Published in the December 10-23, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Mark Fenichel
The month of December offers many live music treats in a variety of places.
To begin with, the South Valley Symphony’s Winter Concert 2014 is always a treat for young and old alike. This year it is “A Rat’s Tale,” the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin from the rat’s perspective. The concert is 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 14 at the Gavilan Theater in Gilroy and kids are free, so pull out your flute and all the neighborhood kids will follow.
The landmark Granada Theatre will be presenting three live music shows. The first is at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 featuring Primary Colors with Nate Pruitt on vocals and Rick Vandivier on guitar and a selection of Nate’s musical friends performing a variety of jazz and blues.
On Dec. 14 it’s Music In Motion’s Holiday performance celebration, an afternoon of holiday cheer with Michelle Moyer and her musical students putting on a wonderful holiday show. Showtime is 3:30 p.m. On Dec. 20 it’s Ron Howard’s “Holiday of Soul” Season Spectacular at 7 p.m.
Plus, Ron has invited special guests including Miles Schon and new singing sensation Kourtney Saneya.
The GVA Cafe has local favorites The Usual Suspect on Friday Dec. 12, blues from Mojo Workin’ Blues Band on Friday Dec. 19, and Swedish guitarist Henrik Martin and his band The Smokin’ Kingsnakes laying down their blend of rock and blues on Saturday Dec. 20.
88 Keys Cafe continues to have live music nearly every night of the week and a special weekend featuring blues/jazz diva Kaye Bohler on Friday Dec. 26 and local musician David Johnson on Saturday Dec. 27. Always a great place to enjoy a savory dining menu, a full bar and some extraordinary live jazz, blues and R&B music.
The Hill Bar and Grill downtown has numerous live DJ’s throughout the month and their Friday live music line-up includes Undercover on Dec. 12 and Burnin’ Vernon on Dec. 19. Don’t overlook The Trail Dust BBQ, one of Morgan Hill’s best kept secrets with craft beers handpicked from all over the country, local wines, and live blues every Friday.
Take note, on Dec. 26 an evening with Randy Sauro and Mark Fenny blends blues, folk, classic rock, roots, Americana, a little Country, and fresh originals.
There is also live music in downtown Gilroy at The Milias Restaurant on 6th and Monterey Street, The Longhouse Restaurant on Monterey Street, the newest music venue Bella Viva Ristorante and Wine Bar in downtown Gilroy on Monterey Street. And every other Friday listen to live acoustic blues, folk, rock and more along with the best barbecue at BBQ 152, also on Monterey Street across the street from The Longhouse.
So enjoy live music, good shopping, and excellent food and drinks this holiday season.
• • •
On another note: Looking to become a musician or have one in the family? Stop by The Music Tree in downtown and check out their selection of instruments and lessons from local artists.
If you have a musical tip, reach me anytime at [email protected] or call me at (408) 410-4782.
