MoBand brings the blankets of summer back

Is it a concert with a party attached? Or is it a party with a concert attached?

Whatever the chicken-or-egg reason, there’s no denying the popularity of the summer concert-party series from the Modesto Band of Stanislaus County – affectionately known as MoBand. The series returns for its 96th season at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at the Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park.

The outdoor listening and dining experience brings out thousands each week for its six-show run. The free Thursday night community event has become a tradition for many area residents, who flock to the park with blankets, chairs, picnics and more for music and mirth. Regulars reserve the most prized spots with throws by Thursday morning – though diehards have been known to sometimes sneak blankets in as early as Wednesday night.

MoBand conductor George Gardner, who has led the band since 1978, will be back at the helm this year. Also returning for this third season as band manager and assistant conductor is Matthew Cover. For the musicians, the bigger the crowd the better.

“We really feed off of the energy of the crowd and the people who are there. Especially when people start clapping or singing along with some of the songs – even dancing in the walkways,” Cover said. “When we know they are enjoying it, we really enjoy it.”

The community band takes all performers – from high school students to senior citizens – who have an instrument and want to play. The group averages about 120 to 130 musicians per performance, though as many as 250 members have squeezed into the Mancini Bowl before.

Because of its open-door policy, Gardner never knows how many musicians will perform at any given show. The only requirement is that they attend the Monday and Wednesday rehearsals before each concert.

“It’s such a strange phenomenon, I have no idea how many people will walk through that door at any week,” Gardner said. “It’s kind of nerve-wracking, but they always come through. They’re always there. It’s such an outlet for musicians in town. It’s an opportunity to come out and play without any expectations.”

Founded in 1919 by W.W. Higgins as the Modesto Boys’ Band, MoBand remains one of the oldest continuously performing bands in the nation. Two years later, famed clarinetist Frank Mancini (and the namesake of the performance venue) took over and later the name was changed to Modesto Band of Stanislaus County.

The nonprofit group has a volunteer board of directors and provides a small stipend for Gardner, Cover and two librarians. This season marks the beginning of the tenure for new board president Jeff Broumas, who also plays French horn in the band. He takes over from longtime president Kay Elson.

The kickoff of the season begins with the fourth annual Night at the Bowl fundraiser. The event, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mancini Bowl, offers guests wine and beer tastings as well as food sampling from area restaurants. Tickets are $35 and benefit Modesto’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department and MoBand.

While food will be provided at the Night at the Bowl, for MoBand concerts the audiences usually go all out in bringing their own homemade feasts. An impressive array of potlucks and picnics are laid out at the park each week. Cover said he regularly samples from people’s offerings.

“That’s my third major job, to sample as much food and drinks as possible,” Cover said. “I think if you were walking anywhere though the park and see something that looks delicious, most people would say, ‘Here is a plate, here is a drink.’ People like to share and there’s a real neighborly feel.”

Cover said the musicians are aware that many people come to the series for the social aspect of the event. But he said there is a self-imposed hierarchy where those who want to visit with friends usually sit outside of the Mancini Bowl area, behind the berm.

For those who do want to hear the concerts this season’s theme will be “Sunset Dreams.” The schedule is as follows:

June 4 – “Bandstand” — Rock ’n’ roll night with music medleys made famous by Three Dog Night, Billy Joel, The Monkeys and more.

June 11 – “Cruise Control” — Graffiti-era rock acts such as Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin and more will be celebrated.

June 18 – “Satin Latin” — Latin-inspired music from “West Side Story” to Carlos Santana will be highlighted.

June 25 – “Net Flicks” — Music from films such as “Rocky,” “Mamma Mia, “ Pirates of the Caribbean” and others.

July 2 – “Let’s Be Patriotic” — All patriotic music, all the time.

July 9 – “Sweet Dreams” — A recap of the season and crowd favorites.

This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 11:29 AM with the headline "MoBand brings the blankets of summer back."