The Arts Modesto, A Collaboration, is an example of community arts organizations working together. Several organizations are represented in this collaboration: Opera Modesto, Prospect Theater Project, State Theatre, Modesto Unplugged, Mistlin Gallery, MoSt (Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center) and Red Tie Arts. Each month the group releases a listing of opportunities available to expand your entertainment horizons, discovering the many amazing homegrown creative endeavors that the vibrant Modesto arts community has to offer.
Mistlin Gallery (http://www.ccaagallery.org) is hosting ‘Creating Meaning,’ an exhibition of inspirational art, writing, and photography created by cancer survivors and caregivers, on exhibit through Nov. 12. The annual Home for the Holidays show begins Nov. 16. Third Thursday art walks will feature extra art vendors inside the gallery on Nov. 18 and Dec. 16, as well as Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27. Mistlin Gallery is at 1015 J St., Modesto.
Prospect Theater Project (www.prospecttheaterproject.org) is presenting “The Humans” by Stephen Karam.
Scheduled for Nov. 12 through 21, the show will be staged at the Prospect Theater, 1214 K St., Modesto and tickets are $25.
Breaking with tradition, Erik Blake has brought his Pennsylvania family to celebrate Thanksgiving at his daughter’s apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside, the Blake clan’s deepest fears and greatest follies are laid bare. Karam’s Sons of the Prophet was an audience favorite during PTP’s 2018-2019 season, and this uproarious, hopeful, and heartbreaking play won the 2016 Tony for best play.
For more information, visit: http://prospect.vbotickets.com/event/the_humans/55799
Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center (www.mostpoetry.org) has a couple of special events in November.
The Second Tuesday reading series will continue on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.
Stella Beratlis will host featured readers Manny Moreno and Cristina Sandoval. An open mic will follow the featured readers.
Also join in for conservation about Laure-Anne Bosselaar’s most recent book of poetry, These Small Rooms. They will be reading some of her poetry during a Zoom time together on Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m., facilitated by Janette Jameson.
Join Gary Thomas and featured readers Gerald Fleming, Michael Meyerhofer, and Melchor Sahagun III for the Nov. 21 edition of MoSt’s Poetry On Sunday Series readings on Zoom, beginning at 2 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public; links to all events are available on the MoSt Poetry website.
The State Theatre (www.thestate.org) will be the site for a special night of music on Nov. 20.
The State Theatre is proud to promote a night of classic and original music from some of the most talented musicians in Stanislaus County. Big Earl & The Cryin’ Shame is a West Coast Blues Band from Modesto. Having built their sound on the sturdy foundation of 50s Chicago-style blues infused with infectious funky rhythms, this band has been filling dance floors since 2007. Gravel & Grace is a six-piece Blues & R&B outfit that plays a wide range of classic covers and original songs. The band also features Big Earl Matthews on vocals, along with Ava Grace. Gravel & Grace had their first taste of national touring pre-pandemic and has plans to hit the road again in 2022. Come on down to The State, 1307 J St., Modesto, on Nov. 20 to enjoy a night of the blues that is sure to entertain. Doors open at 5 p.m.; show at 6 p.m. Go to www.thestate.org to purchase tickets.
Modesto Unplugged (http://www.modestounplugged.com/) will be at the Valley Music Institute building on J Street in Modesto for a special cello-driven blues/bluegrass performance by Dirty Cello, set for Sunday afternoon Nov. 14. The 2021 Modesto Area Music Award-nominated groups True South and Float On open with country-rock, classic rock and more. Be there for a stirring high-energy afternoon of music; doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m.
Valley Music Institute is at 1220 J St., Modesto; cost is $20 (cash only) at the door or reserve seats at modestounplugged@yahoo.com