Let’s Get Spooky Downtown

Posted on October 18, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

It’s October… you know what that means: SPOOKY SEASON! Time to carve those pumpkins, buy Halloween candy, indulge on pumpkin pie, turn up Thriller on your speakers, and find the perfect costume! And yes, a white sheet with eye holes counts if you’re pressed on time — we understand! Looking to do more this month? We’ve compiled a list of several Halloween events happening around downtown in the upcoming week! Make sure to check our social media pages to stay updated on any new Halloween events that may be added.

Freak Night

This 21+ event is perfect for an exciting night out with friends. And the best part? You get to come dressed in a Halloween costume! Adorn yourself with sleek cat ears, fake blood splatter, or a high-necked cloak and get ready to party (but don’t come as a skeleton, or you’ll have no BODY to dance with!). This upscale Halloween event will take place at the Stockton Area in The Record Press Club on Saturday, October 19^th from 9pm to 12:30am, and will feature DJ Manuel C, DJ Monstermack, and drummer Ken ‘Kumbia Kenny’ Crosby. Bring your friends and dance through the witching hour!

Boozy Pumpkin Carving

It’s Halloween, what better excuse to carve pumpkins and get tipsy? Trail Coffee is hosting Boozy Pumpkin Carving on Tuesday, October 29^th from 6pm to 9pm. There will be pre-gutted pumpkins ready to be carved up to your wildest imaginations (Trail will also have stencils, so no pressure). Your ticket also includes a complimentary alcoholic apple cider and there will be small bites such as freshly roasted pumpkin seeds to snack on. If pumpkin carving with friends, alcoholic cider, and munching on treats aren’t enough of an incentive, the most creative pumpkin of the night will win a free bag of coffee! Don’t forget to RVSP to this event and maybe find some pumpkins to practice on.

2019 Dia de los Muertos Street Fiesta

Although this event isn’t exactly Halloween related, it’s one of our October events that you wouldn’t want to miss! This colorful, lively, and family friendly Fiesta hosted by the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery will take place Saturday, October 26^th from 11am to 5pm. They’ll be shutting down 4 blocks of Sutter Street and Market Street just for this event! There will be art exhibits, live bands, food vendors, kids activities, a car show, and much more. ¡Feliz día de los Muertos!

Friends of the Fox

Posted on October 11, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Nissi Guiao

What good is money in your wallet if you don’t know it’s there, right? Well, downtown has a particular gem you may not even know about yet and it’s hosted monthly at Stockton’s very own Bob Hope Theatre. You may enjoy your regular visits to the local Regal cinema (and by all means, keep it up!), but every month Friends of the Fox presents the Classic Movie series you’ll want to take advantage of if you’re not already. Seriously, it will take your normal movie-going experience up several notches—so much so, we recommend permanently adding this ongoing event to your monthly calendar.

First off, who doesn’t love a good classic? Nostalgia makes us all want to go back in time to the good ol’ days, but since that’s not a legitimate option, Friends of the Fox (FOF) does us a solid by consistently hosting the Classic Movie series. Showing hits like Gone with the Wind, Young Frankenstein and Star Wars, you can pretty much expect to have a good time enjoying the show, especially since they make it a point to go above and beyond a typical screening.

The Full Experience

According to David Scheffer, a member of the FOF movie selection committee, “For the price of admission [details listed at the end of article], attendees are treated to live music in the lobby along with complimentary snacks and drinks (wine, soda, bottled water), a live Theatre Organ experience, and a classic file projected on a giant single theater movie screen with a fully realized sound system all in a beautifully restored movie palace.” Live music and complimentary snacks (and wine!?)—that alone should bait anyone, but the fact that it’s held in one of downtown’s most prized buildings makes it all the more special.

The Bob Hope Theatre wasn’t renovated to simply collect dust during off seasons. Scheffer adds, “The goal [of the Classic Movie series] is to provide Stockton with the opportunity to visit the Theatre and experience its use as it was originally intended with an authentic historical movie-going experience. That would include a live Theatre organ concert, classic movie trailers, and a cartoon, along with a master of ceremonies introducing the films just as it would have been when the theatre was first opened. The advantage of the low ticket price allows more people to attend and see the Theatre would to attend a live concert. In the very early years after the renovation, the goal was also to ensure the Theatre would be utilized when it was not regularly being used.”

Original Goal

FOF upholds the original intent of the Theatre by creating a safe and fun space for moviegoers to enjoy something different downtown, and they take it seriously. Scheffer explains, “A movie selection committee meets every six months to choose films to be shown. The committee is made up of both FOF Board members as well as patrons that attend the films. A suggestion box is filled regularly with desired films by our attendees at the monthly showing as well as on our Facebook page. These requests, along with past films’ attendance figures are used to create a proposed list. This list is presented to the full board with alternative choices and is voted upon formally by the board.”

It all sounds too good to be true, but it’s a real treat locals and even visitors can experience. On behalf of FOF, Scheffer tells, “We are extremely happy that the current management of the Fox/Bob Hope Theatre has scheduled so many live shows and that it appears to be thriving. We would love for more people to be aware of our classic movie series in hopes that they will attend and enjoy the Theatre in its glory. Many cities have long since demolished their movie palaces and we offer an experience that is a rare commodity for today.”

So, here’s your cue to say “yes” to a good time. Go ahead 🙂 rally up your friends and fam and get your tickets for the next showing, a Halloween special—Beetlejuice, on October 13th. Spread the word (maybe even become a member) but most importantly, get out of the house and treat yourself to an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience that FOF has to offer. Those comfy, red, velvety seats (and all the complimentary things) will be waiting for you!

For more information, please visit https://foxfriends.org/.

Thanks to David Scheffer, here are some fun facts about how the Classic Movie series came to life…

THEATER HISTORY/TIMELINE:

1916: On same site, T&D Photoplay Theater opens (constructed by the Wilhoit Family). It is renamed the California Theater after purchase by Fox West Coast Theaters, Inc. in 1921.
1930: The T&D Photoplay is leveled and the Fox California Theatre opens on October 14 showing “Up the River” starring Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart.
1973: The Fox California closes its doors due to lack of business.
1981: Sporadic live concerts and attractions play the Fox.
2000: The Merlo Family (the owners at the time) donate the Fox to the City and renovation begins with local funds, congressional funds, support from the Spanos family, and the support of the Friends of the Fox Theater.
2003: The Fox California Theater is renamed The Bob Hope Theater after Alex Spanos’ good friend.
2004: The renovated Theater opens with a live show by Jerry Seinfeld.
2004: The Friends of the Fox decide to show classic movies (first on an irregular basis) after the renovation to ensure the Theater is being used and the public is aware of this jewel. It begins as a monthly event in May 2006 with “Casablanca” (which is our November 2019 attraction!).

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PRICING

Ticket Prices are: $8 for adults and $4 for students. Books of 10 tickets are available for $60, which can be used for any of the shows.

Study Spots in Downtown Stockton

Posted on October 4, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

We’ve now arrived at that time of year again: mid-term season. Students experience enough stress trying to study for midterms, the least they should worry about is finding a relaxing place to study! We know that solving equations and reviewing study guides in your room or campus library can become a bit dreary, so we’ve compiled a list of perfect Downtown Stockton study spots for the times you need a change in atmosphere.

Cesar Chavez Library, 605 N. El Dorado St.

The Cesar Chavez Library’s spacious, quiet atmosphere is the ideal location to skim- I mean, thoroughly read those textbook chapters for class. In addition, the library houses over 20 computer workstations equipped with necessities such as Microsoft Office and Internet access. It also offers free Wi-Fi for those who choose to bring their own laptops (try not to get distracted and click on that Netflix tab- I know it’s tempting). Available services such as printing, scanning and fax may also be helpful in your studying endeavor.

Empresso Coffeehouse, 222 N. El Dorado St. & 22 N. San Joaquin St.

This beloved local coffeehouse has two downtown locations. The free Wi-Fi coupled with the inviting smell of coffee make both locations great spots to balance those chemical equations. Both locations have an outside seating area if you’d like to enjoy a little breeze and the beautiful weather as you type away on your laptop. On Yelp, Sue B. shares her experience at the El Dorado Empresso location, writing, “I love hanging out at this newish coffeehouse on El Dorado to read, study, or simply to socialize.”

Fusion Boba Café, 25 S. Hunter St.

The milk tea craze is not dying down anytime soon! Kill two birds with one stone- get your boba fix and some studying done by visiting Downtown Stockton’s Fusion Boba Café, the only location to serve milk tea and boba in the entire downtown area. The quiet, clean café offers free Wi-Fi and plenty of tables, so you can bring your whole crew with you. Memorizing your speech for your public speaking class is so much easier with a tasty boba drink in your hand!

Terra Coffee, 111 S. Sutter St.

Terra Coffee is a chic café located in the Mexican Heritage Center. The bright interior, welcoming atmosphere and numerous tables make it a great place to brainstorm your next research topic. Even if you pulled an all-nighter the night before (we’ve all been there), stay wide-awake for your study session by sipping on a coffee from Terra’s delicious selections. If you’re an art student, you have even more of a reason to visit Terra- the art exhibits in the gallery will definitely provide some inspiration for your next piece!

Trail Coffee Roasters, 501 E. Main St.

Trail Coffee has a casual, bright atmosphere, hip vibe, and is complete with free Wi-Fi, a must-have for students (or for anyone nowadays, really). The inviting smells of freshly brewed coffee make ordering one hard to resist, and the aesthetics of their pastries and platters make it hard not to snap a photo for Instagram. Look at it this way: you can get your social media fix out of the way before hunkering down to study geometry. Don’t forget to hashtag #TrailCoffeeRoasters!

Now that you know of some study spots in Downtown Stockton, you have no reason not to ace those mid-terms! Let us know which one is your favorite and happy studying!

Meet Mahala!

Posted on September 27, 2019 by digitalgear

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Faces of Downtown

By Jessica Nguyen

Mahala Burns is an active member of the Downtown Stockton Community. A dedicated realtor for Cort Companies, a strong advocate for the revitalization of downtown, and an active board member for the Downtown Stockton Alliance, Mahala has witnessed Downtown Stockton’s evolution firsthand over the twenty-six years that she’s worked in this community. It was a pleasure to hear from her perspective.

How It All Started

This year marks Mahala’s 26^th year working in Downtown Stockton! Wondering what the downtown area was like back when she first started? She shares, “It was very different…kind of a ghost town. There wasn’t a lot of activity and there were many boarded-up buildings.” Since then, downtown’s recent influx of local businesses, events, and other significant changes make it a much more vibrant community. Mahala adds, “It’s getting better every year!” We agree!

DSA Involvement

Dan Cort, CEO of Cort Companies, was one of the DSA founders and served on the board until Mahala later took over. She’s now been a DSA Board Member Mahala for 15 years! While reflecting on her time here, she points out that the DSA office hasn’t always been at its current Bridge Place location: “It’s [the DSA] been in a couple different locations, but the mission has been the same- to support property owners.” She’s proud of the DSA’s work in serving local businesses and its dedication to bringing people downtown to support local shops and events.

What Contributed to Downtown’s Change?

When asked about the specific changes that have positively impacted downtown, Mahala answers with “economic vitality.” The price per square foot for downtown property spaces haven’t increased dramatically over the past several decades, but much of the change comes from the energetic business owners who decided to set up shop downtown. Mahala commends these millennials for bringing in trendy businesses such as coffee shops and living/work spaces.

However, she credits the Stockton Collegiate International Schools charter school for being the highest agent of transformative change in Downtown. Eleven years ago, the k-12 school made Downtown Stockton its home and, “introduced children to the downtown area.” This was quite significant, for Mahala shares, “seeing kids injected so much life and vitality to the area… it gave us hope that there was a future.” This helped to quell myths that Downtown Stockton was a dangerous area that should be avoided at all costs. The school (along with the Team Charter School that opened later) proved to adults that if kids were safe in Downtown Stockton, they would be too.

What Are You Most Excited To See In Downtown’s Future?

Mahala explains that Monday through Friday within the hours of 9am to 5pm, Downtown Stockton’s streets are pretty active with workers, shoppers, and visitors. Unfortunately, the evenings are significantly less lively. Therefore, Mahala is most excited for the 81 new market-rate residential spaces/units that will soon be added in various buildings around downtown. There will be live/work spaces as well as regular loft apartments in areas such as across the street from Trail Coffee. She believes that having people live in downtown is the next step to breathing life into those quiet evenings.

Favorite Place to Have Lunch Downtown?

Without hesitation, Mahala shares that her go-to destination is the Thai Thai Restaurant, where she orders chicken noodle soup with broccoli.

Favorite Coffee Spot Downtown?

Mahala’s favorite spot is Trail Coffee, and she highly recommends the Coffee Milkshake! (Honestly, I’m now convinced to try it)

What is Downtown’s spirit animal?

“A beaver, because of the water and because beavers are persistent- they build their lodges and someone destroys it- next day, it’s back up again…they don’t give up.”

Turning Parking Spaces into Social Spaces

Posted on September 16, 2019 by digitalgear

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PARK(ing) Day in Downtown Stockton

By Jessica Nguyen

Just like it sounds, PARK(ing) Day is an event dedicated to parking spots, but probably not in the way you’re thinking- these aren’t spaces you’d want to back your car into! PARK(ing) Day is a one ⁠— day event that encourages people to rethink parking spaces as public places by temporarily transforming them into unique installations and social spaces. Instead of occupying land with vehicles, PARK(ing) Day explores the plethora of possibilities the space could instead be transformed into when it’s not being occupied by a car- a mini lounge area, gaming space, succulent garden, outside library, art corner, golf course, outside yoga studio, or playground just to name some examples! The goal is to utilize these spaces to activate our streets and create new opportunities for social interaction between members of our community.

The idea of PARK(ing) Day originated in 2005 by an architecture group based in San Francisco. Since then, the annual event has been adopted by cities worldwide and is always held annually on the third Friday of September. First established in Downtown Stockton by the San Joaquin Bike Coalition (SJBC), this year will be downtown’s third annual PARK(ing) Day event. This year, it will take place on Friday, September 20^th, and spaces will be set up throughout the day between the hours of 10am and 2pm.

Why is Park(ing) Day held in Downtown Stockton?

Kari McNickle, Board President of the San Joaquin Bike Coalition, explains that downtown, “offers a great density of businesses, employees strolling on their lunch hour, and an opportunity to really rethink how we use our streets.” In addition, organizations, local artists, and other Park(ing) Day participants get the chance to showcase their creativity when converting the parking spaces into more interactive experiences. In past years, downtown spaces have been turned into art lounges, game rooms, and there was one year where a DJ setup was featured! Don’t miss the opportunity to spend your Friday taking in the experiences born from Downtown Stockton’s creative energy. As Kari says herself, “the creativity is pretty impressive.”

There is so much to get excited about when visiting downtown, and Park(ing) Day is definitely one of them! Kari loves, “seeing people stop on their walk around downtown and engaging with the spaces. It’s a friendly and fun way to disrupt the routine and help people think differently about a street they may stroll down every day.” Parking spaces take up quite a bit of space (think of all the public spaces taken up along entire streets, parking lots, and even garages!), so it will be refreshing and interesting to see some spaces conceptualized in completely new and unique ways. The creativity adds color and excitement to parking spaces that otherwise exist solely for functional purposes.

From Installation to Application

There is even potential for permanent transformation: some Park(ing) Day installments find their forever home. For example, since Downtown Stockton’s first Park(ing) Day, downtown has had its first parklet installed in front of Trail Coffee. The space now serves as a vibrant outdoor seating area (if you haven’t seen it already, you should really check it out, it’s adorable!). Offering these outdoor spaces, such as outdoor seating for restaurants or cafés, make the entire street feel safer and much more lively- hopefully this is the start of a new trend! These outdoor spaces would be a great way to foster social interactions. This year, there will be at least five transformed spaces downtown. Interested in knowing what they are? We’re not telling you, because as Kari says, “you’ll have to come see to find out!”

Intern Spotlight

Posted on August 30, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Maclean Vu with foreword by DSA Staff

During this past summer, we had a fantastic intern working for us! At the end of her time with us, we asked her to write about her experience. Enjoy!

Landing the DSA Internship

Hi everyone! For the past 3 months, I have had the wonderful opportunity of interning at the Downtown Stockton Alliance (DSA) and today I would like to share my experience with you.

My name is Maclean and I am a Media X major at the University of the Pacific. I am an upcoming senior and will be graduating in the Spring of 2020. In the future, I would like to have a job where I can work to create digital content while exploring, expanding and expressing my skills, knowledge, and creativity.

I came across this internship opportunity earlier this year when searching through Tiger Jobs, a job platform for UOP students. As a Digital Media Intern, my main duties were to take photos and videos of downtown spaces and events. Other duties involved helping DSA with tasks like updating business information on their website and creating a map of banner locations around the downtown area.

Gaining New Knowledge

During this internship, I have gained new knowledge – both skill-wise and Stockton-wise. This includes learning to use Lightroom and experimenting with After Effects for the first time. I’ve also had a lot of help and good practice with a camera to improve my photography and videography skills. While I have used Premiere to edit videos before, recording and creating specific promo videos were new experiences for me. I had the opportunity to film at the Full Moon Riders events and at various properties for sale or lease. Recording these locations was great because I was able to learn more about the spaces around town. I didn’t know there were so many businesses and properties active, available, or under renovation. I look forward to seeing downtown’s continuous growth!

Working at the DSA has also brought me downtown more often than before. I used to drive through the streets or go to the theaters occasionally, but I never really walked around and explored the area. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned over the summer – I’ve visited many of the businesses and know the streets well now.

Favorite Things about Downtown

One of my favorite things about downtown Stockton is the beautification of the neighborhoods through both artwork and greenery around the area. I love how there are many murals, posters, signs, trees, plants, and flowers throughout the streets. It’s interesting that just the semester before I started my internship, I had worked on a project involving some of the downtown murals but had not actually seen them in person. Throughout my time at DSA, I’ve been able to see pieces of art and communities I learned about in class, and learned even more about them from the people here!

One of the most surprising things I learned during my time at DSA was that the bones of a woolly mammoth had been discovered right here in downtown Stockton not too far from where we worked. I also didn’t know that some of those bones are still here on display at the San Joaquin Administration Building. This made me realize that there is probably a lot more I don’t know about the downtown area, and I’m excited to continue exploring!

It’s been interesting going around to get photos of the businesses because I’ve had the chance to talk to some of the business owners. They’re all so friendly and some have even shared some information about Stockton or their business’ history with me.

This brings me to what I would like to say to anyone interested in visiting or working downtown: Whenever you get the chance, talk to the people and ask about the different locations or events downtown because you’re bound to find something you like. There is so much to see, learn, and experience in downtown Stockton!

Q&A: FAST THREE WITH MACLEAN

1) What is downtown’s spirit animal?
A peafowl.

2) If you could describe downtown in just one word, what would it be?
Change.

3) What is your favorite downtown eatery?
Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ & Bagel Cafe for a quick bite and drink.

Interested in being our next intern? Email us your rèsume and some samples of work to [email protected]!

Refreshing Drinks to try in Downtown

Posted on August 23, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Nissi Guiao

What a bummer that summer is only with us for another month! BUT, all the more reason to make the best of it. Beer week was a splash and Stockmarket was such a hit, why stop the party? Grab your friends (or make new ones) and head downtown to start making your rounds. There’s a few fun spots we love, serving up refreshing drinks that’ll help you forget that the summer days are about to end.

BELLAVISTA ROOFTOP & EVENTS

Part on the rooftop every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday! They’ve got Happy Hour from 5pm-6:30pm and the dance floor’s open from 7pm-10pm. Yeah, they’ve got beer and wine, but maybe venture out and give one of their signature cocktails a try (yumm!).

Try them all for only $6 each:

Terrace Breeze Punch (Rum, blue Curaçao, lemonade, pineapple juice)
Watermelon Margarita (Tequila, lime juice, watermelon puree, agave)
BellaVista Pop (Prosecco poured over Paloma popsicle)
Berry Happy Together Red Sangria (Red wine, brandy, orange juice, mixed berries)
Summer Sunset White Sangria (White wine, rum, lemon, apple, strawberry)

CHANNEL BREWING CO.

“If you like beer and bomb pizza this your place! Good prices, friendly service and hella chill,” one Yelper comments. This is one of the most chill spots we’ve got on our blocks; if you haven’t popped in yet, now’s your chance. Craft beers are their specialty and when you start feeling those munchies, they’ve got your back with their mouth-watering specialty pizzas…#sorrynotsorry if we’re making you salivate. Check ‘em out! They’re open later on Fridays and Saturdays (10pm). Let those quality craft brews satisfy you.

CHARLIE’S BAR & NIGHTCLUB

#savewaterdrinkbeer Maybe you finish up at Channel, but you and your buddies don’t want to head home just yet. Wed-Sun, Charlie’s is open till 2am. Pop a few more beers, brush up on your pool skills and even get your karaoke on. They always know how to have a good time—go join ‘em.

DELTA BISTRO & LOUNGE

This one-of-a-kind spot has a great list of signature drinks. Give yourself an excuse to lounge around and treat yourself to a Dirty Shirley (Grey Goose cherry noir, grenadine, Sierra Mist w/a cherry on top) or a Portside Cooler (Midori, Absolut vodka, Peachtree schnapps, layered perfectly w/three juices). Great location and a great way to end your summer nights (open till 9pm every day)!

CHITIVA’S SALSA & SPORTS BAR

Cool down by the Delta after work at this local fave! There’s a lot of hype about Chitiva’s. One reviewer on FB says, “Reasonable prices on drinks and delicious tacos made by Martin! Gabriella is a wonderful bartender who knows how to make drinks! Carlos the owner is a great man. We use to drive to SF till we found this place in Stockton. View by the water, free parking, no issues. What more could you want? Love this place!” Most days, they’re open past midnight. Sounds like an invite—grab a cocktail and salsa your way late into the night.

DELIBERATION ROOM

They are always coming up with something new, you’ll for sure want to try what they’re mixing up on the daily. Their recent refreshing cocktails have the new Absolut Juice (all natural flavored) in them. Stay cool and quench your thirst for delicious drinks—Fri-Sat they’re open until 2am.

DESEO NIGHTCLUB

Another hot-spot right here every Fri-Sat from 10pm-1:30am. They don’t play around; they even have VIP bottle service if that’s more your style (have your bottle…and drink it, too, with some friends!). Make it a lady’s night out or just pop in on a whim. If you make it there on a Saturday before 11pm, you can get in for free! Save that money so you can spend it on your fave drinks instead. They’ve got First Fridays events and hot things happening pretty much every weekend. Here’s your personal invite to go live a little and have some fun. You deserve it.

THE DOWNTOWNER

This spot just celebrated its 1 year anniversary in Downtown Stockton! They pride themselves on offering some of the best #goodmoodfood, including lots of vegan options all week long, but that’s not all! They recently installed a bar and are serving a wide range of Blood Marys, custom mimosas, local & international beer, AND they serve wine on tap. But what’s better than wine on tap? Happy Hour! The Downtowner understands how hard Mondays can be so they offer Happy Hour all day long! They are open 8AM-8PM, Mon-Fri, and are open 10AM-8PM, on Sat-Sun. So head over for Sunday Bruch and order yourself a custom

MR. D’S PIZZA

This local dive bar is one of the most inviting treasures to discover. For one, they’ve got the pizza and burgers to satisfy those cravings. But their amazing prices and great service take their refreshingly cold drinks to the next level. Get more familiar with downtown streets and make your way to Happy Hour after work. They’re so friendly and welcoming, we won’t be surprised if you stay till closing.

MISAKI SUSHI BAR

You don’t even have to be a sushi lover to enjoy yourself at this place (but, I mean, who doesn’t love sushi?). Try their Mai Tai, Mary Jane or AMF drink…or any of their other specialties. They’ve got a lot going on; the locals will prove it, keeping them busy especially during Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 4pm-6pm. Catch a movie and make it an even more special date to celebrate summer at this fave.

NENA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Oh, this spot though. Some of the best Mexican food your tastebuds will ever experience. Make a trip before summer ends and cool off with one of their specialty margaritas or micheladas. They also have draft beer if that’s the mood you’re in. Saturdays, they’re open an hour later until 10pm. Mmmm, go-go-go!

PORT CITY SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Thur-Sat, they keep their doors open past midnight. Everett Hunter, Promotions Manager, gives us the 411 on what they’ve got going on. He tells us the top drinks are Lit, Mai Tai, AMF and Sex on the Beach (#sogood). The “local favorites [are] Trash Can and Long Island” and his “favorite is 1 of 15 different types of cold beer on tap.” Super friendly and helpful, you likely will keep coming back. Say “What’s up!” to Everett next time you’re in. They’ve got cool things going down every month and they “are open 11am to 9pm Mon-Wed, Thurs-Sat 11am to 1:30am” and they even have special hours “Sunday. . .for football season 9am-9pm.” This is the place to be right here.

Sooo, thirsty yet? Don’t let the final days of summer fly by without having some refreshing fun drinking all over downtown. The options are endless; there’s plenty to go around and who knows, maybe you’ll make Happy Hour part of your normal schedule from now on. And remember, drink responsibly!

A Pitcher Perfect Beer Week in Downtown Stockton

Posted on August 13, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Feeling thirsty? Downtown Stockton is a thriving community full of businesses teeming with diverse options to satiate your thirst. Name almost any type of beverage and we’ve got it- Tea? Smoothies? Coffee? Boba? BEER? Look no further than our local favorites!

Speaking of beer, we are amidst Stockton’s 8^th annual Beer Week, a weeklong celebration of craft beer culture in various participating Stockton locations. From August 9^th to the 18^th, various breweries, bars and restaurants from the Channel Brewing Company to The Downtowner will be participating in this unBEERlievable annual event. It’s hard not to look forward to spending time with your buds while wallowing in the sounds of clinking glasses and conversation as the distinct scent of beer wafts into the air.

How exactly did Beer Week start?

Robyn Cheshire, Visit Stockton’s Director of Marketing and Communications shares, “the idea was to try to bring craft brew to Stockton,” referring to craft beer’s near unavailability in Stockton years ago. Times have certainly changed, as she points out, “now we have great craft beer so it’s definitely evolved over the past couple years- there’s a beer culture we want to celebrate.” And celebrate we do- this year, there are over 20 locations participating in Beer Week throughout the city of Stockton doing tap takeovers, specials, beer and food pairings, and more!

I know what you’re thinking- Downtown Stockton is LIT and you need to know where you can celebrate Stockton Beer Week there. Don’t worry, we got you⁠—below, we’ll be highlighting some Downtown Stockton Beer Week events so you’re in the know! For specific dates, visit our Events Calendar so you can easily mark them in your calendar (they’ll also be available at the bottom of this article)! Robyn also explained that Visit Stockton is “excited that Downtown businesses have always embraced Stockton Beer Week,” and that there are, “even more [participating Downtown businesses] this year than before,” so get ready to hit them all! Participating Downtown Stockton establishments include Cast Iron Trading Co., Channel Brewing Company, The Downtowner, Deliberation Room, Empresso Coffeehouse, and Port City Bar N Grill.

Cast Iron Trading Co.

Cast Iron Trading Co. is known for having trendy (and aesthetic) seasonal menu items and beverages. For Beer Week, they’re tapping a VERY special beer from a FAMED brewery: Pliny the Elder! The Russian River Brewing Company who makes Pliny the Elder describes it as “well-balanced with malt, hops, and alcohol, slightly bitter with a fresh hop aroma of floral, citrus, and pine.” Cast Iron will also be hosting Gluten Free Brews & Bites Night, New Glory Brewing Night, and Kill the Kegs ($5 Pint Night). From gluten-free brews and treats from a local gluten-free baker to live music and special bites, what’s not to enjoy?

Channel Brewing

Channel Brewing Company is a nano brewery and tap room, so you already know it fits perfectly into the Stockton Beer Week festivities! Known for delicious, unique beers and house pizza, Channel Brewing will host Succs & Suds, Beer Choir!, and an Adobo Loco Pop-Up. Participate in a succulent beer mug arrangement workshop, belt out some notes with the Beer Choir, and taste Stockton native Chef Rob’s delicious creations while sipping on beer specials.

The Downtowner

The Downtowner specializes in comfort food with a healthy twist. For the entirety of Beer Week, they’ll have a special menu not only featuring High Water Brewing Beers, but also dishes that they’ve cooked with it such as Beer Ceviche and the Hop Burger! On the last day of Beer Week, the Downtowner is going out with a bang, hosting a Brewer’s Dinner complete with 5 courses, each paired with a beer. Seating is limited so reserve your spot ASAP.

The Deliberation Room

The 1920s Speakeasy vibes of The Deliberation Room make it a perfect addition to Stockton Beer Week. Exclusively on August 16^th, they’ll be featuring Stone Brewing beer on their menu. For only $25, you get an appetizer sampler, four Stone Brewing beer samples, and your choice of a full size beer in a Stone Brewing glass that you get to take home!

Empresso Coffeehouse

The 222 N. El Dorado location of Empresso Coffeehouse will be hosting an Open Mic Extravaganza on August 15^th at 7pm. Come perform a song and have a beer, or if you’re a little shy, have a beer and then perform a song! Local musician Seth Jacks and friends will be hosting and there will be beer specials all day long. All genres are welcome, so if that beer helps you invent a new genre, grab the mic and show what you’ve got!

Now that you’re aware of the celebrations going on downtown, you’re ready to have a pitcher perfect Beer Week! But here’s some advice before you head out: drink responsibly, and don’t drink past the pint of no return.

Cast Iron Trading Co.
Gluten Free Brews and Bites Night – Aug, 15^th @ 5pm
New Glory Brewing Night- Aug. 16^th @ 5pm
Kill the Kegs ($5 Pint Night)- Aug. 17^th @ 5pm

Channel Brewing Company
Succs & Suds- Aug. 15^th @ 6pm
Beer Choir!- Aug. 16^th @ 7pm
Adobo Loco Pop-Up- Aug. 17^th @ 6pm

The Downtowner
High Water Brewing Menu- Aug 9^th-17^th all day
Brewer’s Dinner- Aug. 17^th @ 6pm, reservations only

The Deliberation Room
Stone Brewing Sampler- Aug. 16^th @ 6pm

Ports City Bar N Grill
TBA- Check the Visit Stockton website at a later time!

Where to Perform Downtown?

Posted on August 9, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Nissi Guiao

As fun as it is to enjoy live music, it’s also quite thrilling to be the one jamming and performing on stage. Recently, we shared the best live, local spots downtown to listen to great music (click here for all the juicy “deets” in our previous blog!). This time around, we’re covering how to book some of these places if you’re an aspiring musician. In addition to venues, we’re sharing other special resources and opportunities you’ll want to take advantage of downtown, along with a few stories to leave you inspired.

EMPRESSO COFFEEHOUSE

For years, Empresso has struck the right chords within our community. They’ve always harmonized with the music scene, naturally creating “vibey” atmospheres whenever they host local musicians/artists. Continuing this tradition, they hold open mics every other Thursday at their El Dorado location (pending holidays, of course). This is a great location to begin branching out, especially if you’re just wanting to get your feet wet and test the waters. What are you waiting for? Share your music; don’t be shy. Pop in and talk to Juan Espino or any other manager, or call (209) 451-0788, to get something set up for the next open mic. The line-up won’t be complete without you.

TERRA COFFEE

Speaking of open mics, Terra holds their own on the last Friday of each month! Mark your calendars because this is a growing scene you want to be a part of. There’s such a strong and steady heartbeat for the artist community here. Evidently, their desire to highlight and support local artists sings a resounding “welcome.” They eagerly invite artists and musicians of all kinds to sign up. All you have to do is show up and perform! Stepping out also gets you inadvertently plugged in to the realm of other artists that decide to show up, too. Don’t hesitate—add to the hustle and buzz under Terra’s creative umbrella by making yourself known. Do it for the people, but most importantly, do it for your soul. Show up, sign up, and sing an original or two!

CAST IRON TRADING CO.

Home of the eye-catching (super aesthetic), mouth-watering eats and great pairing brews and drinks is Cast Iron Trading Co., where local artists are welcome to perform live on a consistent basis. Really, we’ve got nothing but great things to say about this downtown fave! They really know what they’re doing, and the momentum keeps building. That should encourage you to get plugged into their steady stream in the local music scene. With a great variety of live performances every month, they don’t skip a beat. Be part of their tribe and grow yourself as a musician/artist. Call (209) 227-8585 for more details on booking.

CHANNEL BREWING CO.

Channel is the place to be, with great vibes guaranteed! Their brews are next level; and what takes them over the top is the way that they support the music scene downtown. You can tell they take pride in showcasing local artists. So if that’s you, pick a good sample to send over (preferably via SoundCloud or YouTube) and reach out to Brandon at (209) 373-6483.

DELIBERATION ROOM

Known for more than good eats and great drinks, Deliberation Room creates the kind of atmosphere you want to settle into, especially on the nights they showcase local bands and musicians. Check their IG page: @deliberationroom; there’s always something happening at this local favorite. If you want to add to the excitement with your live music, call (209) 910-9477 to contact Melanie for booking opportunities.

STOCKMARKET (+ GOODSTOCKCA)

Stockmarket is the talk of the town, every time Weber Ave. is graced by this highly-anticipated event. Shopping—#supportlocal. Good eats and drinks. Live music! To join in on the fun is a no-brainer, but have you thought about being showcased as one of the local bands/artists? As this event is only growing more and more popular over time, it’s an ideal place to share your music with the community that eagerly wants to support you.

They’re booked through October, but there are still slots for the holiday market come December. They say, “We keep all applications on file for future opportunities!” and “We are always looking for new talent to highlight at many different types of events. All genres of music are welcome to apply. . .Any artist who is interested in playing Stockmarket or any of our other events can do so by visiting www.stockmarketca.com or goodstockca.com.”

THE VIBE WORLDWIDE

The Vibe Worldwide “is for every artist that is passionate about their craft whether they’re a celebrity or a first-timer,” says founders Brandon “Tiger Owndabea” Wiggins and Andrea “Kitten” Perry. It’s truly a powerful movement that promotes artistic growth and unity in the creative community in Stockton, especially around downtown. How do they do that? One of the ways is through the Your Voice Singing Competition they host quarterly. Each one, featuring the talent within the community (hopefully including you next time), is packed thick with high doses of inspiration.

Both Tiger and Kitten share the same passion, as they’ve “committed [their] time and resources to putting on 40 open mics, competitions, showcases, workshops, and cultural events.” “We set out to be for artists the people we would have wanted to be there for us,” they share. “When we started The Vibe Worldwide in 2017, our mission was to provide a platform for talented performing. . .artists in Stockton. . .[since then,] The Vibe Worldwide shows have become a melting pot of talent, passion and inspiration…and although we have awakened the arts in the Central Valley, we want Stockton artists to know that their crafts are universal. . .”

TVW as a whole is a tremendous resource in the downtown community. They also provide “other workshops. . .throughout the year [which are geared to] help artists with their creativity, stage performance, breathing techniques, memorization, and creative writing.” One of the most powerful workshops they provide (in my opinion) is all about the inner voice. The duo explains “The inner voice is something that we all possess, whether we internally say something as small as ‘I’m gonna go fix a sandwich’ or something as big as ‘I believe I can do it.’ We like to focus on how to help people (specifically creators) utilize that inner voice as a benefit.

In doing so, we teach creators to trust their inner voice and to apply daily, positive practices. . .The inner voice is like the master key to the soul, but it will only work when one notices it and uses it.” Is your inner voice telling you to jump into the next event? Feed that thought and stay in the loop by following their IG account: @thevibeworldwide. And send them an email to [email protected] to sign up when the next event is posted. An encouraging community, of aspiring artists where you can truly express yourself, awaits.

THE PRESS RECORDING STUDIO

It’s one thing to create a work of art. It’s a whole other beast getting to the stage of recording your music. Thankfully, downtown Stockton is home to The Press Recording Studio. With professionals that seriously care about developing quality sound (out of their own passion for music), you can guarantee you’ll be in the best hands every time you book a session with them.

We asked the man himself, Matt Young (The Press owner/engineer) “What words of encouragement would you give to an aspiring musician/singer/songwriter who’s maybe nervous about the recording process?”

He says, “Don’t be! When opening the studio, one of my biggest goals was to make sure people feel comfortable and inspired when recording at The Press. (I had some bad experiences when I was coming up as a musician and working in other recording studios.) When you’re here, you will not encounter any ego, negativity, judgement, etc. All of the engineers working at the studio are easy to work with and will help make the recording process as smooth as possible. Our goal is the same goal as yours: making awesome music! We will help (or just push buttons and keep our mouths shut if that’s what you want) you get an awesome product even if you come in a little unsure because you’re new to recording. Everybody has to start somewhere and we are the perfect place for that.”

And he’s right—you’ve gotta start somewhere. If recording your music is a dream you’ve been hanging onto, we encourage you to not give it up before you even give it a try. Book a session at The Press; feel things out. Let them walk you through the process and help you create the sound you’re hoping to achieve.

GRACE NOTES MUSIC PROJECT (@ THE PRESS)

Next is a golden nugget for all of our young, aspiring artists. Grace Notes, founded by Brandon James and made possible by Matt Young, is a phenomenal program aimed towards the fresh batch of creative youth in Stockton. “But what is it exactly?”

We asked Matt, “Can you please share how Grace Notes has helped young artists spread their wings a bit? In other words, have you seen their confidence in their own music build because of the opportunity you’re giving them at Press?”

He shares, “First of all, I’m so lucky to be in a position that allows me to give back to my community. Shoutout to Brandon James (Piasecki) for creating Grace Notes. I love being able to inspire younger artists and help the local music scene thrive in any way I can. To answer your question… Most of the young artists we have given studio time to, have been high school age.  This is a good time for them to get in the studio because a lot of them will go onto college, or get a job and put music on the back burner. Catching them when they’re still young and passionate could literally help them realize a dream. Also, it might not be financially feasible for some and allowing them to get the experience as sort of a trial creates an awesome opportunity. I mean, they get to record on the best equipment in the world for free! But yes, they definitely come in to the studio a little nervous. On one occasion, a young songwriter took about an hour before they were even comfortable enough to play their song. But, after hearing the playback, they were a lot more confident and inspired.”

Yes, you read that right! Free! Students get an opportunity of a lifetime to record for free at The Press to give them a real taste of what it’s like to create their sound in a high-quality studio. As Matt said, catching them young could make all the difference when it comes to deciding which dreams to hold onto as they finish high school.

According to their website, “Students who apply must fulfill the following requirements:

Be a Stockton resident.
Be a student no older than 18.
Post a video of yourself playing an original song on Instagram and tag @gracenotesmusicproject.
In the caption of your post, answer the following question:
- How will you use your music to positively impact the community?”

Just hearing about this project is inspiring, to say the least. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, apply and/or spread the word. Visit www.thepressrecordingstudio.com/gracenotes for more details and to peep the incredible backstory on how it all came to life.

Lastly, we asked Matt, “Is there a Battle of the Bands in the near future?”

He states, “Absolutely. The first Battle of the Bands was a success and I’m anxious to do more of them. It’s another way to give back to the music scene and say thank you for all support we’ve received. I also have contests for rappers and singer/songwriters in the works as well. I don’t have dates locked in yet but I’ll be sharing them when they’re available. Follow @thepressrecordingstudio on IG or join our mailing list at www.thepressrecordingstudio.com to stay in the loop.”

Music makes the world go round—we all know this. What’s so incredible is that there’s room for everyone, and every genre. If you’re an aspiring artist in the area, we’ve given you a mother lode of options to spread your wings and grow your craft. Own your creativity; we hope to see you recording your originals. And keep filling up these restaurants, bars and stages as you take advantage of the booking opportunities that are waiting for you in the heart of downtown.

Live Music Spots

Posted on July 27, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Searching for Live Music? Here Are Some Downtown Stockton Locations That Won’t Fall Flat!

Relaxing on your couch after coming home from a long day of work seems like a great way to spend your evenings. Just picture it: you walk in through your door, kick off your shoes, throw your keys down, and sink into your couch while flipping on the TV. As you watch old episodes of Friends, you think to yourself “Ahhh yes. Peace and quiet.” But after binging half a season, you realize something is missing…. It’s too quiet… Do you want to laze in quiet, unexciting evenings for the rest of your life?? Probably not. Consider breaking up a string of monotonous evenings once in a while by heading downtown and basking in the exciting sounds and vibes of live music performances in Downtown! We’ve listed a couple great venues to get you started:

Channel Brewing Co.

One of downtown’s hot spots, Channel Brewing Company is a local nano brewery and taproom with inviting service and great drinks. A center for community camaraderie, Channel Brewing Co. often hosts weekly events such as trivia nights (how well do you REALLY know The Office?) and live music performances. Whether band or solo artist, local performers shine in the spotlight and bless our ears with their rich voices and musicality. The most recent group to perform was the Whiskey Slough Band, a local band with a talent for singing the blues. Don’t feel BLUE that you missed out- there are many great upcoming live performances at Channel Brewing Co for you to attend. Cheers!

Live Music at The Deliberation Room

Local bar and restaurant, The Deliberation Room, with its brick walls and polished wood bar, offers a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. However, the entertainment experience here is anything but outdated- the talented modern soloists, bands, and DJs who perform here will make you want to show off your version of the latest dance moves! Need an example? Performer Morgan J. was one of the most recent artists to showcase her beautiful, soulful vocals and raw talent at this venue. No need to deliberate any longer- make your way to 19 N. California Street for upcoming live performances by the best local talent!

Live Music at Cast Iron Trading Co.

Neighbor to Channel Brewing Co., this gastropub hosts various events and live music every Friday and Saturday night. From genres including but not limited to jazz, acoustic blues, and rock, there is something for the jazz lover, rock enthusiast, music aficionado and everyone in between. Not only does live music bring people together, it also creates opportunity and exposure for local performers. Michael King, guitarist for Stockton band The Weabz, recounts their experience performing covers and original songs at Cast Iron last year: “performing at Cast Iron was really fun. It was a very valuable experience for us. It gave us a better understanding of what to expect when we play [at] more established venues.” He continues, “The owner and manager were really friendly, too. They bought us drinks after our set was over and encouraged us to come back and play again.” Great music and friendly service? Can’t beat that!

Live Music at Stockmarket

You can hear some of the best live music Stockton has to offer at the Stockmarket, a lively community festival that combines the best in local makers, street food, and of course, music. The Stockmarket typically features two live bands during the event and occasionally fits DJ’s in the slots between. Anne Wilcox, Stockmarket organizer shares, “We have tried to feature all different genres of music. Everything from country to hip hop artists. We have so many talented people in this city and we strive to highlight as many of those people as possible.” With only a few Stockmarket events left this year, you definitely don’t want to miss them! Browse the vendors with your friends and family. Then, hit up one (or several!) of the many tasty food trucks. With a mouthwatering donut in one hand and delectable tacos in the other (or elotes, hot dogs, gyros, etc.- seriously, you’ve got so many options), settle in to enjoy the live ‘tunes permeating the atmosphere.

Open Mic & Karaoke Nights at Various Downtown Spots

If you’re looking to scout amateur poets, rappers, musicians, or comedians (or maybe interested in performing yourself!), there are also open mic nights and karaoke nights for you to enjoy downtown:

Terra Coffee – Open Mic Night – last Friday of the month, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Empresso on North El Dorado – Open Mic Night – Thursdays, starting at 7:00 PM
Port City Bar & Grill – Karaoke Night – Thursdays, 8:00 – 10:00 PM