Published in the March 30 – April 12, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Shane Dwight
Mark Fenichel
Break out your lawn chairs and blankets and get out your calendars, the Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series kicks up its heels starting Friday June 3 and runs every Friday for 13 consecutive weeks through Aug. 26.
Rich Firato, former Chamber of Commerce board chairman and a current board member, has succeeded in bringing back some of the very best bands from last season and added some new acts into the mix as well.
His main idea is to get bands that will get people out there dancing and bringing bands that play music everyone can identify with.
There will be a few slight changes, including the bands playing longer and no acoustic opening acts. The Kiwanis folks have also decided to mix it up a bit and add more food variety to their very popular hot dog booth. The children’s vocal and dance programs will still grace the stage prior to each band performance.
The line up goes like this:
• June 3 Entourage are Morgan Hill favorites and will play today’s favorites and yesterday’s classics
• June 10 Soul Kiss will bring their blend of rock, blues, country, and classic rock
• June 17 The Hitmen will mix it up with a variety of funk, soul, disco and Latin rock.
• June 24 Superbad features music from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today.
• July 1 Shane Dwight combines blues, country and rock
• July 8 Pop Fiction plays non-stop dance hits, sing-alongs, and favorites from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and more.
• July 15 KJ All Stars plays Top-40, rock, pop, country, blues, disco, R&B, jazz, Latin and hip-hop Rap.
• July 22 Take 2 plays top hits from the’ 70s, ’80s, ’90s to current chart toppers.
• July 29 Extra-Large is truly a fun band playing soul, funk, reggae and music with a danceable groove.
• Aug. 5 Busta Groove is Northern California’s dance party band.
• Aug. 12 Forejour is a tribute to Journey and Foreigner band and they do it well.
• Aug. 19 The HouseRockers are a 10-piece horn band fusing rock, blues, ’60s funk, soul and R&B
• Aug. 26 Sage plays high quality funk, soul and R&B
The Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series has become one of the largest fundraising efforts for the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce.
This is a free concert and dance party every week and you are highly encouraged to bring your family and friends to the downtown amphitheater. This is a wonderful way to introduce yourself and your children to some of the finest live music the Bay Area has to offer.
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On another note:
I was told that 88 Keys Restaurant will be expanding their live music with larger musical groups to begin following dinner hour and piano music and acoustic music prior.
They will also be offering a late night small plate menu which is a good idea since most food establishments in the area closed or stop serving after 9 p.m.
Come check out my solo show there from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday April 2. The second half of my show will feature special guests siting in. As the weather gets warmer live music will be coming outside at many wineries and restaurants in Morgan Hill and the surrounding area.
Got a music tip. If so, email me at [email protected].
