PLAN FOR A CULTURAL AND ARTSY YEAR ON WEST SIDE. Every January the New Year starts with some signs that wake us up to the fact that this could be a very different year than the last one. Sometimes the economy is exploding and other times (like now) it’s giving us some concerns. The weather means a lot this time of year; and thanks to a very wet season so far, our agricultural outlook is looking very good.

The West Side, I’ve always found, provides those of us who live here, a mixed bag of good and bad news. But what I’ve also realized having lived here for more than 50 years, our lives don’t tumble badly on bad news or rise fervently on good reports….We are somewhat insulated from the ups and downs of city life.

Yes, I know that there are exceptions to every rule, but most times I’m right about this.

There is one thing we can all do to make the West Side a better place to live and/or work….make plans now to frequent the West Side Theatre productions in Newman. With all the recent hype about the Gallo Arts Center in Modesto, we have our own place of theatre and culture right here, and while many of us support our local theatre, we can do more. Talk about it with friends, attend a show now and then; and send a donation to maintain its excellence. Throughout the year, your theatre offers two to three musical performances from talented local and regional artists each month. You can see the full schedule at www.westsidetheatre.org. But here are some of the fabulous shows coming up:

• January 26. Country Joe McDonald (Tribute to Woody Guthrie) has been staged more than a dozen times in England and in the United States since it was originally commissioned by the National Steinbeck Center in 2001.

• February 9. Fred Eaglesmith and the Flying Squirrels feature Fred’s storytelling “folk” show. It includes all the classic Eaglesmith songs with the full band. The show is a smoky mixture of rock and early sixties country.

• February 23. Joni Morris (Portrait of Patsy Cline) is always a sell-out in Newman, so you’ll want to reserve your seats right away.

• March 1. Lara Price Blues Band. Don’t miss this All American singer with a sultry stage presence and a voice the demands your attention. It’s smoky, only, sexy, and powerful.

There is more scheduled, so contact the West Side Theatre for information (209) 862-4490.

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