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Sure, the main focus of Modesto’s Graffiti Summer celebration rests on classic car culture, but non-car enthusiasts can get in on the action, too.
That’s particularly the case at this weekend’s biggest blowout, The Kiwanis Club of North Modesto’s festival and (yes) car show.
One of the other major attractions will be the live music showcased over the two-day event – June 13-14 – at the Modesto Junior College West Campus.
Planned is a range from 1950s to 1990s hits, to Latino music, to a Chicago tribute and even a little bit from the King of Rock.
Among the groups planned is The Sensations, made up of three local woman who perform 1960s to 1980s hits, doo-wop and “a lot of girl group” songs such as The Supremes, according to one of its members, Shelly Streeter.
“We just have a blast,” Streeter said about appearing at the Graffiti festival.
Her group – Streeter, friend Deb Hyman and sister Claudia Streeter – will share the stage on Saturday with No Way Back. The band will play its own music as well as provide instrumentation for The Sensations, she said.
Streeter agreed there’s plenty to enjoy at the fest, calling it “a great family event.”
She said the group, with varying members, has played there several times over the years. “We love it. It’s just part of our DNA, it’s part of what we do and what we love. It’s part of growing up in our Modesto.
The Kiwanis Club mainly showcases local and regional entertainers, according to a press release from the group.
“There is so much talent at the local level, it’s great to feature these bands. On Sundays we like to bring in talented tribute bands, like this year’s Tribute to the sounds of Chicago,” Bill Heyden, who coordinates the music, said in the release.
Music is free with festival admission. Here’s a glance at the entertainment schedule:
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Two bands from the Valley Music Institute, Indecisives playing the best of ’90s and classic rock, and Onion playing Grateful Dead and classic rock instrumentals.
Saturday, 1 to 2:30 p.m.: No Way Back, classic rock from the ’50s through the ‘70s; joined by The Sensations.
Saturday, 3 to 5 p.m.: Third Sol, Latin music, old school and R&B hits.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Chicago the Tribute, recreating songs from the hit-making band.
All weekend: “Elvis” roaming the grounds for pictures and a little singing; and LeRoy Production DJs spinning music.
Plenty of other things to enjoy
There’s more community-wide appeal at the event, including roughly 20 food vendors with a variety of offerings, more than three dozen other vendors with items ranging from vinyl records to airbrushed T-shirts, kids clothes, hot rod parts and more.
There are several child-oriented options planned, including participants from Double O Sports gymnastics to the Barbie doll-centric Be Anything Museum, according to the release.
A designated Kids Zone – which comes with a separate cost – will offer train rides, multiple bounce houses and a water boat ride.
There also will be representatives from the Modesto Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Modesto Junior College and others.
Those 21 and over can hang out in the beer garden, with alcohol restricted to that space. Proceeds from the beer garden are shared with the MJC Foundation.
And, of course, we can’t stray from mentioning the hundreds of classic cars that will be on display, including a Sunday-only show by the nonprofit Valley Dream Car.
The North Modesto Kiwanis American Graffiti Festival & Car Show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the MJC west campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. Tickets are $10, free ages 12 and under. For more see www.americangraffitifestival.com.
The annual June-long Graffiti Summer celebration keys in on Modesto native George Lucas’ seminal film “American Graffiti.” The 1978 movie famously chronicles a night of teenage cruising in Lucas’ hometown.
“I remember those cars growing up,” Streeter said. “It brings back great memories of fun times in Modesto.”
