In Brief: Arts events in and around Modesto

Tower of Power

Tower of Power, the Oakland band known for its horn-driven soul music, returns Wednesday to the State Theatre in Modesto. The show begins at 8 p.m. The group, which often sells out here, had its biggest commercial success in the mid-1970s with such hits as "What is Hip," "You're Still a Young Man," "So Very Hard to Go" and "Soul With a Capital S." The State Theatre is at 1307 J St. Call (209) 527-4697 or visit www.thestate.org.

Moonshine Bandits

Los Banos' Moonshine Bandits' song "Whiskey in My Soul" was featured on the Jan. 3 debut of the new MTV reality series "Buckwild." The show follows nine young adults in West Virginia. The song also features a guest appearance from Los Banos artist Pruno. The Moonshine Bandits frequently perform in Modesto and have headlined at the annual Modesto summer music festival X-Fest.

Young Masters art

The Central California Art Association's 38th Young Masters show runs Tuesday through Feb. 9 at the Mistlin Gallery in downtown Modesto. The show is open to students in preschool through high school. Categories are painting, drawing, photography and sculpture and are grouped by age. The awards ceremony is at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9. The association will receive entries from art teachers today between 2 and 5 p.m. and will receive entries from others Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The entry fee is $2; two pieces of art will be accepted from each student. The Mistlin Gallery is at 1015 J St. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Call (209) 529-3369.

Latin jazz concert

Stage 3 Theatre in Sonora will present a Latin jazz concert Sunday. The show begins at 2 p.m. Performers are Rod Harris and friends, featuring the Mario Flores Band, guest guitarist Johnny Valdez and top Bay Area Latin drummer Brian Andres. Stage 3 Theatre is at 208 S. Green St. Tickets are $15; (209) 536-1778.

Sonora Art Night

Downtown Sonora has its Second Saturday Art Night this Saturday. Galleries and businesses will stay open from 5 to8 p.m., showcasing art and presenting live music. Musical acts include Dye Musica, The Lava Cats and the Sonora High School Drum Corps. The types of art that will be featured includes jewelry, hand-felted hats, watercolor paintings, beaded masks, murals and more. For details, visit www.sonoranightout.com or call (209) 532-7697.

Wildlife illustrator

The Stanislaus Audubon Society and the Yokuts Sierra Club present a talk by wildlife illustrator, naturalist and educator John Muir Laws on Jan. 18 in Modesto. The free talk is titled "Thinking Like a Naturalist: Reclaiming the Art of Natural History" and will be in the Fellowship Hall at College Avenue Congregational Church, 1341 College Ave. Refreshments and socializing are at 6:45 p.m., and the program is at 7. Laws will share techniques designed to help teachers, parents and others with recreational nature study. Laws has worked as an environmental educator since 1984 in California, Wyoming and Alaska. His books include "The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds," "The Laws Guide to Sierra Nevada" and "The Laws Pocket Guide Set to the San Francisco Bay Area." Call (209) 985-7106.

Bird ed for kids

Jen Hajj will present the free educational and musical program "Birds in Your Neighborhood" on Saturday at Café Deva in Modesto. The program, which begins at 10 a.m. and is designed for all ages, will include the basics of bird feeding, with materials to get you started. There will be songs about cool birds that might show up at your feeder. Each child will receive a hands-on activity to take home and a healthy habitat poster. Program lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Café Deva is at 1202 J St. Call (209) 572-3382.

Elvis tribute

The "Image of the King" concert, starring Lloyd Aron Douglas as Elvis, will be Saturday at the Art Kamangar Center at the Merced Theatre. The show begins at 8 p.m. It also features the G-Land Band, and Buddy Holly and Marilyn Monroe impersonators. Douglas is a mounted police officer in Dublin who has re-created the look and sound of Elvis Presley. The Merced Theatre is at 301 W. Main St. Tickets are $25-$35; (209) 381-0100.