Big names added to perform in Modesto region — not just at Gallo Center. See who

The Gallo Center for the Arts was one of the stops for Bill Engvall’s 2022 stand-up comedy farewell tour.

Turns out he was just kidding.

Engvall is back on the road and coming to Modesto in June with his “Here’s Your Sign, It Wasn’t My Time Tour.” (His farewell was titled “Here’s Your Sign, It’s Finally Time.”)

His is one of a handful of shows added to the lineups at venues in the greater Modesto region.

Big names also will play Turlock Community Theatre and Ironstone Amphitheatre in the Mother Lode.

Here’s a look at some new shows slated:

Gallo Center

Grandaddy: As previously reported in The Bee, Modesto’s own Grandaddy will bring its continued 25th anniversary celebration of the album “The Sophtware Slump” to the downtown Modesto venue. Tickets, $55-$85, already are limited for the 7 p.m. May 31 concert.

Bill Engvall: The Grammy-nominated comedian and member of the popular Blue Collar Comedy specials plans to return 5 p.m. June 14 with his resurrected stand-up show. The center’s website says to “stay tuned” for ticket sales.

The Bacon Brothers: Prolific actor Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael Bacon will make their debut at the Gallo Center with the duo’s “People In The World Tour.” The Bacon Brothers perform a mix of folk, rock, soul and country music. The show is set for 7:30 p.m. June 27, with tickets at $45-$105.

The Gallo Center is at 1000 I St., Modesto. See www.galloarts.org.

Turlock Community Theatre

Chris Botti: Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti joins the lineup in Turlock. He’s collaborated with stars such as Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and more. Tickets for his 7:30 p.m. April 12 show are $64-$115, with VIP options from $337-$584.

Eli Young Band: Mike Eli has added his Texas-rock sound to modern country for 25 years. Along with fellow band members James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson, their latest album, “Strange Hours,” was released in August. The band will play 7:30 p.m. April 23, with tickets at $39-$53.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary: A night of fantasy and music will celebrate the 1986 film “Labyrinth.” As a side note, Modesto native George Lucas was executive producer of the cult classic starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. The audience will watch the film on screen as a live band performs the soundtrack in sync. Set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21, tickets are $34-$142.

Turlock Community Theatre is at 1574 E. Canal Drive. See www.turlocktheatre.org.

Ironstone Amphitheatre

Alison Krauss & Union Station: The venue has one concert on its 2026 lineup so far, bluegrass and country band Alison Krauss & Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas. Krauss herself has won 27 Grammy Awards. Douglas is a Grammy-winning dobro player. The group’s “Arcadia” tour will pull into the venue at 8 p.m. Aug. 28 with guest artist Theo Lawrence. Tickets are $68-$155; $228-$307 with buffet meal options.

Ironstone Amphitheatre is at 1894 6 Mile Road in Murphys. See ironstoneamphitheatre.net/wired.

Also of note: Esteemed Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, whose November “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience” production was postponed at the Gallo Center, hasn’t been forgotten. According to an email from Director of Marketing & Communications Doug Hosner, the venue is working to schedule a new date. The production was sold out before being postponed.