Summer’s almost here...REALLY?!...and the time is right...

...for dancing and other activities in the street!

The weather is turning (maybe)! The days are getting longer and starting this week Main Street Martinez will again host the Fridays on the Main Car Shows, I must say there’s a great small town casual feel to this event. The show is open to anyone who wishes to bring their vehicles down and display them all to see. Every Friday beginning about 5 p.m. Main Street is closed to traffic from Ferry to Alhambra and show participants take over, find a space to park display style (you’ll get the idea) and set up for the enthusiasts as well as the gawkers. There’s usually a few car clubs out and about but also just those who have a vehicle they are proud to display - I’ve seen a boat, a horse, several tractors as well as ... actually I’m not really sure what it was, but it was really cool and I’m glad I saw it. The bottom line is the “show” as it were is what the participants make it and is open to everyone who wants to be a part.  This season the series will begin June 3 and end August 26; the official show time is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

My real interest is the music and there’s going to be music again this year down in what I like to call the plaza bowl, a move made last year that created more concert like setting and allowed people to gather on the grassy slopes or sit on the wall and be a bit more comfortable while they enjoyed the music. The scheduled lineup this year is jam packed with local talent and all acts have a Martinez connection. In addition the summer is sure to include a few surprises and special appearances, the complete lineup is below and also available here.

 I’d like to send a call out to anyone planning to attend or participate to visit the downtown Martinez merchants and encourage their participation - I’ve always felt the event could be a great way to get the downtown corridor hopping!  If you’re coming to the show I think you agree it’d be great to see not just the restaurants open - maybe offering “FOTM takeaway picnic specials” that could be easily enjoyed while strolling main or hanging’ out in the plaza? But maybe more local merchants staying open late taking part perhaps even they could be offering FOTM specials.  How can we convince merchants to take part and stay open? Duh, we can patronize them, its a two way street -albeit closed to traffic during the car show...if no one visits them why stick around so please at least pop your head in the door and find out what they have to offer you might like what you find and it can’t hurt just to look. The performers providing entertainment all volunteer their time for this so come out and show your appreciation, listen for a bit, encourage others to do likewise maybe even drop a dollar or two in the tip jar. Anyone want to sponsor a band(s)? or maybe donate raffle prizes in exchange for advertising? As one of the organizers and performers I encourage any downtown merchant interested to contact me regarding cross promotion or other ways to participate, we should work together, this event should benefit everyone and the more reasons people have to come downtown the more the entire community can benefit - 

Fridays on the Main Music Schedule - subject to change.

June 3  - Hopeful Romantics

June 10 - GarageLand Rodeo

June 17 - Voltones

June 24 - Azure Moon

July 1 - No Show tonight- we'll see you at the 4th of July Parade!

July 8 - Tone Pony

July 15 - Rockinghorse w/So What!

July 22 - Hopeful Romantics

July 29 - So What!

August 5 - Azure Moon

August 12 - Tone Pony

August 19 - Voltones

August 26  - GarageLand Rodeo

And the car show isn't the only place you'll find music in or near town this weekend

Tthe Station this weekend is featuring Mostly Sonny Friday and Saturday night and Billy Martini Unplugged Sunday - both these bands were part of Aprils Craft Brew Festival entertainment lineup along with my band GarageLand Rodeo - which I would like to add are scheduled to be at the Warehouse Cafe in Port Costa Sunday afternoon...weather permitting...the Station will also host the Tuesday Blues Jam on...Ttuesday... Steve Star is holding open Mic Friday and Sunday night at Rays’ Lounge.....Armando’s is ALWAYS hosting great music so you should also hop down there and check it out!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again... Martinez is your town so get out there and make something of it - be a part, try something new, make things happen...