Category Archives: Family

Happy Birthday Tony Gwynn, “Mr. Padre”

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Wishing Tony Gwynn a happy birthday today.

You may ask why a baseball player is being featured on a music website…

TonyAlicia

Visit Tony and Wife Alicia’s Foundation!

If you follow this blog you probably know I am a huge sports fan. Growing up watching the San Diego Padres, was/is not much to root, cheer, (insert verb) for!

But in 1982 along came Tony Gwynn. As a kid you watch and cheer for your favorites. But over the years of following the team there was a ‘Tony Gwynn’ work ethic that was always discussed.

Tony was a tireless worker at his craft…hitting a baseball. He spent hours and hours watching film, studying the game and working on his game. That made a huge impression on me growing up.

It made me want to work that hard at guitar and I began to listen to guitarists who had that same work ethic. The guys who put in HOURS & HOURS day in and day out playing guitar.

Not only that he was and is a loyal citizen of America’s Finest City, San Diego! My hometown!

So that said Tony was a huge influence on me personally and professionally and that is why he is being a wished a happy birthday from me.

Thanks Tony and Happy Birthday!

American Idol, Final Four 2013

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Idol StageWell Idol fans the moment of truth is almost upon us. Who is going to win American Idol 2013?

 

Give me your vote….

 

 

 

My thought…well I put them in order above by who I think is the most professional ready to be a force in the music industry.

Kree-I think she has been the most consistent contestant this season and her voice and style are incredible!

Candice-Great voice! Amazing musician.

Angie-Cute, very good singer…born to be a pop star and seems to want it…maybe too much for my taste.

Amber-Has the most potential out of all these girls. Amazing voice, but, really seems to lack conviction…if she finds it she will be most successful out of these four in the long run!!

My thoughts aside who will actually win…

Angie-I think she is just an American Idol ‘type’ and wants it more than the other three girls.

Candice-I think she will make the finals and lose to the pop machine in Angie, deservedly or not.

Kree-This girl is without a doubt the most ready to work of the bunch. She could step right into a major role in country music today if she wants….I think she is so burned out on the AI process and ready to eject from competing and go back to SINGING.

Amber-Once again, AMAZING singer just not sure she is ready for primetime.

We will see tonight who makes the final three! One thing for sure…the girls blew the guys out of the water this season!!!

Guitar Lessons For Kids, Poway, Scripps, RB, PQ, New Brochures

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Keep an eye out in your neighborhood for our new flyers. Come in for your free introductory lesson(at teachers availability)

Brochure GLFK2BB1

This is IMPRESSIVE, Cure For Bieber Fever

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I saw these kids on the Today Show, they are amazing! In the video below they appeared on David Letterman. Dave was joking and teasing at first then amazed after their performance.

No offense against the Justin Biebers and Jonas Brothers and farther back the Britney Spears and even farther back the Debbie Gibsons and the New Kids on the Block and on and on. The list is endless of industry created acts. Of course they all have talented voices and can dance well and most of them are pretty …even the boys.

However, not one of them got anything on the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys! These three brothers play their instruments with a virtuosic command many long time studying musicians wish they had. They say the name came from the fact the little brother playing banjo was too small to actually hold it up when he started out and would lay down to play.

All the best to these three!!

Here is the link to their website.

Enjoy!

Lucky Guy!

Posted by mikeslayen on

When I first got into teaching I was so thankful just to have a few students. I still feel grateful to have families bring their kids to the studio week after week.

Then when you realize they care about you too…it makes you feel really good! I am always taken back when clients/students think of me and my family at the holidays. It is never expected but always appreciated! Thank you all for the cards and gifts over the holidays.

Student Cards 2012

Here is to a musical 2013 on the guitar!!!

A Merry Musical Holiday to Everyone!

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Thank you to everyone who has stopped by the blog this year!

Thanks to all who follow the blog, Facebook and Twitter!

Thanks also to all my students, clients and colleagues for everything over the years!

It’s been great to chat with you all about one of my favorite things…MUSIC.

Here is to you!

Mike

Guitar, Wine & Relaxation…a Black Friday Alternative, A San Diego Guitarists Performance Blog

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Once again, I had the pleasure of performing at Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido. This time the day after Thanksgiving.  I really didn’t know what kind of crowd to expect. Would everyone stay home? Be burned out? Turkey hangover? Shopping?

Well, the first sign it was going to be a nice crowd was there was no parking except the overflow. Walking up with my gear, it was packed. That always gets the musician juices flowing. But, it was also nice to see folks using their ‘Black Friday’ to relax. Even better they were supporting some locals over the big box chain stores. Including Orfila, myself and local jewelry maker Katy of KD Custom Jewelry, who’s always a pleasure to work with. Darn Good Food Truck was also there, but, I was so busy I never got a chance to go see what they were all about, sure they were ‘darn good’ though.

With the holiday season upon us, I only have one more scheduled public performance and you guessed it…I will be at Orfila on Dec. 2…3:00 to 5:30 PM. If you haven’t been to Orfila yet it is a must. There is truly something in this valley overlooking the vineyards that always  makes for a great relaxing day. If you are planning any events or weddings definitely take a look here!

Some photos of the day!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thank you all for following my blog! I appreciate all of you who follow and chat about my favorite subject…..MUSIC!

Thank you to all my wedding and performance clients, fellow musicians and students….it is a pleasure to share music with all of you!