Published in the November 23- December 6, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

holiday-parade-mhWith the holidays upon us, I like to think of this as a good time to reflect on all the great music I got to experience and play in the last 11 months. With more than 100 performances and another 35 open mics, recording sessions and sit-in invitations from various bands, duos and solo artists I do also think of all the wonderful musicians we lost this year.

Local band The Northern Rebels is opening at The Ritz in San Jose on Dec. 2 for the Miles Schon Band. Miles is the son of rock legend Neal Schon of Journey, and Madison Cain, daughter of Jonathan Cain also from Journey, will be singing with his band. Five dollars from every ticket sold goes directly toward the YWCA Silicon Valley, as does 100 percent of the proceeds from the silent auction and raffle prizes.

Some great silent auction items include a signed Buster Posey jersey, a guitar autographed by Miles Schon, winery events, fine wines and lots of other raffle items. Tickets and more information are available at www.theritzsanjose.com.

The Hill Bar & Grill in downtown Morgan Hill has new owners and I am told they are working on major improvements including better food and more food selections.
They own Margarita’s and know how to do food. They are also looking into putting in more live music which is very much needed in downtown Morgan Hill. The Hill is now open for lunch and dinner. Check them out and put them on your radar for a good time in downtown Morgan Hill.

Live music is coming right down the center of town as bands will be playing and floats will feature music at our 31st annual Holiday Light Parade which comes through town Dec. 3.
For the finale, Santa will be leading everyone to the ceremonial lighting of our town Christmas tree. The event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is free for the entire family.

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On another note, Rejoice! That’s Crossroads Christian School’s Annual Christmas Musical and Open House will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. There will be performances from all ages including preschoolers to 5th graders. There will also be performances from the musical worship band, the school’s Eagles Cheerleaders, 3rd Grade Recorders, and school wide choir classes.

If you like to travel to San Jose to see Christmas In the Park, the San Jose Jazz Holiday Concert Series will be there every Thursday in December. Known as San Jose Jazz Thursdays, the event takes place every Thursday at 7 p.m. at Plaza de Cesar Chavez on the Community Stage (194 Market St, San Jose). Featured throughout the month will be SJZ High School All Stars, Progressions Elementary Students & Teachers, and SJZ Summer Jazz Camp All Stars w/faculty musicians.

If you have a musical tip, let me know at [email protected].