Published in the April 16-29, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

Grab your lawn chairs and plan to take off work a little early on Fridays this summer. The 2014 Friday Night Music Series is coming together and the bands are in place, according to music coordinators Nick and Rich Firato.

The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce offer eleven weeks of free music every Friday from June 13 through Aug. 29 at the Downtown Amphitheater.

As an added feature this year, the series will employ local solo acoustic artists to open the show from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Opening acts include Steve Barbour, Janet Thompson, Aprylle Gilbert and Jeff Smith. The bands will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. and according to sources this will be the strongest line-up ever. Here’s what to expect: June 13 — The Jesse Charles Band, June 20 — Rodeo House, June 27 — Busta Groove, July 11 — Extra Large, July 18 — Shane Dwight, July 25 — Soul Kiss, Aug. 1 — Sugadady, Aug. 8 — The Usual Suspects, Aug. 15 — Entourage, Aug. 22 — Super Bad, and the final show of the series Aug. 29 — Sage.

On another note, plans are in the works from ARTTEC USA for a very large concert at the Downtown Amphitheater in August headlined by a very famous heavyweight harder rock band from the ‘80s. More details to follow soon.

The Thursday Night Downtown Music Series is seeking sponsors to help fund the series. If you have a business to promote or a donation, contact Raquel Crowell at the Morgan Hill Downtown Association at (408) 779-3190 for details.

The Downtown Thursday Farmers Market at Third St. and Monterey Road. now has live entertainment in addition to the freshest local selection of fruits, veggies and much more every Thursday with music beginning at 4 p.m.

The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce still has a few tickets for the annual food and music event “The Cove Goes Western” Saturday May 17 at Morgan’s Cove. Call the chamber at (408) 779-9444.

88 Keys Café continues to offer free live music five nights a week (Wednesday through Sunday) and an all new spring menu. Owners Susan and Mark Gaetano have asked me to kick off the month of May with the Mark Fenny/Scott T. Miller Acoustic Duo from 7 to 9 p.m. Chef Jonathan Toste’s food is excellent and the music is always free.

GVA Café is quickly becoming the hub of downtown live music and now features a weekly acoustic open mic every Wednesday from 6:30 9:30 p.m. headed up by Chris O’Connor and friends.

The quality and variety of music is extremely impressive and always free.

If you have a live local music tip send it to me today by emailing [email protected].