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

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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Upcoming Shows, September

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.

 

 

 

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

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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Feel Good Friday Guitar at Orfila Vineyards and Winery

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!!

Good Times, Good Food, Good Friends, Good Wine & Music at Orfila Vineyards & Winery

This week was filled with projects, students, arranging music and rehearsals. I finally have a chance to write about last weekends event at Orfila Vineyards & Winery in Escondido! What a great time!! There were lots of friends who came out to relax on a Saturday afternoon. It was great to see you all, play for you and hang too.

If you haven’t been to the winery yet it is a must see San Diego destination. Great place to enjoy a picnic lunch a beverage and just relax. It is kid friendly and they have a blast running and playing as parents rest their bones! All the employs  are chill and super helpful. Nice selection of wines and the best…you dont have to drive to Temecula or take an extended trip to Paso Robles or Napa.

Relaxing at Orfila Concert

In addition to the music, the wine and the food they also had Katy Doherty of KD Custom Jewelry with some very cool items available. From my seat on stage she seemed to be a fan favorite keeping busy ALL day and the kids loved her too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I definitely recommend you pay them a visit…and how about on Aug 24, 3:30-6:30 as I will be back there for another go and looking forward to it!

Hope to see you there!

Tough Day at the Office: Weekend Gigs: Estancia La Jolla and Orfila Winery

At risk of appearing self promoting of my own song, this was a typical beautiful weekend in San Diego…as the saying, and song, goes…“Sunny & 70.” Perfect weather for performing and that’s just what I did. Two awesome events!

View of gardens from my seat at Estancia La Jolla
View of gardens from my seat at Estancia La Jolla

First, Saturday evening I played Estancia La Jolla an incredible hotel & spa overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, a rehearsal dinner for a really nice family and their friends. Enjoyed a nice chat with one of the patriarchs of the family a musician who loves Spanish guitar especially the composer Joaquin Rodrigo. Wish I had a symphony with me so I could play the “Concierto de Aranjuez” for him although I did play him a little of the theme from the second movement and blended it into some other songs, as well. Very fun gig, I got to represent a lot of different genres playing a mix of classical, Latin jazz, flamenco and pop.

Wedding Ceremony at Orfila Winery
Wedding Ceremony at Orfila Winery

Sunday, I got another chance to enjoy playing in the San Diego climate, this time across town, North County Inland, at Orfila Winery in Escondido. Played classical guitar for a wedding ceremony overlooking the scenic vineyards including pieces by Handle, Bach and Scarlatti. Added bonus…I got to hear San Diego guitar legend Peter Sprague play some jazz with a band featuring his brother Tripp on winds, Duncan Moore on drums and Gunnar Biggs on bass. Wish I had more time to stay and enjoy their set!

 

Congrats to both couples I wish them the best and hope to see them at some performances in the future. Hopefully play for their anniversaries years down the road.