Tour Stop: Fresno, CA
Located exactly in the middle of California, Fresno is far enough from San Francisco and Los Angeles for its residents to cultivate their own distinct music scene and community. They welcome bands touring through the Central Valley with a warm reception and accommodating venues. Rock en Español, punk, and indie rock are most popular in the Fresno area, where music lovers and musicians alike wear many hats: as bands, as booking agents, as venue promoters and as website coordinators. Consequently, each facet serves as an excellent resource to the next. The sixth largest city in the state, Fresno marks the entrance to both the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and is a short jaunt from Yosemite. Three hours north of Los Angeles and three hours south of San Francisco on “The Main Street of California,” Highway 99, Fresno is a fun and logical stop.
Book a GIG: Venues
STARLINE
831 E. Fern Avenue
Fresno, CA 93728
(559) 916-1542
www.starline1.com
Located in the heart of the local art district, Starline is the place to play. Though there is a bar, shows are frequently all ages. Contact Vince Corsaro three months in advance through www.myspace.com/overcastbooking.
RAINBOW BALLROOM
1725 Broadway
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 264-6404
www.rainbowballroom.com
A Rock en Español venue that has featured Café Tacuba, Kinky, and Morrissey. Call manager Julian Gallardo for booking.
FAGAN’S IRISH PUB
2039 Kern Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 266-0225
www.faganspub.com
Fagan’s has live music four times a week; folk, jazz, acoustic, blues, Irish, alternative and light rock are welcome at this downtown pub. Email booking@faganspub.com and include a music link or mail in a press kit.
THE BARNYARD
1416 Clovis Avenue
Clovis, CA 93612
www.myspace.com/barnyardbrothers
One town over from Fresno, the kids at this new all-ages venue like loud rockin’ music, particularly hardcore, rock and indie. Book through MySpace three to four weeks in advance.
TOKYO GARDEN
1711 Fulton Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 268-3596
www.tgbrand.com
The first fine dining Japanese restaurant in California, this intimate space hosts acoustic bands a few nights a week and is a hot spot for neighborhood hipsters. Book via www.myspace.com/tokyogarden six weeks in advance and expect to find a local band to play with.
CLUB FRED
1426 N. Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93728
(559) 233-FRED
www.clubfredfresno.com
A decent sized 21+ club with an excellent stage and sound system, Club Fred books all genres. Contact Vince Corsaro two months in advance through www.myspace.com/overcastbooking.
THE SATELLITE STUDENT UNION AND THE PIT
Cal State Fresno University
Student Union, Room 306
5280 N. Jackson M/S SU36
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-2741
studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/studentact
The Satellite is indoors, The Pit is outdoors on Fresno’s college campus, and they both host a variety of live music. Contact Josh Kilton at the above phone number between 9-10AM, Monday through Wednesday for booking.
HOWIE AND SON’S PIZZA & BEER
PARLOR
2430 S. Mooney Boulevard
Visalia, CA 93277
(559) 732-7949
www.howieandsonspizza.com
Located in neighboring Visalia, Howies hosts all genres from Japanese punk rock to indie and folk, attracting people from all over the Central Valley. To book, email vernalfalls@sbcglobal.net at least two months in advance.
Promote a GIG: Media
FRESNO BEE
1626 E Street
Fresno, CA 93786
(559) 441-6479
www.fresnobee.com
Local daily. Submit events at calendar.fresnobee.com. Calling or emailing Mike Osegueda (mosegueda@fresnobee.com) for more coverage is recommended.
FRESNO FAMOUS
735 E. Normal
Fresno, CA 93704
www.fresnofamous.com
A community-driven blog site with excellent music scene coverage. To post an event, go to the website then click on account to register.
KFSR 90.7 FM
Mail Stop SA #119
5201 N. Maple
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-4500
www.kfsr.org
Cal State Fresno’s college radio station reaches 500,000 people in the Central Valley. It has several programs and plays a wide variety of music. Albums can be sent to Attn: Music Director at the above address. Follow up with a call to Soreath Hok at the above phone number. They do not list events on a calendar but will give airplay.
Helpful websites:
www.myspace.com/fresnoindie
www.myspace.com/musicianscollective
Gear/ Repairs
SPITZER MUSIC
3821 N. Blackstone Avenue
Fresno, CA 93726
(559) 224-5277
www.spitzermusic.com
Spitzer Music carries all types of instruments, amps, lighting and sound equipment and can accommodate walk-in repairs. Open weekdays from 10-7, Saturday from 10-6, and Sunday from 11-5.
GUITAR CENTER FRESNO
5330 North Blackstone Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 221-2222
www.guitarcenter.com
Carries all instruments and equipment. Open Monday through Friday from 10-9, Saturday from 10-7, and Sunday from 11-7.
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