On: June 11 at 09:59 AM
Above, the Mega Mix Crew. At front, the Jabbawockeez. Photo by Phil Konstantin.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Plans are coming together for a music and entertainment fund-raiser to be held Friday night throughout Stockton to benefit the American Red Cross in its efforts to help victims of Tuesday’s fire. For more information, check back with 209Vibe.com or contact editor Ian Hill at ihill@209Vibe.com or 209.943.8571.
This must be what it feels like to be in an event city. It’s slightly overwhelming, and it’s easy to be concerned that you won’t be able to get to everything.
But most of all, it’s exciting and its fun.
Some Stockton music and entertainment fans are probably feeling that way this week, as the city is hosting several events and shows at about the same time on Friday. You can’t be at every show, but you’ll most likely have fun no matter where you end up.
And 209Vibe is here to help you decided where to go. Here’s a look at some of Friday’s hottest destinations. If none of the following fits your interests, the Stockton Ports also are in town:
Downtown Stockton Art Walk: The monthly art walk draws about 500-1,000 people who kick off their weekend by checking out the work of local artists in businesses and galleries downtown. June’s art walk will feature photographs based on the theme Beautiful Stockton. As part of its Art on the Edge series, 209Vibe also will set up a temporary gallery in the vacant storefront at 116 N. Hunter St. to display the canvas work of tattoo artists Tam Russell, Kendra Goff, Alicia Magana and Geo Rogers. It’s a rare chance to see some of the area’s most unique art. 5-8 p.m., Janet Leigh Plaza and surrounding area, 222 N. El Dorado St. Free.
The Friday Night House Party downtown: 209Vibe and MEGA 100 are coming together to bring the Mega Mix Crew’s Friday Night House Party to Music in the Square. You can dance and enjoy the best old-school hip-hop, R&B and party music under the stars. Nikki Cruise will serve as the evening’s MC. 7-9 p.m., Janet Leigh Plaza, 222 N. El Dorado St., Free.
Icarus Jones CD Release Party: Another 209Vibe event. This time, it’s Stockton’s best MC, Icarus Jones, celebrating the release of his sophomore album “Smoke Signals to Satellites.” He’ll be joined on stage by The Collective, which features some of the area’s top musicians. Greyspace, Neglected, dBeat and DJ No Shame also are on the bill, so it’s bound to be one of the year’s best hip-hop shows. Check out 209Vibe.com later this week for more. 8 p.m., Matinee, 1825 Pacific Ave. $10/$12. 21+. Tickets at StocktonTickets.com.
Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and the Jabbawockeez at Stockton Arena: Filipino singer Gary Valenciano is coming to Stockton to celebrate his 25th anniversary in music. His resume is impressive and includes 21 albums and several television shows. Gary V. will be joined by the Jabbawockeez, a high-powered,, 11-member hip-hop dance crew that’s appeared on MTV. 8 p.m., Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St.$45-$95. Tickets at StocktonTickets.com.
Brandon Tyler at the Blackwater: Brandon Tyler arguably has the brightest future of any local artist, as his brand of pop is upbeat, infectious and incredibly radio-friendly It’s earned him an impressive following that includes more than 14,000 friends on MySpace, where his profile states that he loves “makin’ mainstream music.” Check him out now before he becomes a recording star. Naia Kete and Martin Purtill also are on the bill. 8 p.m., Blackwater Cafe, 912 N. Yosemite St. $5.
Neglected, The Gitanos and Red Light Fever at Chitiva’s: The Stockton hip-hop duo Neglected has a busy night planned, as its one the bill for the Icarus Jones CD release party as well. This concert has the night’s most diverse lineup, as in addition to hip-hop,it also features the rock en Espanol of The Gitanos and indie act Red Light Fever. It’s one of those intriguing bills you’d only see in Stockton. 8 p.m., Chitiva’s, 445 W. Weber Ave, in the Waterfront Warehouse building. $10. 21+.
