Published in the November 27, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Photo by Roni Depue
Morgan Hill Life Advertising Director Mark “Fenny” Fenichel and Greg Kihn at Kihn’s signing of his new book at BookSmart Oct. 15.
As we go into the holiday season, what’s happening with live music? Plenty! For those of you that are into the classical music scene, check out the South Valley Symphony’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Dec. 14. The concert is traditionally a holiday concert and this time the symphony invited former music director (1990 – 2000) Jason Klein to conduct Rossini’s “Fantastic Toy Shop” and a German piece called “Vom Himmel Hoch,” which is about Christmas Eve.
Members of the cello section from left, Marilyn George, Pat Meyer, and Grace Worthington. (Photo courtesy South Valley Symphony.)
Anthony Quartuccio will,of course, be the main conductor and music will include traditional carols, a waltz by Johann Strauss and a solo by viola principal Scott Spangler performing Bruch’s Romance for Viola & Orchestra. Let the music take you away. For more information, visit www.southvalleysymphony.org.
If you’re more into classic music and not classical, try the GVA Cafe Friday Nov. 29 featuring “Liver & Onions.” This is not a menu item but their menu has all kinds of eats and desserts, organic coffee, beer, local wine and gelato. GVA Cafe has live music on most Friday and Saturday nights. Friday Dec. 6, Mike Osbourne will solo, and Saturday Dec. 7th there will be music with Rich Bermea and events following the downtown Holiday Light Parade put on by the Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club.
A few doors down from GVA at Champs there are live local bands on most Friday and Saturday nights. Put it in your calendar because Champs will be featuring Kid Dynamite Dec. 5 for the Morgan Hill Downtown Association’s Ladies Night.
On any given Friday night at The Trail Dust BBQ from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. you can find live acoustic blues. Make a note to be there Dec. 6 for barbecue and blues guitar hot shot Nancy Wenstrom accompanied by yours truly on harmonica and guitar.
If bluegrass is your thing, come to the Grange Hall the first, second and last Thursday nights of the month between 6 and 9 pm to play and hear bluegrass music. Beginners, pros, semi-pros…all are welcome.
In addition, the California Bluegrass Association promotes a concert at the Grange on the last Saturday in February every year. It will take place on Feb. 11 next year and feature The Quebe Sisters Band. For more info call (408) 595 -4882.
Members of the Patty Kistner band, from left Bob Cooper (sound engineer), Chris Eaton, Patty Kistner and Andrew Johnson.
Don’t forget, a very easy trip to Gilroy yields live music five nights a week at The Milias Restaurant, as well as acoustic blues and barbecue every other Friday at BBQ152 (call to make sure you have the correct Friday). Right across the street every Friday and Saturday The Patty Kistner Band has been holding court for more than 22 years with her brand of country rock at The Longhouse.
You can always find a very broad variety of live music on Friday and Saturday nights at 9-Lives, live rock and blues at Station 55, and a mix of music at Old City Hall. Check those venues individually to see what’s happening. Live music is happening in the South Valley.
Send your Music in the Air ideas to Fenny at [email protected].
