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.

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

Downtown’s Art Walk

Posted on July 12, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

“Art is too important not to share.”
– Romero Britto, famous Brazilian artist, painter, serigrapher and sculptor

Everyone has a little bit of an artist in them. You might disagree, and think to yourself, “I don’t paint,” or “HA. I can only draw stick figures.” What we often forget is that art is a form of expression– and you can express yourself any way you want to. You may not be the next Picasso, Shakespeare or Beethoven, and sure, your piece of artwork probably won’t become as famous as the Mona Lisa, but this doesn’t change the fact that you expressed yourself – your thoughts, feelings, and/or emotions you may not have necessarily been able to put into words.

What is Art Splash?

Appreciation for art expression is not lost on Joy Neas, Coordinator of Downtown Stockton’s ArtSplash, a FREE, self-guided tour of various downtown venues that display local art of all shapes, sizes, color, and variety. Being a photographer, crocheter, and sidewalk chalk art enthusiast herself, Joy encourages artists of all skill levels to display their work in ArtSplash events, stating, “we have everybody, we accept everybody. We give an immersive experience.” She continues, “It’s one thing to make art, but to feel like you’re a real artist, you need to show your art.” And show art they do- past ArtSplash artists have showcased everything from photography, music, weaving, sculpting, drawing, painting, ceramics, animation, and more!

From toddlers to senior citizens and all stages in between, ArtSplash has proudly displayed art from artists of all ages. It reminds us that art has no age limit- all that’s needed is the passion to create (some paintbrushes or musical instruments would probably help, too). Some unique art displays featured in past ArtSplash events included a local filmmaker who showcased her original short films and a Renaissance Group who wove and made ceramics while adorned in their renaissance-styled attire. Some displays are even interactive, allowing visitors to join in on the painting or model for an art piece (if you’ve always wanted to model and never had the chance, this is your opportunity!).

Why Downtown?

Why is Downtown Stockton the perfect location for ArtSplash? Joy shares that there are many reasons, including the simple fact that she loves the downtown area. “Downtown to me is the heart of the city. Downtown has so much character with the historical buildings, beautiful waterfront, and all the different cultures that make up Stockton.” Another reason Downtown Stockton is the ideal location for ArtSplash is that it helps people to “get to know these buildings.” Having art displayed in various downtown venues means that visitors get to view the inside of buildings they otherwise would have never had the chance to see. For instance, RTD was an ArtSplash venue, and visitors were able to experience the inside of its beautiful conference room.

Currently in its 8^th year, ArtSplash takes place on the second Fridays of months May through October from 5 – 8 PM at various downtown locations (check our events calendar for more information). There are only a couple ArtSplash events left this season, so what are you waiting for? Get in touch with your creative side and grab some paint, a guitar, a camera, Renaissance gear, flowers- anything! And while you are creating, remember Joy’s words, “Anything can be art.” Check it out TONIGHT!

Joy is always in search of new artists and venues! If you would like to participate in an upcoming ArtSplash event(s) or if you are interested in offering a downtown venue, please contact her at [email protected] she’d love to hear from you!

STOCKMARKET

Posted on April 27, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Stockmarket is a local event that provides an opportunity for friends and families to explore and experience Stockton businesses. This is Stockmarket’s fifth year and they are in a NEW location at the Waterfront Marina at 445 W. Weber Avenue in #DowntownStockton. This past Saturday (April 20th) was the FIRST Stockmarket of the year! If you missed it, don’t worry! You still have an opportunity to check it out on June 22nd, August 17th, and October 19th from 10am to 4pm.

“With each year and location, we encourage attendees to join us to activate areas of our city that need some love! Our festival will feature 70+ vendors of art, handmade items, vintage goods, live music and tons of delicious local food options. We act as a platform to showcase local small business and to boost our local economy through supporting makers in our city. The festival is free to guests, dog friendly, and creates a fun atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy a day at the beautiful downtown waterfront.”

Founder’s Vision

Amy and Katie, the founders of Stockmarket, had a vision for a space in Stockton where businesses could sell their goods while creating a positive atmosphere in the community. Stockmarket first launched in 2015 with around 700 guests, and now in 2019 they’re attracting almost 3000 guests to a fun event for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“As we grow in size, and people spread the word about what the event is, and what it supports— we continue to hear great feedback from guests. Not only do they feel good about supporting local vendors, they enjoy having a space they can go to free of charge with the whole family (dogs included), to enjoy live music, taste local cuisine and meet new people along the way.”

Resource for Local Businesses

Not only is it a fun time for visitors to explore local businesses and enjoy tasty food, but it’s also good for the vendors. “We have had amazing feedback from our vendors. Not only have we had over 10 small businesses go from booths to brick and mortar, but we constantly hear positive feedback from vendors to surrounding cities who had never previously been to Stockton. It is important for us to change any negative perception people may have of our city, and part of Stockmarket is giving visitors a positive experience they can share with others. We hear all the time Stockmarket has a family feel atmosphere and we are all in it together to create a community event to be proud of.”

If you had a good time at Stockmarket before, you need to check out the event now that they’re downtown. And if you’ve never heard of or been to Stockmarket, definitely come out to the Waterfront Marina in #DowntownStockton to check it out!

Press Recording Studio

Posted on March 9, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Downtown Stockton is home to many talented artists. It is a place full of innovation and productivity, with resources to help budding creatives take their work to the next level. For artists interested in music, or engaged in projects requiring an audio component, the Press Recording Studio is ready to record.

Located at 11 South San Joaquin Street, #206, next to the historic Bob Hope (the Fox) Theatre, the Press Recording Studio is a full-service commercial recording studio. It’s relaxed, yet professional, environment features experienced engineers and world-class recording equipment. The Press Recording Studio has been in the downtown area for over five years; this hidden gem attracts a broad spectrum of clients, from here in town to as far as Germany!

Matt Young is the owner of the Press Recording Studio; being from Stockton, he wants the studio to give local musicians a place where they can record and get a professional sound for an affordable price. The origin of the Press Recording Studio is an example of how one passion can lead to another. “I was a musician and I would record at other studios, but I liked to record my own stuff at home. So I started doing home recording first and people liked the way it sounded so then people would ask if I could record them, and I just fell in love with the recording process,” explained Young.

The Press Recording Studio is already making a difference for many local artists and organizations, but Matt Young has even more planned for the future. “Me and another songwriter from Stockton…just started something called Grace Note, which gives students free studio time. I definitely want to do more stuff for the community like that, like I’m doing a Battle of the Bands which also gives local artists free studio time. But I really just want to continue to give Stockton a really nice studio and just keep improving on that as much as I can.”

The Downtown Stockton Alliance’s (DSA) audio tour, Walk with Weber, was actually recorded at the Press Recording Studio. With a project like Walk with Weber, the process was simple for Matt and his team. First, Manuel Laguna recorded his historical knowledge in just a few takes, and then it took the engineers at the Press Recording Studio two to three hours edit and mix. After sending a rough draft to the DSA, minor adjustments were made before the final product was completed. All of this was accomplished for just $45/hr!

Matt Young and The Press Recording Studio wants clients to be satisfied with their recordings. It’s important for clients to be prepared before coming in to record so that they can make the most of their time at the studio. For those who are new to the process and have no idea what to expect or how to prepare, Matt Young suggests asking questions. “Ask as many questions as you can before you get into the studio because that will help you prepare the most. Every project is a little different and it’s hard to know what to be prepared for if you’ve never been in the studio, but the biggest thing is to just ask questions.”

So for local artists who are looking for a professional, affordable place to record, the Press Recording Studio is the place to go. To learn more about them or to book a session, check out their website, www.thepressrecordingstudio.com

Most Modest

Posted on March 2, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Downtown Stockton’s atmosphere attracts entrepreneurial people both near and far. Many business owners from other cities are recognizing downtown Stockton’s value and potential, and they are taking the steps to not only grow their businesses in the area, but also to help downtown Stockton thrive. Most Modest is the latest evidence of increasing outside interest in downtown Stockton.

Product Design in Downtown

Most Modest is a product design, manufacturer, and accessory brand that has opened a studio on E. Weber Avenue in downtown Stockton. Most Modest produces unique and minimalistic products that are perfect for any office or work space. This includes products like: Cody, a desktop organizer that combines a pencil cup with a wood tray; Niko, a wood form power strip combined with a knitted mesh power cable; and Simon, a cable organizer that’s simple but keeps cables from making a mess and tangling. These are just a few of their products; there are more coming soon.

Founder of Most Modest, Justin Champaign, explained the meaning behind “Most Modest” and the origins of the business. “Most Modest, the name, comes from the Emily Post Book of Etiquette, which I found at a flea market. There is a chapter on how to be a most modest host, and that really fit with what I was trying to create for the brand and types of products we make and design here. MM brand is about making meaningful products and experiences for our customers and the users of them, not about us ‘the designers.’ But we do want to be the best at it, hence being the MOST Modest.”

Cody
Niko
Simon

Moving to Downtown Stockton

Originally located in San Francisco, Champaign decided to move Most Modest to Stockton to escape the absurd rent increases and stressful commute. While Most Modest could have moved anywhere, like Austin, Seattle, or Sacramento, Champaign realized that Stockton was the best choice.

“On one of my commutes from San Francisco to the Sierras I decided to check out Stockton. I was immediately interested. A beautiful location on the water, cool old downtown and surrounding neighborhoods and directly half way between SF and the Sierras. I began doing research and stumbled upon Jared Rusten though Instagram. I saw he had left SF and setup in downtown Stockton; I got in contact and he showed me around. It was then that I made the decision I was going to try and setup in Stockton. I planned on trying to buy a building and be part of restoring downtown Stockton to its former glory.”

Now that they are settled in downtown Stockton, Most Modest can focus on growing and improving. “The future is exciting – we have partnered with some great domestic manufacturers and are ramping up our production, expanding our lines and categories into lighting, furniture objects, and of course power.”

Downtown welcomes Most Modest wholeheartedly, and is eager to see this unique business flourish.

The Write Place

Posted on December 15, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Reading and writing are not only valuable to a person’s education, but they are skills that promote imagination and foster an understanding between people of varying backgrounds and cultures. Downtown Stockton is a place that is teeming with diversity and creativity and the Write Place at the Tuleburg Press is helping to spread the message of the value of literacy to the community.

Community Effort

Studio manager Katelynn Castaneda knows the purpose of Write Place and is a witness and participant to the work they do for the community, sharing that “The point of the Write Place is to help get literacy across the board to everyone, so those that who are low income or cannot afford to get an education, we want to be able to bring in everyone from all walks of life so that they can get that general understanding that literacy is important.”

Workshops and Classes

More than just a mission statement and a dream, the Write Place is actually taking action to make a difference in the community and help all kinds of people. The Write Place hosts many events throughout the year and teaches classes that are both educational and fun. According to Castaneda, one of the more popular classes is paper-making. “It tends to be really popular with kids especially. They like to come in and go through the process because it is something that we don’t do very often and it’s a very niche-y thing to do. It’s very fun for people to go through the process and be like ‘Oh, this is so much fun. I had no idea that this was something that I could do at home.’”

And the Write Place has even more to offer. Their coptic binding class could always use some more participants. “It’s a fun thing to do. It’s very tedious and very time-consuming, but you can do really creative art with different spines and stitches.It’s really fun to learn and once you learn it, you know it for the rest of your life.”

Impacting #DowntownStockton

The Write Place is doing so much in downtown, that it is sometimes hard to believe and almost sounds like magic. “We have stuff that people can tangibly use for books, but we also take those books and we also make things out of them. We recently done some old reader’s digest books. We’ve taken those, gutted them pretty much, and we’re taking them, using the covers, and we’re going to be holding classes where people can come in and make coptic bound journals. They’ll have like really cool top cover pages that are made from those old reader’s digests and all the insides were taken from old paper pulp that were made into paper. So for like the holidays, we made some really cool envelopes out of that paper and stationary sets that we are now selling to people.”

While sometimes it is hard to see the use of writing and literature and many people find those to be their least favorite subjects from school, the Write Place makes the world of books and writing fun and exciting. Located at the Tuleburg Press at 343 E. Main Street and open from 1pm-5pm, the Write Place is helping to make a positive change in Downtown Stockton.

The Freckled Moon

Posted on December 7, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Have you heard of the Freckled Moon? You might have seen them as a vendor at farmers markets and events like the Stockmarket, but now the Freckled Moon has a location in Downtown Stockton. The Freckled Moon is a shop that sells handmade artwork, dreamcatchers, and similar crafts created by a local collective of artists The shop is located at 219 East Weber Ave, owned and managed by a family of creatives.

Marie Pease, the owner of The Freckled Moon, runs the shop with her daughters and started selling handmade crafts five years ago. Before having a physical location downtown, the Freckled Moon was popular at events with repeat customers frequently asking about if there was a physical location where they could shop or when Marie Pease would open a store. “This has always been our dream to have our own little shop. We do events and stuff like that, but we’ve always wanted to open our own shop where people can come and get unique items that they can’t get at the big box stores.”

Why Downtown Stockton?

So why did a craft store like the Freckled Moon choose downtown Stockton? According to Marie Pease, a need for an expressive shop was felt, as well as a small but talented artistic community. “I knew that if I opened a shop I would want it to be here, because I know that there is not a lot of this here and I wanted to bring it to Stockton because I know that there are a lot of creative people here.”

A lot of the art and crafts that are sold through the Freckled Moon are from artists and friends of Marie Pease and her family, as well as from artists from Sacramento. Now that they are located in downtown Stockton, local artist are encouraged to work with the Freckled Moon to not only share their work but also to make the downtown areas future brighter and beautiful.

More Than Just Adding Aesthetic

Besides bringing a new aesthetic to downtown Stockton, Marie also runs the Freckled Moon to be an example to her daughters. “I’ve always wanted to teach my daughters that they don’t need anybody to help them, that they can do things on their own. I’m a product of that, being a single mom with four children. It doesn’t matter where you come from or your background, it matters how bad you want your dream and what you’re willing to do to make that obtainable. You don’t need other people to help you, you can do it yourself. So that was really a big drive for me.”

They have only been open for a few weeks and the Freckled Moon has already been well received by the community. Hopefully with continued support, Marie Pease and the Freckled Moon will make a larger and larger impact on the community as time goes on. To learn more about the Freckled Moon, check out their website, www.thefreckledmoon.com

Hatch Workshop

Posted on November 21, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Located at 33 N Aurora Street in Downtown Stockton, HATCH Workshop is a nonprofit organization that will offer training and education in subjects like fine crafts, design, and entrepreneurship, for students and the community. HATCH Workshop will also be providing affordable housing, workspaces, and shop access for young, growing creatives and artists. In June 2019, when HATCH will be fully operational and open to the public, their programs will be a benefit to the growing and talented community of artists that call Stockton and the Downtown area their home.

Student Experiences

Community Workshop programs will provide educational opportunities for Stockton residents. Through the programs, students will learn and develop skills in fine crafts and creative expression. They will also be forming business skills and entrepreneurial strategies, so they will not only be learning art and how to express themselves, but also provide them with hands-on work skills that are important in an ever evolving labor environment.

HATCH Live/Work Co-Op

HATCH Workshop will also be helping to support young entrepreneurs in the crafts by providing an affordable space for emerging makers to live and work through the HATCH Live/Work Co-Op. While this program will include an apartment, a personal studio space, 24-hour access to the the shops, and space in our HATCH store/gallery, the HATCH Live/Work Co-op will also be able to work alongside an experienced business and art marketing professional. These programs are designed to give individuals the resources that they need to hone their creative skills and become thriving entrepreneurs.

Even young students have a place to learn and prosper at Hatch Workshop. Inspire Youth is one of the programs that HATCH Workshop will be offering. In collaboration with the San Joaquin County Office of Education and Stockton Unified School District, the Inspire Youth is a mentorship and arts education program. The program will create a safe space for youth to learn, create, and enter into mentorship programs with HATCH Workshop residents and senior team members. This program will be run off site with Stockton Unified School District starting in in January of 2019.

Impacting the Downtown Community

That is all just a small glimpse into the future of Hatch Workshop and a feel for the impact that they will be making in downtown Stockton. CEO at HATCH Workshop, Phoenix Trent, shared how downtown Stockton has happily accepted them, “The community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of our project and as a 501(c)3 nonprofit we’ve made it our priority to engage with the community and ensure that our programs reflect the needs of our city. HATCH has enjoyed putting on make your own toys and metal casting workshops at Stockmarket, Collide Festival, the San Joaquin County Fair and other local events as we work to build interest for our upcoming youth and community workshops.”

You can find out more about HATCH Workshop and their programs by checking out their website, www.hatchworkshop.org, or if you’re interested in working with HATCH Workshop on a project, send an email to [email protected]

Written by Andrew James Rocha
Photos Courtesy of HATCH Workshop