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Jon is originally from Bakersfield California and he graduated from Highland High School in 1991. After high school, Jon attended several universities and ended up in Oklahoma. While in Oklahoma, he signed a professional baseball player contract. He played professional baseball for 8 years under organizations such as Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Taiwan Major Leagues. While playing baseball, Jon bought his first guitar (D-15 Martin acoustic). He didn't know how to read music, so he taught himself how to play. He wrote and composed some songs inspired by relationships, partying while playing baseball and life in general. In 2001, Jon retired from baseball and ended up in Modesto, California, where he began bartending. Late nights while the bar was closing he played some cover songs and worked on his own material. This is where he met his future wife, Leah. They moved to Turlock, a small town 20 minutes south of Modesto. In January 2005, Jon and his wife had triplet boys. Jon became a stay-at-home father and spent his “free” time writing more songs. In February 2006, Jon’s wife suggested he try playing his music professionally. He auditioned for a well known live music venue, The Speakeasy Lounge, and he received his first gig the following week. Since then, he has played in over 50 venues amassing more than 140 shows. Fans have described his voice as “soothing with a harshness to it that hits your soul”. It has also been said that when he sings, "he sings with his heart all out and exposed”. He has played regional shows from the Bay Area to the Central Valley. In October 2007, Jon won The Modesto Area Music Association award for the “Best Unplugged (Acoustic/Americana)” category. He has been showcased on the Clear Channel radio station FM 93.1 (B93) and has played in musical events such as X-Fest and the Modesto Art & Wine Festival. On November 17th, 2007, at The Fat Cat Music House & Lounge, Jon released his debut full length album, “Grin & Bury It”. The following is one of the many great reviews Jon’s album has received:
“Emotional. That one word captures ‘Grin and Bury It,’ the freshman release from Turlock’s own Jon Valenti. That one word says a great deal about the music on this release. But when I say emotional, I don’t mean just sadness. Sure, songs like ‘Blue’ and ‘Three Days Ago’ will ravage through you like a hurricane if you have just gone through a break up, but other tracks such as ‘Prom Queen’ and ‘21’ will pick you up and make you laugh, dance and feel alive. This is more than a musical release. This is an ex-pro ball player smashing a home run right through center field and into stands full of new fans. This is Valenti’s life wrapped in plastic and served up on a silver platter full of music. This is Valenti’s whole heart laid out for our listening pleasure. Congratulations Jon! Listening to this was my pleasure!”
-Motown Mojo
Editor/Chief Columnist
www.modestofamous.com
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Hey, man. Thanks for the gig last Saturday. I had a blast and though my bar tab ended up sliiiightly outweighing my paycut, I'd say it was a rewarding experience. It was those damn Irish Nachos. Sooo delicious.
Anyway, if you ever have any more open spots, I encourage you to think of me. I'm always down to play with/for cool individuals, regardless of pay.
im doing alrite...just tryin to keep busy. gotta go back to school soon already!!! been single for 5 months now too...i love being single.lol. hows your singing career working out for you now.
Live Art Show Saturday June 27 @ noon. 516 1/2 McHenery Ave Modesto. Performances by Jay Smith and Grains of Sand. J. Padilla and JxDog on the turn tables. Free Event!!!! Come out and support local artists
Hey :) I have to say..I freakin love the song Prom Queen! It is my favorite! One of these nights mikey and I will have catch a show at the Firkin Fox! Later ~ crystal
Stop by The Other Place (located @ 2003 Yosemite Blvd. in Modesto, Ca), this Saturday (June 13th) for a night of dope music. DJ Titus & DJ Manny D will be in the mix, spinning some of the dopest Hip-Hop and Electro House music 2 ever hit a speaker system. So if your tired of hearing the same ol music, stop by n check us out. Not 2 mention the drink specials... $4.00 Washington apples, red headed sluts and kamikazes will be available all night.
** Photography will be provided by Empire Photography **
One more thing...if your not already on the guest list, hit me up with your full name + the full names of any guests you plan on bringing and I'll make sure you and your people get in 4 FREE.
Some of the Music You Can Expect to Hear @ The Inferno! (Press Play)
3 Chances to see The Sugar Daddy's on a Norcal mini tour. These guys are a must see. And traveling with them are The Death Valley Drifters
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On June 14th we're still booking for vendors. Reach your market and customer base in this Central Valley rockin event in one infamous months...AMERICAN GRAFFITI MONTH
Also, Pinups, book a shoot with the Elvis Trooper. Ken will be on site to do a photo shoot with established and new comers to the pin up scene. Space is limited so book now and contact us for details
The time is wrong on the flyer, show starts at 7. 3 comedians from Sac, 2 from San Jose, 1 from San Fran, and 4 of our best local comedians with Frankie Acosta as a last minute edition makes this the comedy show unlike any Modesto has never seen! So get on the guestlist and don't miss out!
Another big LEVEE party this Saturday,May 9th,at Modesto Virtual,located at 947 Tenth St. in Modesto.This will be a huge birthday bash for Mike Vanek.This marathon of beer and music features some of the best local heavy bands,including LEVEE,Better Left Unsaid,Kranial Damage,Beyond All Brutality,Nothing But Losers,Dodoria,and SEIP.Admission is $8 at the door.Levee will play at 8 pm.Come on out and hear some great tunes and help celebrate Mike V's bday!This will be the last Levee show for a bit-we'll be out playing alot of upcoming shows as our other band,DAM.SO get it while you can! <img .."visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/1
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