On: December 16 at 02:47 PM
It started in early December. I began feeling light headed. My stomach twisted slightly.
I was more nervous than usual. At first, I chalked it up to too much Dom as I pre- pre-gamed for New Year’s Eve.
(OK, so maybe it was actually too much PBR). But then the feeling got intense even when I wasn’t drinking at work, and I realized what was going on.
I was optimistic - almost excited - about 2009.
It’s a strange sensation for a music and entertainment scene that, in the past, has struggled more than it succeeded. And the last few months haven’t been without their setbacks - namely, the closing of the Modesto venues The Rock, The Underground and Sidelines, as well as Modestoview’s decision to cease publication.
209Vibe, unfortunately, can now also be added to that list. Like everyone else, we’ve been hit hard by the economic downturn, and the January edition of the newspaper will be our last issue.
Still, the stars seem to be aligning to make ’09 a huge year for the 209. Rock 96.7 FM is up and running in Modesto, giving some local bands hope that they can get more radio play. KWIN 97.7 FM, meanwhile, continues to spin area artists on “Unsigned at 9.”
Local bands La Circa, A Skylit Drive and Watchout! Theres Ghosts have deals with record labels and are building national reputations. Stockton officials have endorsed live entertainment at the Plea for Peace Center, a new nonprofit arts and music venue in the city. Some Modesto promoters are looking to bring bigger and better shows and more events to the area.
But success also brings new challenges. More events means promoters and bands will be competing more for fans. Some have already wondered if too many shows are being held for the size of the scene.
And the crappy economy certainly isn’t making life easier for bar and venue owners.
Yet that funny feeling in my stomach is making me believe that the 209’s up to the challenges - even if 209Vibe won’t be there to cover the scene - and great things are going to happen in local music and entertainment this year.
Or maybe that’s just the PBR talking.
Comments
....THE COOLEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD! THE 209's OWN SPOT LIGHT COMES TO AN END! AND THEY WONDER WHY STOCKTON IS SO CRAZY!
Thanks for all your hard work. I hope you plan to stay in the area and keep fighting the good fight.
Thanks for all the support over the year. I know I will see you out at a show or two in the new year.
209vibe did a great of promoting local events. Sad to see it leave.
What sad news! Keep you chin up Mr. Hill. You did great things in a very short period of time and while this right here may come to a close, I'd say you're shutting down a winner.