Published in the June 21 – July 4, 2017 of Morgan Hill Life

By Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

Alana Bautista

Here we are, going into the summer months and the music scene has stepped up a notch with more events and more music shows in the South Valley. Singer songwriter guitarist, uke player and vocalist Alana Lynn (Bautista) will be back home from Austin for a short visit to play a few shows for her hometown friends, family and fans. She will perform Friday, June 23, at Sarah’s Vineyard and the following week June 30 at GVA Cafe in Morgan Hill. She is one beautiful singer with an array of original songs and covers many other artists as well.

She may even pop up at the Wednesday night Chris & Friends open mic at GVA where she got her start a few years ago.re we are, going into the summer months and the music scene has stepped up a notch with more events and more music shows in the South Valley. Singer songwriter guitarist, uke player and vocalist Alana Lynn (Bautista) will be back home from Austin for a short visit to play a few shows for her hometown friends, family and fans. She will perform Friday, June 23, at Sarah’s Vineyard and the following week June 30 at GVA Cafe in Morgan Hill. She is one beautiful singer with an array of original songs and covers many other artists as well. She may even pop up at the Wednesday night Chris & Friends open mic at GVA where she got her start a few years ago.

• • •

The Thursday Night on the Patio Series at Mama Mia’s is in full swing weekly from 6 to 9 p.m. with different acoustic musicians, great food, full bar and a totally kid-friendly atmosphere. There is no charge for the music and a wonderful way to expose your children to live music and delicious pizza. I will be the featured act this week with my Cook ‘n Fenny duo playing folk, roots, blues, country, Americana and original songs from the heart. We will also be doing the acoustic opener for the Houserockers at the Friday Night Music series which is going strong and running through Sept. 1 with Entourage closing the series.

• • •

Beginning Sunday June 25 there will be live acoustic music weekly through the end of August at the 3rd Street Garage Music Series. You can enjoy the relaxing seating area next to The Coffee Guys and Orange Theory Fitness while sipping an iced tea and relaxing with live music. This music series is presented by Orange Theory Fitness and The Coffee Guys with a special thanks to the city of Morgan Hill for approving this project so quickly.

• •  •

The Freedom Fest Fourth of July Fireworks on the Green display will be blowing it up this year at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center, 16500 Condit Road, located between Tennant and E. Dunne avenues. Gates will open at 5 p.m. so you can come on in and set up a good viewing spot for the music and fireworks. The music starts at 6 p.m. with One Country followed by the Patriotic Sing at 7:30 p.m. and then more music with The Hackjammers at 8 p.m. playing right up until the fireworks begin about 9:30 p.m.

• • •

The 70th Annual Hollister Independence Rally will be going from June 30 to July 3 with live music including Caravanserai, Charlie Brechtel Band, Skynnyn Lynnyrd, Cruella, Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers, Cougrzz, Lucky Tongue, and The Fog City Swampers. Also many food vendors, poker runs, and more motorcycles than you have ever seen in one place.

• • •

The 36th Annual Fountain Blues Festival will once again be featuring young and older blues artists to carry on the tradition established in 1981 by local blues promoter Ted Gehrke. This year’s line-up includes three-time Grammy nominee R&B singer Betty LaVette, local favorite Maxx Cabello Jr., Fillmore Slim, and Elvin Bishop. The event takes place on June 24 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose. For more information go to www.fountainblues.com.

• • •

Guglielmo Winery has just kicked off their Summer music Series Vines & Vibes which happens every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. You can sit under the shade of the big tent and enjoy top bands, superb barbecue from Ricky’s Grill and delicious wine selections. Check out the coupon on page 18 in this paper for $5 off a bottle of wine or Champagne. The event and the dancing is free each week through Aug. 23. www.guglielmowinery.com.

• • •

The Sunset Music Series at Sarah’s Vineyard is on now through the summer every Friday. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy live music in a beautiful setting with award-winning varietals. www.sarahsvineyard.com.

• • •

Gilroy comes alive every Friday with their music series Fifth Street Live. The event features a Farmer’s Market (3:30 to 7 p.m.), Moveable Feast food trucks rolling in about 5 p.m. and a live music stage with different bands each week. They will also be featuring a car show later in the summer. Visit www.gilroywelcomecenter.org for more information.

If you have a tip about live music this summer reach me at [email protected].