In brief: Count Basie Orchestra and more

The Count Basie Orchestra swings into Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts for the first time this weekend.

The acclaimed jazz orchestra, led by trumpeter Scotty Barnhart, has sold out concerts all over the world and become an American institution. This year marks the 80th anniversary for the group started by the late pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie.

The 18-member orchestra has been led by Barnhart since 2013 and features vocalist Carmen Bradford, a Basie discovery, with comedy host Robert Lee.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. March 20. Tickets are $29-$69 and may be purchased online at www.galloarts.org or by calling (209) 338-2100.

Scholarship fundraiser

The legacy of area arts advocate Ernie Bucio lives on with a fundraiser in his name.

The Ernie Bucio Modesto Junior College Music Scholarship Fundraiser was started to honor the area bandleader and music teacher, who died in 2011. The event raises money for a scholarship fund, which is administered by MJC and the college’s music department.

Bands, including members who played with or were taught by Bucio, will perform throughout the event.

Music runs from noon to 9 p.m. March 22 at the Barkin’ Dog Grill, 940 11th St. in downtown Modesto. There’s no cover to attend, but donations will be accepted. The restaurant will also donate a portion of sales to the scholarship fund. For more, call (209) 222-7467.

Sonora Theatre Workshop

Former Stage 3 Theatre Artistic Director Jon Dambacher has started a new play-reading series in Sonora. The Sonora Theatre Workshop launches March 26 at Emberz Bar & Grill, 177 S. Washington St.

The events will bring together area actors for live stage readings of new and modern classic plays. Dambacher plans to bring works by Neil LaBute, David Mamet, Edward Albee, Tom Stoppard, Harold Pinter and more to the series.

There also will be a discussion after each performance. Readings are free and will run from 9 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. For more, call (209) 532-2272.

N.Y. Film Critics Series

The New York Film Critics Series returns to the State Theatre with the Al Pacino film “Danny Collins” on March 24.

The dark comedy follows an aging rock star from the 1970s (played by Pacino) who decides to give up his hard-partying ways when he receives a 40-year-old letter written to him by John Lennon.

The series – offered only through select, independent theaters, according to the State’s website – includes a Skype Q&A with audience members and is narrated by Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers and actors and filmmakers each month. This month’s event will feature Pacino. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the film at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. Call (209) 527-4697 or visit www.thestate.org.

MJC Community Orchestra

The Modesto Junior College Community Orchestra invites the public to a free celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach’s 330th birthday with a “Bach in the Subways Day” March 21.

Bach in the Subways is an international celebration of the Baroque German composer’s life and work held annually in some 40 countries. This will be the first time MJC will take part. The MJC Community Orchestra will perform a 45-minute show at Tenth Street Plaza, in lieu of a subway. The free show starts at 11:30 a.m.in downtown Modesto.

Turlock concerts

The Turlock Concert Association celebrates its 75th anniversary year with a gala concert this week. The show will feature student ensembles and soloists from the California State University, Stanislaus, department of music. The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. March 26 at Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E Canal Drive. Tickets are $12 general, $8 student/senior. Call (209) 667-3958 or visit www.turlockconcert.com.

Youth art show

Stanislaus County high school students will showcase their work as part of the Youth Art Month Show opening this weekend. The exhibit will be at the Modesto Junior College Art Gallery on its East Campus from March 21 through March 26. The show will feature works in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, photo manipulation and mixed media for beginner and advanced artists. Free and open to the public, it runs from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Wednesday.

Clay Walker, Boz Scaggs

Shows by by multiplatinum country star Clay Walker and American roots legend Boz Scaggs have been added to the Gallo Center for the Arts schedule for May. Walker will appear May 22 (tickets $29-$69) and Scaggs on May 24 (tickets $49-$99). Tickets for both shows go on sale March 20. Call (209) 338-2100 or visit www.galloarts.org.

This story was originally published March 18, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "In brief: Count Basie Orchestra and more."