Published in the August 20 – September 3, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Mark Fenichel
On my way to check out Chris & Friends Open Mic at GVA Cafe I decided to stop by the Wednesday Night ARTTEC produced mid-week concert series at the Downtown Amphitheater.
It was a true surprise to see Burnin’ Vernon and his good rocking trio Aftermath putting out everything from R&B standards and funky dance tunes to songs like Prince’s “Purple Rain” and various classic rock nuggets. Vernon Davis is well known for his fabulous vocal range and precise guitar work.
His rock solid bass player Warren Anthony is well on top of his game and adds in perfect harmonies too. I understand their original drummer was able to join them for this night to complete this powerful trio.
I ran into Polo Jones whose excellence as a sound engineer really came through with crisp, clear sound cutting through the evening breeze like a hot knife through cold cheese
ARTTEC will continue with Wednesday free concerts through the rest of the month, culminating with its final Saturday night extravaganza Aug. 30 featuring headliner Survivor and other bands as well.
The ARTTEC crew went through a great deal of trouble rebuilding the stage and adding professional lighting and sound. I wish that set up could be there for all the shows on that stage throughout the summer.
The Friday night music series has only two more shows. Superbad on Aug. 22 and Sage with the final show of the season Aug. 29.
If you have not yet had a chance to experience the 2014 series, stop by and see why thousands of people have been packing the place, listening to great music, dancing the night away and enjoying a glass of wine or beer. Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Rich Firato has done a truly brilliant job of supplying Morgan Hill with a great variety of high quality acts and interesting openers.
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On another note, the Saturday Morgan Hill Farmer’s Market on Third and Depot streets always seems to have great musicians playing for four hours. If you are not aware, their compensation is minimal as it is for most musicians in restaurants, clubs and coffee houses.
So make sure when you walk by, show your appreciation with a little something in their tip jar and know that as a musician, your kind donation will be so very much appreciated and the music will sound better because the musicians will likely be happier.
Send your music items and notes to Mark “Fenny”Fenichel at [email protected].
