Ceres resident and accomplished musician Patty Castillo Davis is among seven women who are being honored as “Outstanding Women of Stanislaus County” by the Stanislaus County Commission for Women.

Others receiving the honor are Lindsey Bird, Karlha D. Davies, Janice Vella and Vielka Solano, all of Modesto, Leng Power of Salida and Lise Talbot of Waterford.

In 2016 Davis won the Modesto Area Musicians Association award in the “Singer-Songwriter” category.

Patty noted that her pursuit of music – which began as a student in school choirs – is rooted to her hunger for expression fostered by her parents. She started as a studio singer on demos and jingles such as the locally played radio commercial for Mistlin Honda and Turlock Auto Plaza. She evolved into a band member and band leader.

«I came from a family that immersed me with eclectic types of music, from mariachi to the blues, Ella Fitzgerald and Merle Haggard and nobody ever told me to get a real job. Everyone said that my music was my bliss and to follow that and my Dad said, ‘You can sing Johnny Cash songs; you don’t have to be a boy.’»

Davis has opened for Grand Old Opry performers as well as Dwight Yoakum.

Davis works as a music liturgist at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Modesto

Her passion is to promote local talent in local venues and Patty is now a member of the Ceres Concerts in the Park Committee.

Named for the “Outstanding Young Woman” honored are Carma Mize of Modesto and Gabrielle Sotomayor of Turlock.

Turlock’s Hanna Renning will be honored as the ”Woman Living Pioneer.”

The late Modesto resident Alberta Martone will be named for the “Woman of History” honor. 

Awards will be presented at a Saturday, March 9 brunch held at the Greens in Modesto, 953 10th Street. The event begins at 10 a.m. with a no-host champagne bar and buffet brunch following at 10:30 a.m. The awards program begins at 11 a.m. Cost is $35 per person, and pre-paid reservations are required. Additional details and reservation forms are available online at www.stanislauswomen.net or contact Olga Cardenas at 566-5707 or emailOlga.val.cardenas@gmail.com

The Stanislaus County Commission for Women is an independent, nongovernmental organization to promote within the community an awareness of issues that concern women.