I went to see Blue Jasmine this weekend there. After an old couple said "I didn't know his type would like this" about me, the staff member that heard the same thing just shrugged her shoulders. Cool. I walked out. I will never go back. Plus, the guy that runs their social media was a total jerk after to me after I complained about this.
Review Source:Please read the following facebook statement from Sean Duncan on how The State Theater treats local musicians. I no longer live in the valley, nor am I involved in the local music "scene" but I still know a lot of people who are and find the way that they handled the cancellation of this show shameful. It looks like if George Lucas or a lot of money isn't involved, they really don't care. As someone who had their comment deleted yesterday and found themselves blocked from commenting further on The State Theater facebook page, I encourage you to read what Sean has to say about his experience. I didn't think what I said was all that offensive, just pointing out that they hadn't bothered to update their page to reflect the cancellation (which they STILL haven't done as I type this a day later). The city of Modesto has sunk a lot of money into the downtown area to revitalize the economy and make their town a destination for patrons of the arts and the actions of The State Theater, who loudly proclaim their support of local talent, are spitting in the faces of the people who are actually trying to do something to make Modesto and the surrounding areas a great place to live. I encourage you to read on:
This is not my email to the state, This is my email to all the sponsors of the state and anyone else who will listen. PLEASE SHARE!!!
To whom it may concern,
I'm a member of the band Kid Mud. On June 15th, the band was booked to play a show at the State Theater in Modesto, Ca. with two other local bands, Solar Powered People and Stop Motion Poetry. One week before the show, the State Theater cancelled the show due to poor advance ticket sales. The promoter of this event told us this via a group "Facebook" message. Not one person from any of the bands were ever informed that we needed a "x" amount of pre tickets sold or this show would be cancelled. Once I received tickets to sell myself, 10 days before the show, I made my own pre sales. No one from the State Theater bothered to contact me and ask how many tickets I had actually sold. When the promoter from the State Theater Facebooked us, we tried to ask questions and find an alternative to cancelling the show. The promoter told us "I'm about to start a gig" and really gave us no alternative or further explanation. We have now told our fans exactly what has happened and they have been voicing their opinion to the State Theater via "Facebook". The State Theater then removes the comments and then blocks the users from future comments. One post that the State Theater currently has on their page as I write this email says, "Get to know some of Modesto's best bands on 06/15. These acts are on their way to big things! Support local talent!"
This is not the first time this has happened to local artists by the State Theater. A show on Feb 15th of this year was supposed to take place with a local band called "The Airlings". The same chain of events happened to this band, except no one contacted them. They actually found out when they accessed the State Theater's website and saw a "cancelled" sign on the poster on the website.
I find this very wrong that a place that still says they support local music or the community can just do this. As for the bands of this show, I know that we are all people who have worked hard in our community and have families. Everyone took lots of time out of their already busy schedules to put 110% effort to giving the community a great show. Giving up other things in our daily lives to practice 2 or 3 times a week to make sure the people who were coming had the greatest show of their life. Then, one week before, the state theater decides to just pull the rug underneath us with no communication. Just an "excuse" of lack of advanced ticket sales. This would be a disgrace to any community anywhere and people should know what the State Theater actually thinks about supporting local music and its community.
A very upset "local artist",
Sean Duncan,
Kid Mud
Edit: Sean did receive a call apologizing for the way this was handled. I hope that The State Theater will consider their actions more carefully when dealing with artists who they invite to play their venue as well as the people who support them. Without local patronage, The State Theater would no longer exist.
I came here a few years ago to watch Pan's Labyrinth, which was great because the film wasn't playing in any of the other theaters in town. Â I like how one of the staff members sat in for the movie, just shushing the noisy people. Â The one complaint I had was that the screen didn't project the best picture. Â Other than that, it was a good experience
Review Source:I love that the State shows movies you can't see in the big theatres around town. We just went to see Moonrise Kingdom over the weekend, which we didn't think would ever come to Modesto.
Pros: independent and old movies shown regularly, nostalgic vibe.
Cons: tiny and uncomfortable seats, below average popcorn.
I really wish they wouldn't have redone the outside of the State, the old sign and front were so much better-looking than what they have now.
Went to see Johnny Winter a couple of weeks ago.
I haven't been in the State Theatre since the 60's - The venue is small & very personal, the staff is right there offering to help & ensuring a positive experience. It's been completely restored & oozes nostalgia.
It was just awesome!!
I've already reserved seats for another show in August & am hoping to take the wife & granddaughters to the movies one night as well.
Keep up the good work!!!
The state theater in modesto is a non profit establishment that serves alcohol, great coffee, a variety of hot teas if you ask, high quality popcorn with real butter and a choice of homemade flavor sprinkles, plus the usual candy and soda. most of the workers are volunteers, so please have respect and clean up after yourself. besides showing independent films and everything that is highly rated in the independent market , they also have concerts and matinees of classic films. Â
There are handicapped restrooms on the main floor along with more downstairs. Â The theater decor reflects the era when it was built ..art deco. there is a balcony like in all older movie houses, and the original seats are still good, but no cup holders. Â Everyone there is happy, and you will be too. it is so nice not to have to travel to see the great independent films. See you there.
Simply a GREAT THEATRE!!! Modesto's only venue for indie and alt. films. A wonderful place for music and live entertainment. It's beautiful, inside and out, and very comfortable. The employees are very friendly. Best of all, you can watch a great movie and have a beer or glass of wine. The State is one of the best places in Modesto, a real draw to go downtown!
Review Source:I held an event at the State Theatre on June 22nd, and it was a marvelous evening. Â The venue itself is wonderfully redone in the art deco style, and they have kept the true heart of the original building, lobby, restrooms, seats, etc. - while having state of the art sound and light capabilities. Â We had wonderful time here, and the staff was inspirational, helpful, and extremely professional. Â This is a great theater to view movies in, see other entertainment, and more. Â I hope to visit the theater again soon!
Review Source:First time in theatre and it looks great restored....very clean and I could tell a lot work goes into the upkeep. That's were the good ends......I went for a live rock concert and the sound was just terrible. Â Not what I expected at all. The sound quality may be good for movies but not for a live, jammin' concert. If they want to do concerts, they should invest in a sound system and speakers that will accommodate them.
Review Source:I love The State. Not only does it offer indie & revival movies that it'd otherwise take a trip to San Francisco to see, but it has a wide selection of live events - from live concerts to poetry slams, lectures to sing alongs, The State is an eclectic mix of entertainment with something for everyone.
Check out their website - <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthestate.org&s=6742c3c4eb2259a6b8840b7bfce1eb0ef1c4fcefe803331edbc7be879f176402" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://thestate.org</a> to see upcoming shows, etc.
Highly recommended!
I hate to dog these guys but after the fiasco that ensued last night, I had to vent. Â Star Wars IV on the big screen. Â Lots of people came out to see it - not a complete sell out but the theater was still the fullest I'd seen it in ages. Â Truth be told, Casablanca was actually fuller. Â Go figure. Â
Anyhow, movie does not begin to roll until 6:30 (was slated for 6:00) due to 'technical difficulties' although I saw the projectionist just milling around for a while beforehand. Â Then the picture starts to roll and the sound is in and out. Â Ok, help me to understand why this wasn't all tested beforehand and made sure that it would be good to go instead of foisting this amateur blunder on such a big crowd. Â The crowd gets restless and stars adding their own sound effects which was hilarious but not an experience one wants to spend $7 for. Â A staff member finally gets the gumption to run to the sound booth after the audience has endured 5 to 10 minutes of this and fixes it right away. Â
And on top of all of that, part of the A/C system is out and it's sweltering inside, considering how many bodies are present and the temperature outside. Â This really killed a lot of the experience for me as I was more busy being hot and miserable - as well as dozing off - then really enjoying the film. Â There were many things that transpired that I still fail to understand, especially regarding such a large audience and hot movie. Â It won't turn me off on going to the State Theatre but I can't speak for others.
The State Theatre is definitely a piece of Modesto history. Â You can catch an indie film (faves for award season) and even small concert venues. Â As mentioned by other reviews, they have recently undergone a renovation. Â I haven't experienced the new and improved State Theatre, but I hear it is awesome.
Review Source:Just renovated, the cultural crown jewel of downtown Modesto is impressive in every way.
They play movies we would never have a chance to see if it weren't for it's open-mindedness.
I love it's themed nights and had super fun at David Lynch night watching Mullholland Dr. and Blue Velvet. Â Too bad I missed the Amelie PJ party.
They even had specialty drinks like Pabst Blue Ribbon, Heiniken and the The Blue Dream which was a slushy that left your tounge all blue from the food coloring! Â Yes!
What was coolest is they had a psychic reading tarots and henna tattoos.
It's way too much fun that you can have there and it's not expensive since you get the whole theatre as your playground.
Hella super cool fun.
You should all disappointed and counting the days until next year's festival. You all missed it! Â The Reel Food Film Festival was this past weekend. I know you weren't there because The State was not anywhere near capacity.
This event was amazing. I thought I had died and gone to Italian pastry/dessert heaven the second we walked through the front doors. Â The lobby was filled with tables piled high with bite sized canoli, pine nut torte(Word of Mouth Bakery you rocked my world!), Â biscotti, cakes, custards, tiramisu, you name it, it was there and all included in the price of a $15 ticket.
After loading up your plate(s) there was wine, beer and coffee at the concession stand. Â
The films-5 shorts and 1 feature length were all food-themed. I'm telling you I'm already planning on going next year with a group of friends and family. This is a fantastic Modesto event not to be missed!
The State offers quality entertainment without having to endure the usual idiots found at every other movie theater chain in the valley. Â I've practically given up going to movie theater chains due to loud talking, cell phone use, etc. Â None of that happens at the State! Â People who patronize the State are cool. Â The beautifully renovated non-profit theater offers indie movies, old movies, and live entertainment. Â In the past year or so I've seen: Â Kathy Griffin (hilarious), A Flock of Seagulls, Control (Ian Curtis biopic), and countless other indie films not shown at the big chains. Â I love the fact that you can drink beer and wine, and their popcorn is the best. Â I think they still allow outside food, although I've never tried it. Â And the prices are great too!
Review Source:The renovation of this old theater is AMAZING! I am so glad we as a community had the foresight not to let such a treasure be bulldozed and replaced with another Fuzio or something.
I went to see The Queen here with my bff and her mom and it was so nice! Like Brenden... only cuter and vintage! Loves it!
I wish I was in town enough to utilize all it has to offer (I hear they have rockin' concerts now and then)
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