Category: Family

DUDE CD, Days 1 & 2

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Be A Part Of Mike's New CD!

Day one started with a trip to the Dr.  due to a pinched sciatic nerve…now I am on steroids…works for athletes we’ll see how it gets me through the CD’s completion…lol I was up until 3:30 AM working on the music so I guess I am PUMPED up! Only problem is I was up at 7:30 AM to hit the pavement.

Campaign Update:

No sooner then the campaign was released the first backer purchased the Guitar/Craftbeer Aficionado package(Includes the CD, VIP invite to CD Release Party(Nov 4, 2017) and a commemorative beer mug($1 off fills at Oceanside Ale Works for life of mug) Thanks to Risa Lin for being the first contributor and sparing me any time of looking at a $0 goose egg!! We have never met but she is part of the Slayen clan who settled in Canada probably over 100 years ago before my grandfather moved to California. Thank you Risa!!!! Of course mom and Aunt Diane were right there at the beginning too!

Special thanks to our first sponsor, as well!! Eric Schweinfurter of Apex Contracting & Restoration, came in early on day 2. The tax-deductible sponsorship package offers: your image in the DUDE label which will be prominently featured on the back of the CD, among other perks including VIP and early entrance to the CD Release Party. Just like the name says Apex can help you with all your contracting AND restoration needs!!!

And of course many of the awesome items we are offering contributors would not be possible without the agernous support of Mark Purciel and Oceanside Ale Works. If you haven’t been make sure you go, if not before, then definitely  on Nov 4 for the CD release party!

Cheers,

Mike

Proud Dad, Michael Schenker Edition

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5 year old daughter has been singing a tune this evening.

I knew what it was but not sure where she had heard it from. It is the Friday wake up song on my iPad alarm.

She keeps repeating the intro to this Michael Schenker song…and pretty accurately too! Proud!

 

Best Song 2014

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Are you still scrambling to get your 2014 Oscar picks in and win that pot of gold or at least bragging rights among your friends?

I am here to offer some help…at least in the music department.

Following is my breakdown of the nominees for Best Song…

Happy-Pharrell Williams, Despicable Me 2

Pharrell Williams is as hot as it gets since the Grammys. Could strike Oscar Gold while the fire is hot. “Happy,” is a cool funky groove song.

Let it Go-Demi Lovato, Frozen

Lovato may sell to the younger female crowd which would hurt her chances for an Oscar. Although “Frozen,” was created for the same demographic and this song drives the mega popular film home with said audience.  A good song and worthy of Oscar buzz.

Ordinary Love-U2, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

A match made in heaven. An aging supergroup with world-wide mass audience appeal. A movie with a cause and one that U2 has held dear since the 80’s. Won the Golden Globe.

The Moon Song-Karen O., Her

The movie is a bit campy and so is the song. In my opinion the least deserving of the four nominees.

You could make a good case for “Happy,” and “Let it Go,” but I don’t see them beating the mighty U2 and Mandela.

My pick;         Ordinary Love-U2, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Click for past Oscar Picks and 2014 Original Score

Victor Borge, Classical Musician/Comedian

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Victor Borge was an old-timer before I was a young timer, but, as ‘goofy’ as his style was he always cracked me up!

An amazing pianist he took classical music to a new level combining slapstick with virtuosity. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating his talents by the silliness he portrays.

Happy Friday, Enjoy!

Girl Guitar Power, Eruptions, Cover

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TinaOne of the coolest things I’ve noticed over the years, of teaching, is the amount of girls taking lessons. Guitar has been predominantly a male oriented instrument …but, for no good reason really.

Here is the Internet’s newest sensation, 14-year-old, Tina with an amazing cover rendition of Van Halen’s classic guitar solo, “Eruptions.”

Good luck to Tina in her musical endeavors!!!!!

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!!!