Fresno, recognize: Valley Music Hall of Fame + Central Valley Music Awards
Plus, your weekly events calendar
Remember that time Fresno didn’t have a music festival, and then someone said, “why doesn’t Fresno have a music festival?” and within a few years there was the F.U.S.E Fest and Catacomb Party, Summer Sweat, Grizzly Fest (and also Spanspek and Taste of Arts)?
Now, remember when Patrick Contreras was like “How can Fresno not have a local Hall of Fame? And also some kind of yearly award show?” and then some people jumped on the idea and three years later here we are with both.
This week, the nonprofit Valley Music Hall of Fame announced its inaugural class, which will be honored with a televised presentation 8 p.m. Sept. 3 on CMAC.
Also, this week voting got underway for the Central Valley Music Awards, which will present awards in more than a half dozen categories at a red carpet event Nov. 6 at Visalia Convention Center.
The Hall of Fame hits big with its first class.
The five inductees represent a timeline of the music scene stretching back to the 1940s and offer a reminder of what an influential place the Central Valley once was and can continue to be (in its output of artists into the world, at any rate).
It’s nice to remember that musicians outside the area study (and perform) works written by area composers and that some hugely popular stars grew and lived in Fresno (including one you can see, in the theaters on the big screen, right now).
Organizing a localized award show has to be an immense undertaking with high chances of massive slap back from artists who might not think they’re being fairly represented.
It seems problematic in the same way that “Battle of the Bands” are problematic (this from someone who has played and never won several battle of the bands).
It could be more problematic perhaps because there are so many artists performing at different levels and it’s tough to get a cross section that accurately represents the best of the whole.
Like: How can this be the best of anything when you’re favorite band isn’t anywhere to be seen?
That said, looking at the nominations, the Central Valley Music Awards seems to have tapped the various genres fairly well (though some of the categories like country are pretty slim).
At the very least, it seems like a good place to introduce yourself to new artists in the area. Hopefully it can also serve as a place for the local scene to connect some. Because, everyone likes a good party, right?
Events list Aug. 22-29
Paul Cauthen, with Aaron Raitiere, Wednesday, Aug. 25, Fulton 55. $35-$40.
Guapdad4000, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, Strummer’s. $20-$75. All ages.
Lighter Shade of Brown + Miriah Avila, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, Tioga Sequoia. $25.
Rauw Alejandro, 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, Rainbow Ballroom. $100.
The Sinners and Lady T and the Rockits, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, Fulton 55. $10.
La Banda el Recodo, 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, the Big Fresno Fair. $60.
That’s it for this week. If you have anything you think I need to be looking at or listening to, feel free to let me know: jtehee@gmail.com