Published in the June 8 – 21, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Mark Fenichel
The music scene is ever growing in Morgan Hill. Now that the Morgan Hill Chamber Of Commerce’s Friday Night Music Series has kicked it off with their first of 13 weeks completed, it seems like summer is really here. Mama Mia’s has begun their Thursday Night On The Patio music series. (Please note: I will be the featured artist on the patio this from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday June 9 with my musical partner Nancy Wendstrum. It’s a great place to hang out and drink a little and eat a lot.) 88 Keys continues with live music nightly along with their fabulous menu and full bar.
Still a little ways away will be the opening of Frank Leal’s Granada complex which will include a 300 seat room for music, theater, weddings and other events. There’ll be a full bar and valet parking at the 60-room hotel with a second-floor pool and a flower shop, too.
I just got the word that GVA Cafe will be turning their Lounge music venue next door into a combined music and art venue as GVA owner Renee Carillo joins forces with artist Jeanie Watson of the Morgan Hill Art Gallery to create a new space with an interior make-over. Look for this place to become a very nice space with ever-changing art while continuing to bring a wide range of bands and musicians both acoustic and electric into this town — music, art and food covering all the senses.
I really enjoy the opportunity to see many of my San Jose music friends come to Morgan Hill and perform here. In fact, make sure to put June 18 on your calendar to see the San Jose-based rock and blues-based band LenCat at the GVA Cafe from 8 to 11 p.m. Not only do these guys have some wild songs, but I have seen them having more fun than they should be having at their shows. If you are looking for some fun and great music check them out.
There are also some great music learning opportunities for children and young adults.
Music As Language, the music school run by Majhon Phillips, will be presenting “The Magic of Music” summer camp for ages 5-16 July 18-22 from 8 a.m. to noon each day. This five-day summer camp will enrich all participants.
Everyone will have the opportunity to create professional recordings, original songs, group and solo performances, and art based on their new knowledge in music. Students will be divided into separate groups according to their age. The camp will end with an after-hours party at Music As Language on Friday, July 22 to showcase performances, art, and recordings from all the participants and teachers.
The cost is $300 per participant and includes all materials and light refreshments. It’s a very worthwhile opportunity. You can contact Majhon at (408) 782-4793 or email her at [email protected]
Michelle Moyer of The Music In Motion has a week-long music learning program called Summer Camp 2016 which is an intensive training where you will get to bring two songs and work directly with her.
In addition, you will get to record the in a professional sound studio to create your own MP3 and perform at the GVA cafe as well as live streaming your performance.
Then you get to perform at the Friday Night Morgan Hill Music Series at the Amphitheater. Camp Dates run June 20 to 24, June 27 to July 1, July 25 to 29 and Aug. 1 to 5. She accepts children and young adults ages 10 – 18. The cost is $250 and runs Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition to working on individual solos, campers will have the opportunity to learn group songs and choreography that they will get to perform. For more details contact Michelle Moyer at [email protected] (408) 461-0287.
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On another note: Most Wednesdays through the end of August, Guglielmo Winery throws a free party called Vines & Vibes from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. They have a big dance floor, covered patio with lots of seating, a big stage, fantastic wines for sale and creative cuisine from local caterers as well as food trucks with specialty foods. For more information, visit www.guglielmowinery.com.
Got a music tip? Email Mark “Fenny” Fenichel at [email protected].
