Get ready for another event-filled June weekend. A lot of events are returning to entertain the Central Valley.

The Fresno Grizzlies play another home series against the Stockton Ports. The 93.7 KISS Country Summer Concert Series Show returns to Woodward Park for its second show. The Prince Tribute, Prince Again, is coming back to ApCal. And, the annual FOOSA Summer Orchestra Academy is still going strong.

For those curious about last weekend’s “Boots ‘n’ Booze” concert at Evanelle Vineyards in Madera, read to the bottom of this story.

Check out our expanded list of events at this link.

93.7 KISS Country Summer Concert Series Show No. 2

The 93.7 KISS Country Summer Concert Series Show returns with show No. 2. It’s going down Thursday at the Rotary Amphitheatre at Woodward Park. This is a general admission show. All ages are welcome. The performers are David Nail, Runaway June, Kelsey Hart, and Joe & Martina.

David Nail has produced seven chart entries on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including two that have reached No. 1: “Let It Rain” (featuring Sarah Buxton) and “Whatever She’s Got,” plus the top 10 hit “Red Light.”

Runaway June is an American country music group known for their breakthrough hit “Buy My Own Drinks” in 2018. Kelsey Hart’s debut single, “Life with You,”was released in November 2023, and was on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The married duo from the Central Valley, Joe & Martina, released the Top 30 hit “Give Me Back the 90’s” featuring their Grammy-winning idol, John Berry.

Their first concert series last month was a blast. Bust out the cowboy boots and hat and have a good time.

Get your tickets here.

DannyLux

DannyLux brings the Latin heat to the Saroyan Theatre on Friday. Since the release of his debut album, “Las Dos Caras Del Amor,” featuring hits such as “El Dueño de Tu Amor,” he’s been a rising star in the regional Mexican genre.

Collaborations with Eslabon Armado propelled him to the top of the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Songwriters & Producers chart. The single “Jugaste y Sufrí” became the third regional Mexican song to chart on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, peaking at 69 in 2021. It also peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

His second album, “Perdido En Ti,” debuted at No. 1 on Apple Music’s Top 200 Latin Albums. Now, with his fourth studio album, “DLUX,” this 20-year-old he continues to redefine genres, capturing the essence of youth and relationships in 17 heartfelt tracks.

Get your tickets here.

ZEP-LA and Purplish

The greatness of classic rock bands Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple will be commemorated at Tower Theatre on Saturday when ZEP-LA and Purplish come to town.

ZEP-LA is a powerful celebration of Led Zeppelin’s deep catalog. Inspiration arises from the desire of LA’s top touring musicians to capture the intangible essence of this legendary band. The band is a true love letter to the fans who believe in Led Zeppelin’s enduring magnetism. Guaranteed you’ll hear the classics like “Black Dog,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll,” and of course, “Stairway to Heaven.”

Purplish performs the music of Deep Purple,a band that paved the way for metal groups with their breakneck style. They drew inspiration from both orchestral music and harder rocking sounds to create riffs that left an indelible mark on music history. You’ll rock out to their seminal hits like, “Hush,” “Highway Star,” “My Woman from Tokyo,” and the one and only “Smoke on the Water.”

Both acts feature Paulie Z, who channels the wailing, haunting vocals, with guitarist Steve Zukowsky, keyboardist Victor Bender, drummer Glenn Jost, and bassist Aaron Samson. They also all perform in the national tribute Bohemian Queen.

Get your tickets here.

Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & Tribute to Taylor Swift

Candlelight is a series of concerts performed by classically trained musicians. Solo pianists, string quartets, and other musical ensembles take the stage to envelop and enchant audiences with a rich tapestry of sound. They’ll be playing while surrounded by hundreds—sometimes thousands—of LED candles flickering and twinkling, giving it an epic and dramatic effect. They’re bringing the musical pageantry to the Grand 1401 this weekend for two days of themed performances.

First, on Friday, they’ll perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more. The performers will be the Listeso String Quartet.

Then on Saturday, it’ll be a tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. The Listeso String Quartet will perform that one as well. Included: classical renditions of her career defining songs like “Love Story,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “You Belong with Me,” and “Shake It Off.”

They’ve captivated more than 3 million attendees and have performed in more than 100 cities across the world. You might call this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Get your tickets here.

Fresno Grizzlies vs. Stockton Ports

The Fresno Grizzlies are in another home series against the Stockton Ports for the second week in a row. This series runs through Sunday. There are themed nights throughout the weekend.

This Friday is Halfway to Grizzmas. It’s going to be a festive night filled with yuletide cheer, baseball, and a touch of holiday enchantment from Parker Claus. Capping off the night with fireworks that’ll illuminate the night sky with pre-holiday cheer.

Saturday is Diversity and Inclusion Night. It’s also Community Outreach Night presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, where they’re embracing a game that unites fans from all walks of life.  It’s also Joe Torre Safe At Home Night, to address domestic violence and provide crucial support to affected families.

On Sunday, dill-ight in excitement as Pickle Palooza 2 makes its return to Chukchansi Park. It’s going to be a briny bonanza, where the ballpark transforms into a pickle lover’s dream. It’s a crunchy, zesty celebration that’s back by popular demand.

Get your tickets here.

Check it Out:

Arthop, Thursday

ArtHop takes place during the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month and features free entry to exhibitions, gallery shows, special performances, and unique art experiences for art lovers of all ages.

For more information click here.

Bass Lake Live – Dinner & Music, Thursday

Come enjoy the sight and sounds of Bass Lake. There’ll be a lakefront dinner and music, held at the lakefront gazebo deck at The Pines Resort, Bass Lake. Los Soneros Del Valle will be performing. The theme of the night is a Mexican Fiesta.

Get your tickets here.

Elvis Tribute at Engelmann Cellars, Friday

Jeremy Elvis Pearce: The Ultimate Tribute to Elvis, will take on the role of “The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll” at Engelmann Cellars. He’ll have the crowd all shook up with his impersonation of the singer. It’s going to be a great evening under the stars with live music, wine, beer, frose, food trucks, and lots of dancing.

Get your tickets here.

Slice of Comedy Clay Newman, Friday

Danny Minch hosts these comedic events every weekend at DiCicco’s in Old Town Clovis. Headlining will be Clay Newman. You can see Clay any time on his YouTube series “The Zoo Review.” He’s recently opened for Jenny Slate, Eric Andre, TJ Miller, Darrell Hammond, Greg Fitzsimmons, Andrew Santino, and Sam Tripoli.

Get your tickets here.

Iron Maidens at Tower Theatre, Friday

The Iron Maidens cover Iron Maiden material from all eras of the band’s career, encompassing the band’s biggest hits as well as fan favorites. They have quickly established themselves as one of southern California’s most popular tribute acts. These women have been the recipients of many awards including best tribute band, and best in category (guitar, bass, drums, voice) at events such as The Rock City News Awards, The LA Music Awards, and The All Access Magazine Award Show to name a few. They’re running to the hills and to the Tower Theatre.

Get your tickets here.

ApCal Rock’n Ranch, Saturday

Prince Tribute, Prince Again, is back to ApCal. This band is the closest show that you will ever see compared to the artist. The look, the costumes, and the sound is spot on. Opening the show are special guest Licorice Pimps. There’ll be beer and cigars along with gourmet food trucks. Be sure to bring a lawn chair.

Get your tickets here.

FOOSA Festival Finale Concert, Sunday

The annual FOOSA Summer Orchestra Academy, led by Fresno State Professor of Music Dr. Thomas Loewenheim, has become one of the world’s foremost performers of Romantic-era music and, specifically, the expansive works of Gustav Mahler. There are 137 musicians in the orchestra. They’ll be performing at Saroyan Theatre.

Get your tickets here.

A Look Back at Boots N’ Booze

Evanelle Vineyards was the place to be this past Saturday for Boots ‘n’ Booze. It was a total country scene. The cowboy hats were out and of course the boots were on full display. The beer was cold, and the food was served warm. About 800 people showed up. It couldn’t have been any better.

Selling drinks and photos took place inside the venue but where it was at was outside. It was such a fun time that the warm weather didn’t register. All that was on people’s mind was music, booze, and having a good time, and they sure did.

The musical entertainment for the night was DJ Garrett Gaynor and country duo Franklin Wall. They both played two sets, in the early evening to get the crowd going, and then both later in the night to turn up the party.

Garrett, a friend of mine, in the beginning was playing classic country jams to get everybody in the mood. He definitely set the tone for the night.

Then came the headliners from Huntington Beach, Franklin Wall. Their first set was comprised of old school country classics. Songs like Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman,” and Taylor Swift’s, “Love Story,” got the crowd energized. My favorite was their rendition of the John Cougar Mellencamp hit, “Hurt So Good.” Then they slowed things down a bit and the dance floor was crowded with couples slow dancing and embracing once they played “Tennesse Whiskey.” Their covers were very entertaining.

Garrett made his return behind the turntable and didn’t let up. As soon as the sun went down that’s when things turned up. Once he played Shania Twain’s, “Man, I Feel Like A Woman,” the dance floor was never not occupied. The crowd in front of the stage got bigger. He mixed up the genres from country to rap and to rock. Everybody was singing along to Joan Jett’s, “I Love Rock And Roll,” Journey’s, “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” and Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”

Franklin Wall came back for their encore. They played some covers but this time it was mostly originals, but it didn’t matter, the party was in full swing.

The food trucks provided delicious meals and there was never not a line. Gonzalez Taqueria, Jill & Jill Artisan Pizzas, Ms. Chilosa Candy, and Flavor Flame supplied the eats. If you wanted to add to your country wardrobe there was Kash + Easton Permanent Jewelry, and Cultura Vaquera selling Western attire. I even purchased a stogie from the Aldo Cigar Lounge, and it was tasty.

Besides the action taking place in front of the stage, the other area providing laughs and cheers was the mechanical bull. Those who had a few drinks in them attempted to ride it only for the endeavor to end with them falling off it. Either way, everybody watching them got a good kick out of it while snapping photos and videos on their phones.

For owners of the vineyard, Evan and Lauren Curto, this is their third event but their second year doing it. This was Evan’s brainchild. But this was not their first rodeo.

“Prior to doing this as a wedding venue, Lauren and I were in the music industry helping promote music festivals in Northern California, and even put on our own up there,” said Evan. “So, it was a good transition from us doing weddings to hosting music events.”

It seems to be a recent phenomenon but a lot of places who make alcohol are now popping up as go-to entertainment venues like breweries and vineyards. “There’s a big need for entertainment options out here in the Central Valley. We have a perfect venue for it and the space. People want it and we want to see it grow,” said Evan.

They’ve established themselves as a popular wedding venue, and even doing outdoor movie nights. I attended one last Halloween, and it was fun. The music thing is kind of a new undertaking, but the vineyard has been flourishing economically as they focus on more music-oriented events. Other venues can and have been benefitting as well.

“There’s definitely a higher cost margin to it. The marketing helps out greatly. When you execute it properly and have the support, the financial aspect is rewarding,” said Evan. “We reached out to local vendors and food trucks, and looked up artists who are popular in the area and wanted them to be a part of it. It’s a good feeling when we’re helping out the vendors and artists, and it gives them exposure, so this a tremendous opportunity for those involved to make a profit.”

Lauren informed me that they would love to continue to do this annually and expand it. It was her idea to make it a country theme. But potentially, they would like to explore booking other genres and bigger artists.

Have an Event to Publicize?

If there’s an event you want us to consider, contact steven.sanchez@gvwire.com.