by Blake Jones

Wouldn’t it be cool if there were an event that showcased local artists: musicians, singer-songwriters, poets, and spoken-word artists? And wouldn’t it be cool if it happened EVERY month, instead just a one-off? And wouldn’t it be cool if part of their mission was to include diverse voices from all over our community? And wouldn’t it be even cooler if those live shows were also broadcast on a powerful, local FM radio station?….Ah….we’re in luck! Using some Measure P funds, KFCF 88.1 FM will be doing just that.

Several meetings were held over at Ben Smokin’ BBQ in the Tower. (Hey, people gotta eat!) Rych Withers (station manager at KFCF) shared his vision of a regular showcase representing a wide spectrum of Valley voices. Gigi Pavlovich (public relations at KFCF) secured the grant money needed to make it possible. Myself, I’ve helped in organizing various festivals around town including the Rogue Festival and the FUSE Festival, and am always up for any sort of “let’s put on a show!”-type project. Roger, besides being an excellent musician himself, has a multitude of contacts with players all over the region.

Wish lists were drawn up. Plans were made. Happily, Debi Ruud, who runs the Fresno Music Academy, was keen to let us use the Vista Theater as a venue.

The first show is Friday, November 29th (that’s the Friday after Thanksgiving…so if you’ve had enough turkey and family, and you’re craving to hang out with local creatives, come on by). It will happen at the Vista Theater––that’s the small theater inside the Fresno Music Academy (1296 N. Wishon, Fresno, CA) ––more or less across the street from Goldstein’s Mortuary and Delicatessen beer place––and about 75 yards north of the Roger Rocka Dinner Theater.

Performing slots reaching into the new year are starting to fill up, but who are these performers who will kick off this inaugural show? The show will open with our two hosts: Roger Perry, veteran local songster, a nominee for this coming year’s Valley Music Hall of Fame, and a winner of the Bakersfield Country Music Lifetime Achievement Award; and myself, Blake Jones, songwriter and band leader who has taken his group the Trike Shop touring all over the state as well as five times to the UK and Germany.

Then we’ll hear from Asia Smith––known as a singer, she’s found new strength in her work in local spoken word circles. She states, “As a vocalist, I have discovered that there is power in the voice. Whether spoken or sung, words have a way of reaching into the depths of your soul, bringing emotions to life.”

Closing off the show is our headliner: Keysha Burns and her Impromptu Band. A native of the Central Valley, Keysha has sung all over the region as well as internationally. She sings Gospel, Jazz, Rock & Roll, Country, R&B––anything that feels good to the soul. Her smoky vocals and endless runs… or boisterous belting is what makes her fun.

This first outing will be free admission, but be informed that seating is very limited. Even if you cannot make it in person for this first outing, or if the room is filled up for that night, you can tune it in on your very own radio! [88.1 FM] The shows will run one Friday a month from 7 pm-9 pm.

Shows scheduled so far:
Friday, Nov. 29, 2024
Friday, Dec. 20th, 2024
Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
Friday, Feb. 21, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025
Friday, April 25, 2025
Friday, May 23, 2025
Watch for the culmination in June, 2025––that will be KFCF’s 50th Anniversary Party!

You can learn more on the KFCF website: kfcf.org or contact Blake Jones at whispermaphone@hotmail[dot]com

Check out more music articles, theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.

Blake Jones is a life-long songwriter, local music advocate, and guitar player. He has played with his band Blake Jones & the Trike Shop all over California and several times in Europe. He has released over a dozen albums of original music in his own D.I.Y. manner, and most recently with the L.A.-based record label “Big Stir Records”. He recently retired from his job teaching Music in the public schools, and lives with his family and basset hounds in Kingsburg.