A music show with a festive name will feature local bands next weekend in Turlock as a farewell to summer. The music festival, “fest FEST!”, is set to take place Aug. 30 from 6 p.m. till midnight and will have a local line up of valley talent.
After the cancellation of Ronald Records Fest, a show put on by a local record label, Turlock musicians Ricardo Friaz and Adam Bishop decided to step up and put together a festival in its place.
Both Friaz and Bishop felt local bands and show-goers would be disappointed to see the highly-anticipated show cancelled which is what pushed them to do something about it.
"There is so much musical talent in this part of the valley, and I feel it is important to showcase that talent," said Bishop. "This is also about building a community, and celebrating what all of our friends are doing."
Fest FEST! will host eight acts Aug. 30 including: Dandelion Massacre, the Big Picture, The Old Refrain, Electric Engine, Indian Runner, Mourning Mountains, Atlas Infinity, and Sean Fonda.
Commenting on the lack of available venues, Friaz commended the Grizzly Rock Cafe for offering a place where fans of all ages and a variety of genres can go to enjoy live music. The cafe serves mostly American style food and a wide variety of beers on tap. The restaurant and bar area are separated, and during the summer shows are normally held on the outdoor stages located just outside the restaurant on the patio.
"Despite Turlock's celebration of its downtown scene, the Grizzly Rock Cafe is the only place in Turlock that hosts all-ages shows of all genres without discrimination,” said Friaz. “Adam and I felt it necessary to ensure a big end-of-summer show happened in order to make sure local musicians and fans know they have a home, and that there's a stage big enough to hold the many nearby artists the area has."
The show, fest FEST!, will take place Aug. 30 from 6 p.m. till midnight at 4905 N. Golden State Blvd.
