Category: Guitar

Do You Remember the 21st Night of September? EWF

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“September,” is truly one of the gems of the 70’s disco era…and who didn’t love Earth, Wind & Fire?

My favorite part…you guessed it…the opening guitar riff. Every time I hear the song I immediately try to picture how he is getting that snappy sound on his guitar. He might just be using the very edge of his pick, like a pick squeal technique without using the fleshy finger. However, it has a peculiar sound like he is actually pinching the string between his thumb and finger and snapping it, almost like you would do with a rubber band. When I play this song that is what I try to do. It is kind of hard to control each note since it is so quick which would mean he is a pretty skilled guitarist.

Here is it “September,” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Jose Feliciano Plays Jimi Hendrix’ Purple Haze

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If you’ve read my blog in the past you may have seen some of my posts regarding Jose Feliciano. I was never a fan until recently. Actually, didn’t even know much about him and certainly didn’t know he could play guitar like he does! The man known for being a Latin crooner has some serious guitar chops.

This clip is one I just came across tonight for the first time. It is pretty cool to hear Jose rip some electric guitar riffs although he is much better in his regular genres Latin/flamenco. Thought I would share this video for you all to see another side of Jose’s playing or if you are like me until recently your first listen to his playing.

‘Scuse me while I….

Enjoy

Upcoming Shows, September

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Here are my upcoming public performances through the end of September.
There are two  shows.

Both are solo performances featuring a mix of classical, Latin, popular and flamenco styles.

Friday, September 21 at the Roxy in Encinitas. 7:00-9:30PM

Very cool place that has been supporting music forever in San Diego. They have something for every taste. Great food mostly vegetarian but don’t let that scare you, try the falafel burger or their pizzas. Roxy also has specialty coffee drinks, full bar and desserts.

All ages are welcome!

Sunday, September 30 at Orfila Vineyards & Winery in Escondido. 3:00-5:30PM

This is the place to go if you want to relax out in nature for a couple hours. Orfila overlooks the vineyards and mountains in the distance.
Taste some wine, grab some food(they are supposed to have a gourmet food truck) and listen to music.

Kids are definitely welcome even though it is a winery.
In all I have five gigs the next two weekends so I will be a busy guy. Two weddings, a fiesta and the two public events above.

It’s been blast seeing  everyone at the recent shows and it is always great to see familiar faces so hope to see you! You might even get your photo on the website! Check my blog.

Also check my performance calendar.

 

 

 

10,000 Lovers in One, TNT

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I just noticed an exponential theme in my last two posts and now am uncontrollably on a mission to see how high I can go with this!

Worlds Top 1o Richest Drummers

What Does 100 ‘Likes’ on Facebook Mean, Thank You!

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Land of 1000 Dances, Wilson Pickett

10,000 Lovers in One, TNT

TNT was a Norwegian ‘Metal’ band from the 80’s. One of the few glam bands I actually liked Ronni Le Tekro was a great guitarist. I believe they are still going strong in 2012!

What does 100 ‘Likes’ on Facebook Mean? Thank You!

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What does 100 likes mean on Facebook?

Well to mega stars/companies it might mean it was a slow hour.

To people that use Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms just to get likes, follows, re-tweets etc for no other reason than to boost their ego…it might make their day.

What does it mean to me? Everything!

It means that I have friends, family, fans, students, colleagues and music lovers that appreciate and support my musical endeavors.

Music has always made a better world in my world and I hope to pass that same power of music to you, even if it comes from sharing a  photo, music joke, my musical journey, a gigantic symphonic work, a three chord rock song or whatever catches my ear on a daily basis!

I appreciate all the support!

Thank You by Led Zeppelin

What does a Playboy Playmate, Pussycat Doll and Big Screen Actress Have in Common With a San Diego Guitarist? A Wedding Blog

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That got your attention!

So what does a talented young lady with these celebrated credentials have in common with a classical guitarist? 364 days a year not much, but, for one day I was the wedding guitarist for just such a person.

This past summer mixed in with all my wedding playing, teaching and other musical activities I did have the honor to play for Playmate, Pussycat Doll and actress, Rachel Sterling. Her acting acclaim includes Wedding Crashers, True Blood- HBO series and a long list of other credits to her name.

So who, what, where, when was this wedding…details, details, details? Not being the National Enquirer or any other supermarket tabloid, I’m not gonna say. You can do the research if it is that important to you. I can tell you it was a typical beautiful Day at the Beach in San Diego….Sunny & 70…as always. (Two shameless plugs)

I can tell you while prepping, I was excited to have a celebrity wedding. Going over in my mind “Wow!”, who is going to attend? Will there be crazy Hollywood types with lots of hoopla? Paparazzi hiding in the bushes? Would I be interviewed by E! TV, wondering what kind of napkins they had?

Well I will tell you exactly what happened…a wedding broke out. A regular, very nice, but, regular ol’ wedding for two people in love to share their vows in front of the ones they love. There was family, friends, beautiful women ….in a nutshell…it was a wedding! A cool wedding for a cool couple! I had nothing but a good experience working with Rachel over the phone, email chats and day of, she was a great easy going bride!

The biggest difference about this wedding than my many others was my friends and families reaction. Usually, my friends say oh cool your playing a wedding this weekend…good luck. But, for this one…I never had so many offers to be my roadie, my soundman, my bodyguard…you name it.

I’m looking forward to keeping an eye out as Rachel’s career unfolds over the years and remember the day that this classical wedding guitarist from San Diego played a superstars wedding!!

Rachel and Logan thanks so much for having me play guitar for you and your guests! I wish you the best in your marriage and careers and hope to play as you renew your vows when we are old and gray.

Orfila Winery, A San Diego Guitarist Blog- Performance Aug 24, 2012

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Had  great weekend of gigs! Friday evening at Orfila and a cool wedding on Crystal Pier on Saturday.

Orfila is a winery located in San Diego’s North County near the Wild Animal Park…its still hard for us native San Diegans  to call it Safari Park.
Not exactly sure what is it; the mountains in the background, the gardens overlooking the vineyard, the wine or the music but Orfila has the mojo for relaxation. Everyone who has been there to see me play has a great time.

I had a blast playing a mix of classical, flamenco and rock/pop guitar for them once again. Here are a few pictures from the night. Thanks to all of you who made it out!!!

My next Orfila event is September 30 3:00-5:30, a Sunday afternoon.

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Crystal Pier, A San Diego Guitarist Wedding Blog

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This was my first wedding on the pier and it was a really cool venue! Took place between some of the cottages…which BTW I think I will put on my ‘Things in San Diego’ to do list, stay overnight on the pier. So relaxing to hear the waves crashing underneath.

I do have to say after growing up in San Diego and hanging at Pacific Beach so many times it was definitely odd to be wearing a suit and tie and not a bathing suit and flip flops!!

Congrats and best to the happy couple, thanks for having me play for you!

Here are a few pictures from my vantage point during the wedding(taken after the wedding of course) and a couple sunset shots as I was leaving.

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Feel Good Friday Guitar at Orfila Vineyards and Winery

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Hi Everybody,

Mike Performing at Orfila Vineyards & Winery Jul 14, 2012

I am very excited to be back at Orfila this Friday, August 24, 3:30-6:30 PM.  If you are looking for a great way to unwind and start your weekend off right this is the place. It is so relaxing out in their gardens, overlooking the vineyards and enjoying a glass of wine and some guitar music.  Click here for details.

All ages are welcome.

 
Two For the Road   ‘Mobile American Comfort Food’ a gourmet food truck will also be on hand.

Hope to see you there and play for you!!