This week, both Mosquito Serenade and MarketFest take place for the first time together this summer.
The rockabilly/blues act Jinx Jones takes the stage at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Anderson River Park’s Gaia Amphitheatre for the third Mosquito Serenade event. Event coordinator Ken Hartman sounded excited about the band when I talked to him recently. He figured the huge new dance floor in front of the stage would be packed.
On Thursday, the popular swing/jump blues act Kid-n-Nic kicks off MarketFest in downtown Redding’s Library Park. I get the feeling people are ready for the big hangout that is MarketFest, and Kid-n-Nic should have them dancing. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m.
It’s so excellent to have these two high-quality free events in our area. I’m sure downtown Redding businesses appreciate the spinoff business that occurs from the Thursday series, coordinated by Viva Downtown Redding .
I’ve checked out the first two Mosquito Serenade shows and what an excellent blend they’ve been from the soulful acoustic set of Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson to last week’s show with the Shasta Blues Revue.
The Shasta Blues Revue
It’s nice that Hartman books a quality local act like the Blues Revue, which features keyboardist/vocalist Rick Larsen. I was so impressed to hear that many of the band’s tunes were originals. The set was eclectic and it sounded like a jaunt through classic blues and rock.
Guitarist Marvin Allen was showcased front and center, playing through his new AC30 Vox amp. His big palette of sound contrasted nicely with the Fender-playing Carl Anberg. Drummer Scott Ciucci and bassist Jeff Duart combine to form a super rhythm section.
I consider it a special honor to have played a number of gigs with Marvin, who has taught so many people to play guitar in Shasta County. I get a chance to do it again on Thursday at the Cascade Theatre.
And check out the huge crowd at Mosquito Serenade:
Sometimes people like to have a good time with live music and they like it to be free. Good job Anderson Parks and Rec Department for making this series happen.
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A nice view of Clear Creek Canyon from a rocky viewpoint off the Cloverdale Trail
Our beautiful area is so blessed to have so many great trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. I’m always amazed when I find a new trail that I hadn’t known about before. (I’ve gotta stop saying, “I know all the trails around here.”)
The latest find is the Cloverdale Trail off Cloverdale Road just east of Igo. There are a couple of great loops from this trailhead with some outstanding views of Clear Creek Canyon.
From here on out in the summer, I’d say you might want to avoid trying the trail in heat of the day. But pick a morning, late afternoon or cooler day and check it out.
I’ve still got some exploring to do as the trail system (I believe) links up with the trails at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve. If you haven’t been out Clear Creek Road to check out the improvements made there (a great new parking area with bathrooms), you should. The whole lower watershed of Clear Creek is so visible and cleaned up, and did I mention there are trails everywhere?
