MORGAN HILL
– Friday Night Music is back for a summer of rhythm and smiles,
but it could use some help.
MORGAN HILL – Friday Night Music is back for a summer of rhythm and smiles, but it could use some help.
Beginning today, Canyon Crew kicks off the 11th annual Downtown Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series. The free-to-the-public concerts will offer a different live band every week from 7 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 26.
Canyon Crew, a 5-year-old local group, plays “hot country music” plus some classic rock. Favorite songs on the band’s playlist include “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Jealous Bone,” “Guitar’s and Cadillacs,” “Think about Elvis” and the ever-popular “Ghost Riders.” They also play “Man of Constant Sorrow” and “Sunny Side of Life” from “Oh Brother Where Art Thou.”
The series, produced by the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce with support from DesignFactory Graphics, BookSmart and a host of volunteers, is sponsored in a major way by Wells Fargo Bank and Pacific Union Homes.
But, even with the loyal response from these regular sponsors, the downturn in the economy has put a strain on the fundraising efforts of the FNMS, and they are in desperate need of more sponsors to keep the series alive and growing.
Series organizers also need volunteers to help “set-up and break-down” which includes the street closing, staging, lighting and sound system set-up and operation – and they will train the uninitiated.
The music series has turned Friday nights into a regular block party for Morgan Hill residents and people in-the-know from out of town.
West Second Street is blocked off at Monterey Road to become an open-air stage and a block-long dance floor. Fans begin arriving around 6 p.m. with lawn chairs – securing the best seats before they go off to have dinner or dessert nearby.
Downtown business tend to stay open to allow for extra shopping and dining opportunities, including South Valley Bikes, Gallery Morgan Hill and BookSmart, the source of ice cream and other forms of entertainment during band breaks.
This year’s line-up includes many regular favorite performers as well as a few new groups such as Bambu and The Shane Dwight Blues Band.
The FNMS also welcomes back many of its favorite acts including, JJ Hawg, Red, Beans & Rice, Dave Barretts’ School of the Blues featuring John Garcia, Steve Czarnecki with Nate Pruitt, The Usual Suspects, The Dadz, Fast Lane Band, Kool Kats and many more.
Despite the rumors that the series would be moving from the center of downtown to the new community center’s amphitheater, the series will remain at its long-time home downtown. The decision to keep the FNMS there was based on the overwhelming community feedback to preserve the “street dance” flavor and atmosphere that the FNMS has become to be known for, said Sunday Minnich, executive director of the Chamber.
The outdoor amphitheater at the new community center will be the site of three Sunday “Summer Afternoon” concerts this year, enhancing Morgan Hill’s downtown events. By the summer of 2004, Morgan Hill may be known for its downtown weekend events, The Friday Night Music Series, Saturday Farmers Market and Sunday afternoon concerts at the community center.
The amphitheater will also hear jazz when the Britton Jazz Band hosts “Jazz on the Green”, Friday, June 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Any business, group, or interested individuals who would like to sponsor or contribute to the FNMS can get more information by calling the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce at 779-9444.
The schedule for this year’s FNMS performers can be found at www.morganhill.org or www.yourmorganhill.com.
