The 90s saw an end to cruising, a new renaissance of downtown Modesto thanks to the Modesto Downtown Improvement District, Tresetti’s, Deva, and the State Theatre. ![]() Cruising was one big giant gridlock in those days and got bigger as it became sanctioned with Graffiti Night events and concerts. Former Modesto Bee photographer Al Golub had a front row seet to the Modesto of the 70s and 80s and his photos really capture the spirit of the day. It was quite the sight when Grease played at the Briggsmore and then you cruised afterwards. McHenry was the place to be and Graffiti night would bring the crowds and cars back to 10th and 11th St over the years, but for most, it was 5 points all the way out to Mervyns or Gemco to turn around. And through all of this, Kid Guitar was there looking for a bikini wearing bass player.Ĭruising was a huge part of Modesto’s history and it was going strong and even bigger than ever in the 70s. Now superfamous, Matt Nathanson got his start in his many Modesto gigs downtown and showcasing the annual Acoustic Christmas shows at the State. The local metal scene thrived, with Built, Nothing But Losers and Fissure. In the late 90s and through the 2000s, the scene really began to catch on with the help of B93 FM that presented annual Summerfests, local bands like Flying Blind, UVR, Built, Puffin Billies, Tara Tinsley, Hollopoynt, The Evening News (now Stop Motion Poetry) Megan Slankard were showcased side by side with national acts. Venues like the Mustang, Dirty Duck and Charlie’s is where it was happening. ![]() In the 90s, bands like Fathom, Built Like Alaska, DAM & took hold and the super innovative and critically acclaimed Grandaddy found fame around the world while operating out of Modesto. As Day on the Green brought the superstars to Oakland, Mountain Aire brought the big bands to the foothills and Oakwood Lake had great summer concerts. Bands like the Lights, Jet Red, Visitor and Raven brought the rock and bands like Collage and Strayheart delivered the new wave. The Disco age saw the conversion of the Pavilion to the Sports Page, the Black Angus was jumpin’, teen discos like Charlie Tuna’s brought in the crowds as well as Gilligan’s. Local bands California Zephyr, Countryside, Silvermoon, and Homegrown became local household words. The Modesto Ice Rink had a string of great shows including Fleetwood Mac in ‘76, Pablo Cruise, Hagar and more. As the 70s evolved into the 80s and the department stores abandoned downtown for the mall, the venues changed, with the Pavilion opening on Prescott, The Vintage opened in downtown and the Tree Frog and Carmen’s became the places to be and the legendary Fable Room in the basement of the Covell Hotel became Dazzles Underground. Back in In 1965, local musician Gary Duncan moved from the Ratz to Quicksilver Messenger Service and Modesto’s proximity to the bay area provided good access to bands that lasted well into the 70s. The California Ballroom, the Fable Room, the Amory, and the Playhouse were jumpin’ and besides wrestling, the Uptown Arena had concerts too, even hosting Montrose, led by Sammy Hagar. ![]() Nightclubs like the Purple Turnip brought in bands from everywhere, and 10th and 11th Streets were the places to be. There is an excellent recording of this show here: /03-28-1969 Word is that the Grateful Dead spent the night at the Covell Hotel. Earlier in the 60s, bands like the Ratz, Eisage, Nimitz Freeway, Weathervane and others shared the stage with the big name bands, Van Morrison and Them in 1966, and then new to the scene, The Doors in 1967 at the Ice Rink, and then in the spring of 1969, an amazing show by the Grateful Dead at MJC that featured local musicians (see note from Michael Lingg). Modesto Junior College, Merced College and the fledgling Stanislaus State brought a lot of music and students to the area, bands were plentiful and there were a couple of cool venues to host creative shows, many that attracted big name artists, sharing the stage with our locals. 1969 was also a creative space in Modesto USA. Along with Elvis and the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, this was one of history’s greatest music happenings. Nothing showed this to the world like Woodstock Festival, held in August 1969. 1969 was a time of great music, expanded awareness and horizons.
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