Category: San Diego

San Diego Super Chargers Win Big on Junior Seau Day RIP #55

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It was a dramatic and hot day for all us Charger fans at Qualcomm Stadium.

Dramatic! Before the game the late, great Junior Seau’s uniform #55 became the 3rd number in team history to be retired, joining Dan Fouts’ #14 and Lance Alworth’s #19.

Hot! It was mid 90’s without a cloud in the sky at kickoff, but, that didn’t keep the Chargers lightning from striking! Titans fell to the Chargers 38-10 in a game that wasn’t really ever close from the beginning.

Musical tribute this week…San Diego Super Chargers

Chargers Win, Beat Raiders! POD Chargers Anthem

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Chargers Win!

It’s always a great day when the Chargers win and even sweeter when it’s against the Raiders. Sorry to all the grown men in the stands wearing their unoriginal Raider skull Halloween costumes that had to go home with another loss to the Chargers.

Interesting note; Gene Simmons of the band Kiss sang the National Anthem before the game.

Charger fans, celebrate with P.O.D.’s Charger Anthem!

Check out my NFL 2012 Predictions!

2012 NFL Predictions ‘Rock n Roll’ Edition

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Here are my 2012 NFL ‘Musical’ Predictions. I used only songs from my own music library. If you are unfamiliar with any of the music, check out the songs and broaden your musical horizons.

These views are my own, if they are inflammatory towards your favorite team or player, it IS intentional but all in good fun…except the Raider cracks!

So here is the 2012 NFL season as I see it! Come back after the season and we can re-hash and I will probably even have a playoff version!

Good luck to your favorite teams!

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers–Loving You Sunday Morning, The Scorpions

Bolts are my team win or lose. Let’s go with win, despite Norv Turner!

Denver Broncos -The Gambler, Kenny Rogers

Elway is gambling on Manning’s health…All In! Probably gonna be a good bet!!

Oakland Raiders–Living in the Past, Jethro Tull

Yeah we know you won….a long time ago…but you’ve been pretty bad since. Find a new argument Raider fan! Not that you have the fastest player…that’s tired as well!

Kansas City Chiefs-Castles Made of Sand, Jimi Hendrix

They are relying on Matt Cassel,  that’s not a good thing for Chiefs fans.

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans– New Kid in Town, The Eagles

No more Manning in the division the South should be theirs for a year or two at least.

Tennessee Titans– Caught In the Middle, Ronnie James Dio

They wont be first, they wont be last, they wont be memorable, they’ll be caught in the middle.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Cat Scratch Fever, Ted Nugent

That’s what these cats are gonna give their fans not much else.

Indianapolis Colts-Upside Down, Jack Johnson

We’ve bee used to seeing them on top but should get used to seeing them on the bottom for awhile, definitely in 2012.

 AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens–Hard to Handle, The Black Crowes

They may be hard enough to handle all the way to the Superbowl. D can’t do it all. Gonna rest on the shoulders, actually the arm, of Joe Flacco.

Pittsburgh Steelers-Steel Bars, Foo Fighters

Where Big Ben belongs? How long do you call a franchise classy when their star clearly is not. Apples don’t fall far from the tree. They will fight for the division and settle for a wildcard.

Cincinnati Bengals-Breaking the Law, Judas Priest

Yeah, we all know the Bengals offseason exploits. If they could focus all their criminal energy to the field of play they could be good…don’t see it though.

Cleveland Browns–I Am the Walrus, The Beatles

Not sure even Mike Holmgren can fix this mess especially not this year.

AFC EAST

New England Patriots– Same Old Song & Dance, Aerosmith

Yep, they’re still here, still good, still got a shot at the Superbowl and adding to their dynasty.

New York Jets-Just the Two of Us, Grover Washington, Jr.

If Sanchez and Tebow do not make a music video arm in arm singing this song and sharing the backfield… 2012 will be a DISASTER in New York.

Buffalo Bills–Dream On, Aerosmith

Maybe another strong start but playoffs look like a dream.

Miami Dolphins-Bad to the Bone, George Thorogood & The Destroyers

Nobody likes bones in their fish and these fish just stink.

NFC WEST

San Francisco 49’ers– Who Are You, The Who

This applies to the whole team but especially Alex Smith. Were they for real last year? We’ll look for them to be tough

Arizona Cardinals–Three Little Birds, Bob Marley

“Don’t worry, ‘Bout a Thing” Mostly mediocre division, nobody expects much. If they get any kind of QB play …”Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright” Just not sure that will happen.

Seattle Seahawks–Just the Way You Are, Billy Joel

…Mediocre, and that’s the way they’ll be this year.

St. Louis Rams–Bad, Michael Jackson

Someone had to get this song why not the Rams, the shoe fits.

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints– Bounty Hunter, Molly Hatchet  ..And Justice For All, Metallica   Redemption Song, Bob Marley

Bounty Hunter…they did the crime!

…And Justice For All…They are paying the price

Redemption Song…They proclaim their innocence.

They still have LOTS of offense and I see them outscoring teams in the regular season.

Atlanta Falcons–Devil Went Down to Georgia, Charlie Daniels

Seems like he only shows up in the playoffs though, unlike the rest of the team. Maybe their year to break the playoff bug with the Saints down but I still see them as a wildcard.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Sunday Bloody Sunday, U2

Tampa fans should be more worried about the Rays catching the Yankees, cause I dont see the Bucs doing much in 2012. Sundays could be tough.

Carolina Panthers–Things Can Only Get Better, Howard Jones

With Cam Newton a year older Carolina fans have got to hope this is true.

NFC NORTH

Green Bay Packers-Run With the Pack, Bad Company

It would be a good bet to run with the ‘Pack.’

Detroit Lions-Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N Roses

Who woulda thought the Lions would be players in the NFL watch out for em!

Chicago Bears–Blowin in the Wind, Joan Baez

In a division with GB & Det…their hopes like their great city are in the wind.

Minnesota Vikings–Outshined, Soundgarden

Looking California but Feeling Minnesota…gonna be a long year.

NFC EAST

New York Giants–LimELIght, Rush

Yes Eli has 2 SB’s but in SD we remember his snively limp wristed attempt to hold the Bolt jersey on draft day. Giants will be good but hunted! Better be ready for everyone’s best shot.

Dallas Cowboys–Where Have all the Good Times Gone, Van Halen

America’s Team No More….never was as far as I am concerned although they have made some serious NFL history in their heyday.

Philadelphia Eagles–Dog Eat Dog, AC/DC

Oops did I go there? Good things happen to good people and bad things… to Vick!

Washington Redskins–Waiting on a Friend, Rolling Stones

If and when RGIII is ready the ‘Skins will be ready

Click here for other sports & music posts!

Symphonic Music and the NFL, NFL’s 2012 Season Opens Today

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This a great week for sports fans as the NFL makes its 2012 debut.

It is very exciting that there is a game tonight, the first of the year, but it wont feel like football until Sunday when there will be a full ledger of games and scores to keep an eye on. Although, in San Diego we will have to wait one more day as the Chargers open the season on Monday Night Football.

For some reason over the years there has been a musical link with the NFL and symphonic music. The greatest themes all employ dramatic horns, strings and percussion to paint a picture of the weekly gridiron battles we have come to love. I am guessing NFL Films would be the originators of pairing symphonic themes with football but I would need to dig a little deeper to prove that claim. One could argue that if they were not the first they might be the best.

Perhaps the greatest gift to football fans and music lovers is the fact we are finally rid of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Are You Ready for Some Football.” If I knew all it would take was to get ol’ Bocephus to talk politics to get rid of that song I would have baited him myself!…years ago! For those of you who liked it, rest assured the brain trust at the networks have most likely found an equally horrible and annoying anthem to fill in.

Here are a couple classic sound clips to get you ready for the season! Best to your favorite team…unless they are playing my Chargers of course!

Keep an eye out for my NFL 2012 predictions is song coming very soon!

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!!

Tough Day at the Office: Musings of a San Diego Guitarist –July/August Weddings

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It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged about my wedding performances so here is a combined effort from the last four. Each was unique and as always great people to play for! Congrats and best to you all!

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One of the cool things about teaching and performing so long in San Diego is building up a clientele which become more like friends. Here’s a brief back story behind a recent July wedding…

I had been teaching a student for a few years when her uncle got married and they asked my guitar duo to play for the wedding which we did. A year or so later this super sweet guitar student of mine passed away. With a heavy heart I played for her memorial. This recent July wedding was another chance to play for the family…I’m always honored to play multiple events for my clients!

This wedding was also unique as I got to perform with two outstanding singers. One was an opera singer and the sister of my previously mentioned student and the other a family friend who sings musical theater. It was a pleasure to work with them both and their contrasting styles and talents.

* * *

So I got an email in July asking if I was available to play a wedding…koto, violin and guitar.  First thing I thought was “that sounds interesting” and immediately jumped on the chance to play with some new musicians and a unique ensemble. Plus I always enjoy playing at Loews Coronado resort one of San Diego’s incredible wedding venues.

If you don’t know, the koto is a Japanese instrument kind of like a harp that lays flat. The sound is truly amazing and I found myself listening attentively during our performance.

We played a mix of typical classical wedding pieces, as well as, western pop for the cocktail hour. Personally I would have loved to play some traditional Japanese music to bring out the koto’s personality.   No rehearsals and it went great! I look forward to playing with this ensemble again.

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Looking for a great wedding venue in San Diego? Recently, I found an amazing somewhat unknown spot in Balboa Park’s Administrative Courtyard. The venue is really beautiful, located in Balboa park and has views of the downtown skyline, Coronado and other parts of Balboa Park. In addition to all these attributes the courtyard is located on the east side of Park Blvd. which makes for easy access and parking not afforded at some of the Park’s more popular locations.

Great couple too! Good luck to you both on your move across the country!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Seagrove Park in Del Mar is always a great wedding venue and with temps around the county reaching the high 90’s and 100’s I was really looking forward to playing atop the bluffs overlooking the Pacific! …then cocktails at the Del Mar Hilton adjacent to the Del Mar Racetrack/Fairgrounds.

The couple had some special requests for their ceremony music. I learned “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel and Andrea Bocelli’s, “Con Te Partiro” or in English “Time to Say Goodbye” which will definitely be added to my wedding repertoire.

Booking this wedding was a little different as I did not work with the bride and groom at all. I was contracted through a New York DJ and party planner who I hope to work with again…maybe in the Big Apple next time! Thanks Martin!

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Coincidentally, two of these events I got to work with the good folks at GD Productions. It is amazing to be playing guitar for so long in San Diego and then back to back weekends work with the same vendor who I had never worked with before…check them out for all your party needs!

Well that’s it in a nutshell …the last month of guitar and weddings in Sunny San Diego.

Click here for previous wedding posts!