Music in the Air … with Mark ‘Fenny’ Fenichel: Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with mushrooms, music, and food fun

Click HERE to find more stories published in the May 15 – 28, 2019 issue of Gilroy Life

Enjoy plenty of entertainment on two stages at this year’s Mushroom Mardi Gras to be held May 25 26 in downtown Morgan Hill. Morgan Hill Life file photo

The Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras is almost here. Every year they successfully put together a strong music line up on two stages for both days May 25 and 26.

On Saturday, the Amphitheater Stage opens with the Kids Orchestra at 10 a.m. followed by Maroon Vibes a tribute to Maroon 5 at noon.  At 1:30 p.m. Knee Deep will be playing music from the ’60s, ’70s ’80s & ’90s. They will be followed at 3:30 p.m. by Steel ‘n Chicago featuring a combination of music by both Steely Dan and the band Chicago. At 5:30 p.m. Music As Language showcases their talented young students for a 25 minute set and at 6 p.m. Uptown Funk presents their Tribute to Bruno Mars.

The 4th Street Stage located at the entrance to the parking structure on 4th Street kicks off the day with Moondance playing music from the ’60s and ’70s. They will be followed by local favorites JJ Hawg at 1:30 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. long-time festival favorites and KFOX Last Band Standing finalists Chubby’s Allstars will power through a 90-minute set of vintage classic rock. Undercover will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. to give everyone their take on ’80s rock favorites.

On Sunday the Amphitheater Stage begins at 10 a.m. with The Fog City Swampers playing high energy classics. They will be followed at noon with Boston Rock playing the greatest hits from Boston’s iconic bands like Aerosmith, Boston, The Cars, and The J. Geils Band. The scholarship presentation will take place at 1:30 p.m. then the Journey tribute band Faithfully Live will perform followed by the ultimate Santana tribute band Caravanserai at 4 p.m.

The 4th Street Stage opens at 10:30 a.m. with country violinist Michelle Lambert. Bootleg plays at 12:30 p.m. with their blend of modern country and line dancing with JMJ Line Dance. One of the hardest rocking original bands Jonesy will perform original stadium rock at 2:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m. Morgan Hill’s local favorites The Fast Lane Band featuring Pat Curtis on lead guitar and his wife and musical partner Patty Curtis on lead vocals will make a special appearance together to close out the afternoon.

There will also be a Community Stage for the kids and families on both days with variety acts including magician peter G., Super Hero Stage Show, JMJ Line Dancing, The Woody & Jesse Toy Story Show, California Sports Center Gymnastics and other acts. The Community Stage is located near the train station at 2nd Street.

The Premium Wine Tasting Event will be at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center’s Rose Garden and will have live music both days. On Saturday Larry Boushey will play inspirational instrumentals and Sunday I am pleased to appear with my harmonicas and guitar playing folk, blues, country, classic rock, roots, Americana and originals from noon to 4:30 p.m. The tasting ticket is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information visit www.mhmmg.org.

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On another note, . Fortino Winery will feature music from Ryan Scripps May 17. On May 18 The Dorcich Family Vineyards, 11775 Watsonville Road has Music in the Vineyard with Moshe Vilosny from 4 to 7 p.m.

Day On The Ridge 2019 comes alive with music by Drake White and The Big Fire from 2 to 10:30 p.m., at 6988 Eagle Ridge Drive, Sunday May 26. Clos LaChance will showcase David Johnson from 1 to 4 p.m., June 2 for their Groovin’ In The Grove Series.

Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill begins their Vines & Vibes Series with The Hackjammers June 5. Their series runs through Aug. 28. The Morgan Hill Chamber kicks off their Friday Night Music Series featuring Rockin’ The Upbeat Vibes June 14 with The Houserockers. This year the Friday Night Music Series continues for 12 weeks through the last Friday of August.

Got a music tip? Email [email protected].