Published in the June 25-July 8, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Mark Fenichel
One thing about the Fourth of July besides the barbecues, family gatherings, time off work, friends and patriotism, is the music. From the Star Spangled Banner to live rock and roll bands, nothing beats gathering with the community to see the fireworks and hear the sounds of live local music. The Freedom Fest Fireworks on the Green is going to be bigger and better than ever.
The action happens at the Outdoor Sports Center on Condit Road. The music begins at 1 p.m. and runs all day, into the evening and resumes after the last fireworks have faded over the skyline.
The day’s music schedule:
1 to 2:30 p.m. – Red Glare (hard rock)
2:30 to 3 p.m. – Austin Corini (X-Factor contestant)
3 to 4:15 p.m. – Pedals and Pistols (all girl rock-a-billy)
4:15 to 4:45 p.m. – Austin Corini (X-Factor contestant)
4:45 to 6 p.m. – The Kelly McDonald Band (country rock)
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Just Picked String Band (bluegrass)
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – The Dadz
Fireworks go off at dark and more music will follow the firework show.
One of the very best places to view the fireworks while sipping a margarita is Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant.
They are the nearest restaurant, have a great view and tasty south-of-the-border food. Get there early for a prime spot. Also on July 4, I will be performing with blues guitarist/vocalist David Ebersole from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Trail Dust.
Come enjoy the music and awesome food with plenty of time to make it to the firework show.
• • •
On another note, the GVA Cafe’s Wednesday Night acoustic open mic with Chris & Friends is becoming one of the strongest live music nights in downtown Morgan Hill. I dropped in last week to a packed house full of musicians eager to show their stuff and listeners enjoyed every moment of the wide variety of music.
Some great musicians were in the house, including Janet and Mike Thompson, Steve Barbour, The Kevin and Anne duo, Rockin’ McGhee, Rey Trevino of the South Bay Folk, Chris O’Connor and many others.
Chris is really all about the music, making sure the musicians have a good time, ensuring the patrons are entertained with high quality sound and just keeping a good vibe throughout the room. Gelato, coffee drinks, and desserts were flowing as the music wafted through the open doors.
Chris & Friends open mic is open to all styles and it’s a great place to hang out for free live music fro 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday. See you there!
Contact Mark Fenichel at (408) 410-4782 or at [email protected]
