The Stockton-Modesto divide

Posted July 2 at 06:32 PM

You can make it from Modesto to Stockton - or from Stockton to Modesto - in about a half-hour on a Friday or Saturday night. The trip involves nothing more than a 30-mile drive on state Route 99, and traffic is typically light on weekends.

Still, there’s a significant divide between the two Central Valley cities when it comes to entertainment and nightlife.

Some Modesto residents in their 20s and 30s see Stockton as a crime-ridden wasteland. While they know the city has an arena, they believe there’s little else to do there - except get robbed - when compared to the bustling bar scene in their hometown.

This has been reflected in some of the feedback 209Vibe has received from residents of Modesto, where you can find this newspaper at more than 60 bars, coffeeshops and other locations. (See 209Vibe.com for a complete list.) Mo-towners appreciate our professional coverage of local entertainment, but often ask for more information about what’s going on in their city. They have little interest in Stockton events.

We’ve listened to your comments, and we’re continuously working to provide thorough coverage of the Modesto entertainment scene. In the July issue of the 209Vibe newspaper, which is on the streets July 2, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to the 209’s biggest annual nightlife event - XFest - which is expected to draw 15,000 people to downtown Modesto. We’ve also profiled Tresetti’s and Appetez, interviewed Modesto metalheads Better Left Unsaid and previewed shows at the Fat Cat and Sidelines.

You can also find interviews with bands performing in Modesto on 209Vibe.com.

But 209Vibe also will continue to provide in-depth coverage of the Stockton entertainment scene, which is shown in this month’s Q&A with Stockton rapper Macknifi$ent and previews of the Port City Roller Girls bout and shows at the Blackwater Cafe.

We cover both cities because we see the divide between the entertainment scenes shrinking. Stockton’s nightlife scene has started to mature this year thanks to the popularity of Envy, among other clubs, as well as the opening of bars like Touche, the Elbow Room and the Boiler Room. Stockton promoters Peter Koulouris and Troy Gotschall are hoping to build the Monster Big Air Summer Jam into a huge annual event, and KWIN continues to bring some of the music’s top talent to Stockton for Summer Splash.

We hope that we’re introducing Modesto residents to the new Stockton nightlife and giving them more information about entertainment options in their neighbor to the north. Meanwhile, 209Vibe also wants to keep Stockton residents up-to-date on the bustling Modesto scene.

And of, course, we try and give those in both cities the latest news on entertainment in their own communities.

It’s not on easy job, and we’re always looking for help. If you’re interested in covering the scenes as a member of the 209Vibe street team, email me at ihill@209Vibe.com or call 209.943.8571. - Ian Hill / 209Vibe editor