Fulton 55 celebrated its one year anniversary on Jan. 20 at its downtown Fresno location. As homage to the first show, it was celebrated in full style and free of a cover charge.
Ironically, unlike many of the shows at Fulton 55 that are planned and promoted months in advance, the anniversary show came together about a week before the event.
Even with last minute changes to the lineup, general manager Tony Martin was able to pull off a great show that fully embodies what Fulton 55 is all about.
Martin made sure to stay true to the ideals held by Fulton 55 when it first opened, making a conscious effort to book only local talent for the show just as he had done for the grand opening weekend a year ago.
This time around the bluegrass/country band, Doc’s Holiday, opened up the night.
They were followed by Patrick Contreras, who played at Fulton’s first show.
Contreras maintains his unique style of playing the violin by playing covers of classic rock songs, such as Led Zeppelin songs. He also samples new beat-based music, such as Skrillex through his laptop that he keeps next to him onstage as he plays along with his violin.
The headliner was the Latin hip-hop sound of 40 Watt Hype.
“The belief is there, that we’re in a long-term project,” said Martin.
Martin is no stranger to the inner workings of a live music venue. Although he has been with Fulton 55 since its beginning, he has worked in the industry since the late 80s. He has put in his years as the general manager of Audie’s Olympic/Club Fred in the Tower District, he has also been a local band promoter, a booking agent and he’s worked with Fresno music magazine, Pollstar.
“Out of everything I had done in the industry, my true love is booking new talent and managing a live music venue,” Martin said, “It just made sense.”
Not only did it make sense for Martin, but evidently it also made sense for all the people who come out to shows every week as well as the musicians that keep coming back to perform at Fulton 55.
“It was great! It was a full house and there were a lot of new faces,” said Aaron Well, frontman for headlining band, 40 Watt Hype. It’s a good thing when new people go out to check out new venues where they can always find new local music, Well said.
Having someone host an event also adds to the overall experience of everyone involved. For the anniversary show Martin invited hip-hop artist Aesop, who was in charge of keeping everything coordinated and running smoothly. The biggest benefit of a host for an event is maintaining the crowd hyped up and engaged, he said.
“One year Fulton 55 has been here, it shows that people like you, in this town need this. We need this music,” Aesop said to the crowd after Patrick Contreras did his set. It was clear that he was right, as the entire crowd in the venue cheered and clapped before he introduced the headliners, 40 Watt Hype.
No later than 12:15 a.m. 40 Watt Hype were going straight into their set that had people dancing and unable to hide their obvious enjoyment. After two songs in, it was obvious that the people of Fresno fully support Fulton 55 and Martin.
Martin was called to the stage as the band led the main floor crowd and the upstairs crowd into singing “Happy Birthday” to Fulton 55. Martin was then asked to grant everyone a speech.
“We’re a pretty humble place and we’re all here to work. We’re all here to make a living,” Martin said. Keeping up the hard work and staying humble has helped not only the venue itself, but also neighbors in the surrounding area.
“I feel like I’m at the beginning of something great, we’re making history,” said Aesop.
Fulton 55 has had a great year so far and has learned many things that along with improvements in the works for the venue, its second year is looking to be even greater.
For upcoming events and to be up to date with all things Fulton 55, check out the website at http://www.fulton55.com and add Fulton 55 on Facebook. If you see Tony Martin at a show, say hi.
The people of Fresno and surrounding towns will have another chance to experience the venue for themselves free of charge with a show this Friday, Feb. 3. The show will feature Fierce Creatures. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30 p.m.