matt Davis

Modesto Certified Farmers Market

Modesto Mystic Fair

Modesto Nuts vs San Jose

Old School with Dj Dtrix

Poetry Night

Pollinator Festival

Frontier Club, Patterson

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Torri, Modesto

The Moose , Modesto

Main Street, Knights Ferry

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

Gusto’s Italiano, Modesto

Modesto Public Library

Masonic Hall, Modesto

John Thurman Field, Modesto

Knockin Boots, Modesto

Queen Bean Coffee House, Modesto

LaLoma Native Garden

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

VFW Post 3199, Modesto

Unitarian Church, Modesto, CA

Modesto Senior Citizens Center

Secret Garden, Modesto Torri, Modesto

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Obrians Tavern, Modesto

The Reef, Modesto

Gallo Center for the Arts

MJC East Campus, Modesto

John B. Allard, Ceres

Nations Burger, Modesto

OVER 500 LOCAL EVENTS LISTED EVERY MONTH CALENDAR VIEW

Sandy

Veterans

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The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Ricardo Campero Arts Center, Ceres

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Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

Smyrna Park, Ceres

The Udder Place, Turlock

Spotlight Lounge, Modesto

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Frontier Club, Patterson

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Modesto Public Library

Gallo Center for the Arts

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McHenry Museum, Modesto Blaker Brewing, Ceres

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Ricardo Campero Arts Center, Ceres

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Torri, Modesto

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Obrians Tavern, Modesto

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Greens on Tenth, Modesto

Nations Burger, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Strings Italian Cafe Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Five Window Beer Co., Lodi

The Boardroom, Modesto

MoRo Music Garden, Modesto

Graceada Park, Modesto

Dutch Hollow Farms, Modesto

Whitmore Park, Modesto

Modesto County Library

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

Secret Garden, Modesto

Frontier Club, Patterson

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

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The State Theatre, Modesto VFW Post 3199, Modesto Delicioso Bistro, Modesto

80’s

Bookies Bar & Grill, Modesto Donoby’s Bar. Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

The Smart Axe Modesto, Modesto

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Low Key Saloon, Modesto

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The Partisan, Merced Stanislaus County Veterans Center

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Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock

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Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Mountain Mike Pizza, Ripon

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White Elephant Lounge, Modesto 108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Dust Bowl, Turlock Modesto County Library

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Gallo Center for the Arts

Banda Machos y Banda

Funstrummers Play Along Hand & Foot Card

Insane Wayne Jackson Karaoke

Gusto’s Italiano, Modesto

Modesto Public Library

John Thurman Field, Modesto Knockin Boots, Modesto

Cloud 9 Collections, Merced

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Out of Bounds, Atwater

CR2 Bar, Modesto Torri, Modesto

The Reef, Ceres

Secret Garden, Modesto

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Nino’s Modesto

Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto

Modesto Nuts vs Inland

John Thurman Field, Modesto

Johansen HS, Modesto

Pesuasion Brewing, Modesto

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108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

The Smart Axe Modesto, Modesto

Food Fix Butcher, Modesto

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VFW Post 3199, Modesto

Strings Italian Cafe Modesto

The Udder Place, Turlock

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Wildfire Pub House, Modesto

The Partisan, Merced

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Urbano California Bistro, Modesto

Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock

The Standard Pub, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

Splash Bar, Modesto

Obrien’s Tavern, Modesto

Secret Garden, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Bookies, Modesto

Persuasion Brewing, Modesto

The Brave Bull, Modesto

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank

Denny’s, 1525 McHenry Ave, Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Mountain Mike Pizza, Ripon

The Queen Bean Coffee & Social House

P Wexford’s Pub, Modesto

Persuasion Brewing, Modesto

El Torito, Modesto

Torii, Modesto

Main Street Inn, Ripon

The Udder Place, Turlock

White Elephant Lounge, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

Dust Bowl, Turlock

Modesto County Library

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

The Crooked Spur, Oakdale

Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Melodies & Mimosas

Modesto Skate Nights Open Mic

RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles RockIt Music Show

Rogue One A Star Wars Story

Solo A Star Wars Story

Star Wars A New Hope Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Star Wars Return of the Jedi Sunday Breakfast Tea Noelle

April 28th

Gotcha Singing

Karaoke League Night

April 29th

Bachata Lessons Bunco

Clovis King Karaoke Karaoke Karaoke Matt Davis

Modesto Nuts vs San Jose Open Mic

Veterans Coffee & Donuts

April 30th

Classic Rock Wednesday

Clovis King Karaoke

Gotcha Singing

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Spotlight Lounge, Modesto Secret Garden, Modesto Frontier Club, Patterson

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Knockin’ Boots, Modesto

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Riverbank Golden Ages

Persuasion Brewing, Modesto

The Brave Bull, Modesto

John Thurman Field, Modesto

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca 3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank

Objects in the Rear View Mirror are closer than you think! We always like to look forward at ModestoView, but some great things happened last month. Please tag your pictures #modestoview so we can share them and maybe they will be here.

1.  Travis from Track 424 celebrating St. Patrick’s at Twisted Pig

2.  Gotcha Covered rocked the P. Wexford St. Patrick’s

3. Ryan Foy introduces the Gallo Center Rep presentation of Boeing Boeing

4. Andy Grammer delivered a great show at the Gallo Center

5.  Clint and Hondo make St. Patrick’s Day great at P. Wexford’s

6.  The Blue Line rocks Shamrock’d at Twisted Pig

7. Steve Perry and Mike Kelly are all smiles for St. Patrick’s

8. Keith Cole of Flying Blind rocks the stage at Sideline’s / Whisky Jacks

9. Stephanie Foster and family join Lisa Gotelli and Keith Cole at the Modesto Farmer’s Market

10. Matt Brown of Flying Blind sings the hits at Sideline’s / Whisky Jacks

11. Justin, Kristi, Hailee, and Natalee Bethel celebrate the finish of the Modesto Marathon 5K

12.  Shruthi Gopal, Josefina Zamora, and Jeremy Givens take top honors for the Visit Modesto Van Gogh photo contest.

13.  The Gallo Center reflects the best sunsets.

14. Mike Callizo, Dale Boyett, Tony Pineiro , Brandon McCarty, Rebecca Ellis and Chris Murphy celebrate the green at P. Wexfords.

15. CBS News Emily Cook interviews Kim West at Robert’s Ferry for Almond Blossom Cruise.

16. The St. Patrick’s bicycle pub crawl  arrives at Churchkey.

17. Brian Gini, Damon Robbins and Maeve, Paul Tremayne and Casey Hogue at the Modesto Farmer’s Market.

18. Wes, Laura, Coach Colin, Brandon and Chris get their green on at Fuzio.

19. Stellar cast performance for the Gallo Repertory presentation of Boeing Boeing

20. Mayor Sue Zwahlen delivers the 2025 State of the City with the Modesto City Council

21. Micheal Mrgudic wins the 2025 Modesto Marathon in 2:32

22. Todd Aaronson of Visit Modesto cruises CBS News Emily Cook for an Almond Blossom news feature seen around the world.

Credit: Chris Murphy: 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 MJ Mangano: 2, 4, 5, 21 Steve Perry: 1, 6, 7 Visit Modesto: 15, 22

REAR VIEW