Published in the December 9 – 22, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Mark Fenichel
Since opening the GVA Cafe music hall next door to the cafe, Renee Carrillo and Derek Keuter have welcomed a wide variety of music inside those four walls. From heavy metal bands to acoustic soloists, rock, blues, country, banjo bands, bluegrass outfits, alternative rock acts, horn bands, duos, trios, quartets, spoken word and comedy.
On Saturday 2 p.m. Dec. 19 SC MG and The GVA Cafe will be presenting a benefit concert for all ages to raise money, clothing, toys, common or personal hygiene products, camping goods, blankets and everyday needed things for the families who were victims of the Butte/Valley fires.
The South Valley Musician’s Guild, a group of local musicians, have pooled their talents to create a musical spectacular called Christmas Unplugged to directly help those affected by this massive tragedy.
Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring things to help those in need. Blankets, jackets, gloves, socks, hats, sundries, food and money. This is an all acoustic show with acts including Ken Hearn, Ryan As Kittrell and Demi Moreno, Brad Mayol, Whiskey Bonfire, Alexandra Sempel Band with Boyd Bowdish, Taj Armando Valadez, featuring ultra talented guitarist John Ortiz, and Quarter ‘Till will close the show. They are suggesting a $10 donation at the door in lieu of bringing donated items.
This event promises to be an excellent musical experience for the whole family and it is a worthwhile donation to a very needed cause. Even if you can not make the event, GVA will be accepting donations anytime up through the event.
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On another note, holiday music is in full swing with the South Valley Symphony’s winter concert Holiday Panorama 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 13 at the Gavilan College Theater. This is a great opportunity to expose your children to the music of Tchaikovsky featuring the “Sleeping Beauty Suite,” Mozart with special soprano soloist Milena Georgieva, John Williams “Escapades” for saxophone and orchestra from “Catch Me If You Can” with Greg Chambers soloist, and “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson.
Finally, I will be performing a special solo holiday show 6:30 p.m. at 88 Keys Cafe Saturday Dec. 12 with some help from a few of my friends and a special guest appearance by owner Mark Gaetano sitting in on piano. Come out and enjoy the full bar and great dinner and appetizers. I will be playing many original compositions including my new Christmas song “Christmas Time is my Favorite Time of the Year.”
Got a music tip? Email [email protected].
