Music in the Air with Mark Fenichel: There’s more country in Morgan Hill than you might know about

Published in the May 14-27 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

The big music, fun and food event from the Chamber of Commerce is finally here. The Cove Goes Western at Morgan’s Cove is May 17. It is a joint effort by the chamber, Rich Firato, ARTTEC, and others. The theme is country and the food will be barbecue from Fire 4 Hire.

The Cove Goes Western held its inaugural event last year and the 150 or so guests really enjoyed the atmosphere that combined a Peter Pan pirate land adventure while dressed in Western garb. If you’ve never been to Morgan’s Cove, this event is a great way to introduce yourself to the unique pirate “theme park,” which is nestled in the backyard of a quiet east Morgan Hill neighborhood. Its centerpiece is a pirate ship in a small lagoon, a Captain’s Quarters, a poppy jasper mine and a treasure cave. There are also a few new attractions that should surprise visitors attending this year’s Chamber of Commerce fundraiser.

One price gets you dinner  and an evening of live music from Mark Fenny & Scott Miller, a harmonica and guitar duo — they will also be on the Main Stage at the Mushroom Mardi Gras in between acts the first day of that event Memorial weekend — and foot stompin’ music from Michael Gurley & JD Bender. Your ticket also gets you one free drink.

In his more than 30-year career, Michael Gurley has published more than 200 songs and has sold more than 1 million records. His extensive resume includes composing the theme song for Disney’s “American Dragon: Jake Long,” and his music can be heard in many motion pictures including “The Brady Bunch Movie.”

JD Bender is the sole creator of the “Bakerbilly” sound which blends the old time Bakersfield honky tonk with classic ‘50s rockabilly to create the kind of good time country music that makes you want to laugh at your worries, pour another drink and hit the dance floor.
The lighting and sound production will be put together by ARTTEC who train high school age students to learn such work, and they will likely have students on hand to assist with this production.

There are still a limited number of tickets available from the local Chamber. Call (408) 779-9444 or visit www.morganhill.org.
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On another note … South Valley Civic Theatre will be presenting “City Of Angels” May 23 and running through June 14 at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse. For tickets and information go to www.svct.org .