In brief: Arts events across the Modesto region
Modesto Con, the new locally organized pop culture convention, has announced its celebrity guest lineup.
The convention, scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10, at Modesto Centre Plaza, is bringing in some big names in the film and TV industry. Its headliners include actor and contortionist Doug Jones and actor Sam J. Jones.
Doug Jones is known for his character work in the “Hellboy” franchise as Abe Sapien and the villain in “Pan’s Labyrinth.” He was most recently in the films “Crimson Peak” and the TV series “The Strain.” Sam J. Jones is famous for his role as the title hero in the 1980 film “Flash Gordon.” More recently he played himself in extended cameos in the films “Ted” and “Ted 2.”
The two-day event will include a host of other famous faces from sci-fi, comics, cosplay and beyond. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the door. For more information, visit www.modestocon.com.
20th anniversary DAM show today
Local rock group DAM celebrates 20 years as a band Friday, June 24, at Fat Cat Music House and Lounge. It marks one of the final shows at the venue, which has announced its closure.
Also on the bill will be bands Doug’s Excellent Tribute, Disturbing the Peace and The Flowers. The age 21-and-over show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5, available at the door. The Fat Cat is at 930 11th St., Modesto. www.fatcatmodesto.com.
Murphys Creek Theatre
Murphys Creek Theatre presents the William Shakespeare play “Measure for Measure” starting this weekend.
The comedy opens Friday, June 24, at the Black Bart Playhouse in Murphys, with a story about “mortality and mercy in Vienna.” Actors from Sacramento, Modesto and Turlock join local talent from Calaveras and Tuolumne counties in the production.
“Measure for Measure” will run at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through July 17. Tickets are $12-$20. For more information, call 209-728-8422 or visit www.murphyscreektheatre.org.
Merced Art Hop
The Merced Art Hop hosts its first-ever Wine + Paint Party this weekend.
The group that puts on the quarterly arts showcase invites the public to take part in the event, which will include art supplies, wine and snacks. The event runs 3-6 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the MAH Epekel Gallery.
Tickets are $30. For more information, visit www.mercedarthop.com.
Symbiosis Gathering speakers
Symbiosis Gathering has announced its “speakshops and luminaries” series headliners for its event this September at Oakdale’s Woodward Reservoir.
The event, which returns to the region Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 22-25, will have speakers who will talk on everything from hacking to permaculture and psychedelic sounds. Speakers Include Vandana Shiva, Wade Davis, Winona LaDuke, Leah Song & Jasmine Fuego, Erik Davis, Jennifer Dumpert, Mateo Magee, Cassandra Ferrera, Meghan Walla-Murphy and more.
For more information visit www.symbiosisgathering.com.
This story was originally published June 21, 2016 at 2:55 PM with the headline "In brief: Arts events across the Modesto region."