MoBand season kicks off with Graffiti Summer theme, ‘American Graffiti’ actress

Modesto Bee staff
·1 min read

Mancini Bowl was “Rockin’ and Rollin’” on Thursday evening as MoBand kicked off its 2023 summer season with a Graffiti Summer-themed concert.

In keeping with that theme, “American Graffiti” actress MacKenzie Phillips made an appearance onstage during the show in Modesto’s Graceada Park.

Phillips came to town to help celebrate Graffiti Summer and George Lucas’ film, an ode to his teen years in his hometown of Modesto. She was to take part in Friday’s North Modesto Kiwanis American Graffiti Parade.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the movie’s 1973 release.

“Rock On” is this season’s theme for MoBand, officially called the Modesto Band of Stanislaus County.

The free Thursday night concerts run through July 13 and begin at 8 p.m. Here’s a look at the rest of this year’s season:

June 15: “Musical G.O.A.T.s (greatest of all time)”

June 22: “Hippy Dippy”

June 29: “Patriotic Fury”

July 6: “American Gems”

July 13: A selection of the season’s musical highlights

For more on MoBand, see www.moband.org.

Opening night of MoBand at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Opening night of MoBand at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
“American Graffiti” actress MacKenzie Phillips made an appearance during the season opener of MoBand at Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the movie’s 1973 release.
“American Graffiti” actress MacKenzie Phillips made an appearance during the season opener of MoBand at Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the movie’s 1973 release.
People relax and wait for the start of MoBand at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
People relax and wait for the start of MoBand at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
People relax and wait for the start of MoBand at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
People relax and wait for the start of MoBand at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Assistant conductor, Brad Hart leads MoBand during its first concert of the season at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Assistant conductor, Brad Hart leads MoBand during its first concert of the season at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Conductor George Gardner leads MoBand during its first concert of the season at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Conductor George Gardner leads MoBand during its first concert of the season at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, June 8, 2023.