Fall into Fun: Modesto-area events guide

The days are getting shorter, the kids are back in school, and arts and entertainment offerings are revving up.

Sure, the temperatures are warm, but fall is just around the corner -- and it's chock-full of entertaining events you'll need to start planning for now.

Highlights include the rock band The Doobie Brothers, pop singer Michael Bolton, comedian Rob Schneider and Broadway musical "Beauty and the Beast," all at Modesto's Gallo Center for the Arts, radio humorist Garrison Keillor in Turlock and radio food and wine expert Narsai David at Modesto's State Theatre.

MUSIC

Sept. 1 -- The Doobie Brothers, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. The Doobies have sold more than 50 million records worldwide and produced such hits as "China Grove," "Takin' It to the Streets," "You Belong to Me" and "Long Train Running." $49-$99; 338-2100 or www.galloarts.org.

Sept. 1 -- KHOP Fresh Face Showcase, State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. Featuring Evan Taubenfeld, Lights Over Paris, Runner Runner, The Ready Set and A Rocket To The Moon. Free; 527-4697 or www.thestate.org.

Sept. 11 -- Modesto Symphony Orchestra Picnic at the Pops, E.&J. Gallo Winery grounds, 600 Yosemite Ave., Modesto. Last year's Pops crowd-pleaser Michael Cavanaugh sings the music of Elton John and more. $12-$50; 338-2100 or www.galloarts.org.

Sept. 19 -- Marc Atkinson Quartet, Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto. Celtic, folk/bluegrass, Romany/Eastern European, and original sounds. Part of the Sunday Afternoons at CBS series. $7-$20; 571-6060 or www.cbsmodesto.org.

Sept. 22 -- Michael Bolton, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. Bolton has sold more than 53 million records and worked with such artists as Luciano Pavarotti, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Ne-Yo and Lady Gaga. $39-$99; 338-2100 or www.galloarts.org.

Sept. 24-25 -- Modesto Symphony Orchestra, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. Rossini & Rachmaninoff. $20-$75; 338-2100 or www.galloarts.org.

Sept. 25 -- Deolinda, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. Quartet of young musicians who combine Portuguese traditional and popular music; 338-2100 or www.galloarts.org. $13-$34.

Sept. 25 -- The Lowe Family, Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E. Canal Drive. Classical, Broadway, Irish, jazz, bluegrass, old-time favorites, dance, six-part harmony, gospel, a patriotic tribute and more. Part of Turlock Concert Association series. Season subscription only -- season tickets for five concerts are $60-$130; 667-1936 or www.turlockconcert.org.

Oct. 1 -- Adam Holzman (guitar), Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto. Presented by Modesto Junior College Friends of Music; benefits MJC music students. $10-$12; www.mjc.edu.

Oct. 3 -- Metales M-5, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. Mexico brass quintet. Five young musicians unite classical and world music. Part of the Modesto Community Concert Association series. $16-$26; 338-2100 or www.galloarts.org.

Oct. 3 -- Townsend Opera Players gala. Selection of some best arias in the operatic repertoire sung by some of the best singers in our region, including the return of the prestigious Adler Fellows of San Francisco Opera. $23-$42; 338-2100 or www.galloarts.org.

Oct. 10 -- Rudolf Budginas, Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto. Pianist known as the "Victor Borge for the 21st century." Part of the Sunday Afternoons at CBS series. $7-$20; 571-6060 or www.cbsmodesto.org.