Salons showcase Lodi’s arts and music scene

Featured in the Lodi News Sentinel, written by Wes Bowers

Lodi’s musical tastes are varied, with local festivals showcasing country and blues and rock, wineries offering jazz and folk, and pubs featuring a little bit all of everything.

Last year, the Lodi Arts Foundation launched a series of concerts designed to highlight local musicians, each with a focus on a certain genre.

Now, the foundation is bringing its Arts & Music Salons series back for 2026, with three concerts showcasing the piano, blues and country music.

Foundation president Kellie Perrault said the salons were launched after a general call for promoting musicians throughout the year.

“When the arts foundation reorganized the Art Hop, an event with a long and meaningful history in Lodi, we heard thoughtful feedback from artists and community members about the importance of continuing to support fine art and working artists,” she said. “While Art Hop’s evolution focused on sustainability and accessibility, it also opened a broader conversation about how we could serve different audiences and artistic needs within the community.”

Once the Art Hop was reestablished as a consistent and successful event, Perrault said the foundation began developing a complementary experience that centered on fine arts and deeper engagement.

The salons were envisioned as evening-focused, indoor events that were intimate, curated and accessible, she said.

The first salon scheduled promises an intimate Valentine’s Day evening for lovers with a “Piano and Vocals Night” on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7-9 p.m. inside the Thomas Theater at Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.

Guests will enjoy a vocal and piano performance by Melissa Modifer, an award-winning singer-songwriter playing original music and classic favorites.

A California native, Modifer is also a storyteller, actor and voice teacher whose vocals are often compared to Adele or Norah Jones.

In 2023, she wrote and performed her one-woman show “Therapy Sessions,” recounting the personal stories behind her music. She began in New York City, then toured the Bay Area with Fuse Theatre, including three sold-out shows in Lodi.

Original art by local artists Marilyn Eager and Patti Kennedy will be displayed on theater walls for browsing or purchase during the show.

The Thomas Theatre will have café tables where guests can relax to the music, purchase beverages and light fare at the bar and participate in a wine pull fundraiser to support the foundation’s efforts to grow and celebrate the arts in the community.

Tickets are $29 and available at lodiarts.com/salons.

The Shad Harris Band will headline “Blues on the Patio,” the second salon of the season at IDOL Beerworks, 100 S. Sacramento St., from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.

The band delivers West Coast Blues at its finest, performing originals and covers in their own unique signature sound.

Harris has toured nationally and internationally since 1966, playing drums, keyboards, guitar and bass with various award-winning bands and hall-of-fame artists including Etta James,

Charlie Musselwhite, Eddie Harris, The Motown Review Big Band, Roger Daltrey, Johnny Heartsman, Johnny Nitro and the Tommy Castro Band.

The talents of local artist Nina Boyd and photographer Darell O’Sullivan will be on display for browsing and purchase.

Relaxed patio seating will enhance the mood of the smooth blues music, and listeners can purchase from a list of Idol craft beers or food from SQZ Burger right next door. A 50-50 raffle and art projects will help fund the foundation’s goal of supporting the arts in Lodi.

Tickets are $29 and will be available in April.

“Country Music Night” will be theme for the third and final salon of season, featuring Lodi’s own GeorgeTown at Sayla Music Academy. 21 W. Locust St. from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Renowned for its original songs, soaring harmonies and many nostalgic covers of artists including Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Eagles, John Prine, Darius Rucker, Chris Isaak, Kenny Rogers, and Poco, among others, GeorgeTowne was voted Best of Lodi in the Live Entertainment category the last two years.

The six-piece is led by George Gibson — guitarist, songwriter and lead vocalist.

Local artists Geneva Mello and Leila Valencia will have many of their pieces on display and available for purchase.

The evening will include a no-host bar offering a range of drink options and a silent auction to help support the foundation.

Tickets are $29 and will be available in August.

Perrault said last year’s salons were very successful, and the foundation is looking forward to seeing a similar response from the community in 2026.

“Most of last year’s salons sold out, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both artists and attendees,” she said.

“Artists valued the focused environment and meaningful conversations, and attendees appreciated the opportunity to experience art and music in a relaxed but elevated setting. Overall, the enthusiasm affirmed that there is strong community support for multiple types of arts experiences in Lodi, each serving an important role.”

For more information about the foundation or its salons, visit lodiarts.com/salons.