Legendary hit-making group set to bring its R&B sound to Modesto. See who and when
Famed R&B group Kool & the Gang will take the stage at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Modesto Porchfest will be back, with music by local bands ringing throughout select neighborhoods. And country singer Jake Owen brings his show to the Fruit Yard Amphitheater. These are just some of the events coming up in the region May 18-24.
Kool & the Gang
Bringing its iconic songs including “Celebration,” “Get Down On It,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness” and “Open Sesame,” Kool & the Gang will play the Gallo Center. The band has two Grammy Awards, with 31 gold and platinum albums. Limited seats were available.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 21
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $89-$149
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Porchfest
Modesto Porchfest returns, featuring music throughout the La Loma, College and downtown neighborhoods. Homeowners host local bands on porch, patio and driveway stages. While it’s free to stop and listen, tip jars will be available to benefit the musicians.
WHEN: Noon-5 p.m. May 19
WHERE: Various locations
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.modestoporchfest.com
Jake Owen
Singer Jake Owen will perform his country hits at the Fruit Yard Amphitheater. He’s known for the songs “Yee Haw,” “Eight Second Ride,” “Alone With You” and more. He’ll be joined at the show by guest artist Chase Matthew at the Modesto venue near Waterford.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. May 19
WHERE: The Fruit Yard Amphitheater, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
TICKETS: $50-$120
ONLINE: www.thefruityardevents.com
Stunt Dog Experience
Chris Perondi and wife Suhey Perondi, bring their stunt dogs back to the Gallo Center. The show features tricks, air stunts, comedy, dancing dogs and athletic feats performed by former shelter dogs. Limited seats were available.
WHEN: 5 p.m. May 19
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $15-$45
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Samara Joy
Samara Joy will sing jazz at the Gallo Center. The center’s website describes the 24-year-old’s voice as “rich and velvety yet precociously refined.” She’s appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and others.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 23
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $39-$79
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
“What A Drag!”
After a sold-out 2023 show, Kappa Epsilon presents “What a Drag! Season 2” at the State Theatre. The fundraiser donated $14,000 to local nonprofits Drum Love, HAVEN, The PLACE, and Women Techmakers of Modesto. This year will benefit CASA, The Rainbow Chorus, Youth Navigation Center of Stanislaus County and The GAP.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 18
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $25-$75
ONLINE: www.thestate.org
Prince tribute
When Doves Cry – The Prince Tribute Show comes to the State Theater. “With a song list of over 100 Prince songs (and growing), we can guarantee there’s something in our show for both the casual and the die-hard Prince fans,” the theater website says.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 24
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $30-$45
ONLINE: www.thestate.org
“Frost/Nixon”
Prospect Theater Project brings “Frost/Nixon” to its stage. The play by Peter Morgan brings to life the historic interviews between British television host David Frost and former U.S. President Richard Nixon in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal.
WHEN: Various times, May 17-May 26
WHERE: Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K St., Modesto
TICKETS: $10-$30
ONLINE: prospecttheaterproject.org
