Tag: guitar

911 Hero Michael D’ Auria

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For the past five years my wife and I along with a group of family and friends climb 90 DAuriaDudeflights of stairs at the San Diego Bayfront Hilton in honor of fallen first responders from the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Climbing is tiring but it is ultimately a fun and extremely moving event. Every year there is a guest speaker who was at ground zero that fateful day, a piece of metal beam from the World Trade Center and a chance to honor and REMEMBER the heroes who did not survive the attacks.

Having no personal connection to anyone who was there that day I simply picked a fireman with the same first name as mine, Michael additionally his last name’s proximity to a musical term(Aria). Over the past five years Michael D’Auria has become ‘somewhat’ of a personal connection to 911, although, of course in no way as intense as losing someone as Michael’s family has endured.

 

This time last year I was just beginning recording/writing my CD, “Dude.” During this period at the 2017 Stair Climb I had the idea to honor Michael and his memory with one of the songs. The song which would become D’Auria is based in part on Brahms’s 4th Symphony. The stately nature of the music was perfect for the dedication. Special thanks again to fellow guitarist Fred Benedetti for lending his musical expertise on the track.

 

Michael is remembered as a son, brother and inspirational member of his extended family especially with his positive influence on younger relatives. The 25 year old was also known as a great chef among his fellow fireman gaining their deep culinary gratitude!

I think about Michael a lot even though I never met him…wish I did though! I also think about his mother Nancy whom I contacted to make sure she was ok with the idea of a song and his photo being used on the CD. A concern of hers is that Michael be remembered! I will continue to climb in his honor every year and promote his story. I even got a chance to present Michael to the climbers in my start group.

Rest in Peace Michael and Thank You for your selfless sacrifice!

 

Guitar and a Cold Craftbeer!! #Winning

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February 2016 we tapped the keg on Aces & Ales Guitar Classes w a Pint of Craftbeer. The classes began at Oceanside Ale Works(Home of the Dude Double IPA) Maybe you heard about it…lol

Two and a half years later and the classes are still going strong!

We’ve held classes at Oceanside Ale Works, Green Flash Cellar 3, Thorn Street Brewery, Second Chance Beer Co. and for the wine lovers we have been holding classes at Koi Zen Cellars in Carmel Mountain.

The classes are all about guitar and the beauty is getting all levels involved; there is something for everyone.

-Absolute beginners join in and get their feet wet. Rhythm and getting comfortable with a guitar and making cool sounds is the focus.

-Intermediate players come for the chance to play in a group setting. No matter how much you practice at home you just cant substitute playing with other musicians.

-Advanced players come to pick up tips on improvising and music theory.

All levels really do fit together! The key is the relaxed atmosphere no matter what experience you have you will learn something and did I mention you get a pint of craft beer?

Win-Win! For everyone!

Classes mix it up with classic rock, blues, classical, flamenco, jazz…

Regular classes are held at

Second Chance Beer Co in Carmel Mountain

Every 1st & 3rd Mondays, 630PM $15

Koi Zen Cellars in Carmel Mountain

Every 2nd Thursday, 630PM $20

RSVPs are strongly recommended!!!!

We enjoy branching out to new and rotating venues so check the schedule often.

If you know of a favorite locale that might like to host a class shoot me a note and we will try to set something up!

Cheers!

Mike

Dude CD is DONE!!!!!

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Started recording Aug 30, 2017 – Completed with CD’s in hand Dec. 21, 2017.

47 Days past the November 4, release date I expected…and lets just say ‘slightly’ over budget….

Lots of late nights…writing, arranging and practicing parts to prepare for studio sessions!

Was a blast!!!! I’m ready to start the next one!! Actually I’ve already been writing new music.

Thanks to everyone who supported the Indigogo Funding campaign/Pre-Sale of the project…it is GREATLY appreciated and was crucial to help complete the CD.

For those of you who ordered I will start sending them out shortly.

There is still plenty more for those of you who didn’t get in early.

Commemorative mugs still available too!

Also look for it soon online at iTunes, Amazon and all…for those of you clutter-less folks who don’t want hard copies.

Look for the CD Release party at Oceanside Ale Works in February or March…details to be supplied as they are set.

 

$10 Pre-sale of My Upcoming CD, Less Than 2 Weeks Left

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Hey Everyone,

Be A Part Of Mike's New CD!
Want your picture in the Dude label and placed on the back of the CD? Click to find out how!

Ive been burning the midnight oil getting this CD to completion. It is an amazing process to write, arrange, record and manufacture a project like this. It has been a blast!!

Your pre-purchase of the CD and other merchandise goes directly to funding the completion of the project and making it the best it can be!!

There are also other items you can purchase…Commemorative beer mugs($1 off fills), a chance to PLAY on the CD, a tax deductible sponsorship w your picture on the back of the CD in a Dude label…

Thanks to all those who’ve already contributed!!! Please share with all your #guitar and #craftbeer friends!!!

CD Pre-Sale

Don’t forget the big CD Release Party November 4 at Oceanside Ale Works!!

Thanks,

Mike

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

No Fear!

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No Fear!

Well, maybe some…but that’s ok. Its more than OK its human.

Performing can be a tough gig for seasoned musicians. How about for successful career oriented adults who just wanted to learn to play the guitar?

This Friday, four of my ‘successful career oriented adult’ students ARE taking the stage. Not only taking the stage but it is in front of their peers at a large Qualcomm function!!

These four deserve HUGE props in my book. Going out of their comfort zone and grabbing their guitars in front of millions…well not millions but it doesn’t lessen the accomplishment at all.

I am not sure they even want their names posted so I won’t do that  but PR, RS, GJ, OS I am really proud of you all!

Try to enjoy the performance cause it will go quick! And after that no one can ever take it away from you!!!

Serious props to you all for even agreeing to do this!!!!

Your Fearless Leader 😉

Mike

Michael Schenker, Bridge the Gap Setlist & Concert Review

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Schenker 2014This past Saturday night, legendary rock/metal guitarist once again brought his Flying V’s to San Diego. This time out in the sticks a bit to the Ramona Main Stage.

Seeing Schenker, one of my earliest and greatest musical influences, is always special and never a let down. The man can play! Plus, in the ‘stranger than fiction’ category, my old pal, San Diegan, Wayne Findlay, now tours and records with the band as keyboardist/guitarist.

BTW happy belated Birthdays to Michael and Wayne, both January 10 babies!

It’s always easy to review a Schenker show….masterful guitar work, great sound, energetic band. This show lived up to all! Only drawback…the stage was too low! Since they set up tables you can’t really get to the front and see Michael’s hands! Ramona MainStage is a cool venue and I recommend you get up there as they have some great acts coming though in an intimate venue….but, they either need to raise the stage a bit or clear out the tables and let a rock n roll show happen! I know some of the aging rockers now days like to get a table and relax and watch a show, but c’mon rock n roll is rock n roll!!!! You’re past selves would have kicked those walkers out from under your present selves and you know it!

Another oddity at Schenker shows… I am always surprised how much the crowd seems to know the UFO songs over his solo work. Maybe because  I am a bit younger than the average fan…lol! Love the UFO stuff but I was raised on his first four solo albums and always want to hear more of those songs! This show did replace a few of the UFO tunes from recent tours with the aforementioned. Even played Assault Attack from the likewise titled 80s album. One of my top five albums All Time!

Since I was not able to find the current tour setlist any where beforehand thought I would do my best to represent the San Diego show here.

Michael Schenker, Bridge the Gap Setlist, Jan. 11, 2014 San Diego

Neptune Rising*

Rock My Nights Away

Cry for the Nations

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Assault Attack

Lovedrive

Another Piece of Meat

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

Attack of the Mad Axeman

Where the Wild Winds Blow*

Horizons*

Shoot Shoot

Let it Roll

Lights Out

Rock Bottom

Encore

Into the Arena

Armed and Ready

Doctor Doctor

*Since I hadn’t had a chance to hear the brand new album, “Bridge the Gap,” I estimated these titles as best I could.

Here’s to a Musical 2014!

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Been a great year on many fronts. Day to day it was great, life and work, enjoyable and getting better, although, overall it was a weird year and I can’t really say I am sorry to see 2013 in the rearview mirror.

Blogging was waaaay in the backseat this year, for many reasons. To ALL my fans and followers(mom) I greatly apologize.

Still there were a few interesting trends at 12 Notes & the Truth!

-The little Michael Schenker post I wrote a couple of years ago continues to get hits all the time. Personally I am glad to know there is so much interest in one of my all time favorite guitarists!

-Folks are interested in 12×12 Sudoku, lots of continued hits there, as well

-Malaysia found its way to 12 Notes ALOT. In fact more than any other non-English speaking country. And I know my mom was not in Malaysia this year. Welcome and hope you keep visiting!

-Allegedly Google’s privacy policy has blocked  the ever valuable resource of knowing the ‘search terms’ that led visitors to websites. I am SURE they didn’t mine your information any more either…right?!

-One thing that has not changed is my lifetime love of music. Creating, performing, listening, studying and discussing the effect these 12 Notes have on our lives!

Soon this blog may split between another website http://www.guitarguys.com keep an eye out for it as the year develops and I am sure I will let ya know, as well!

Well that’s it short and sweet…

I am looking forward to many great projects and wish you all a prosperous and healthy New Year 2014!

I always teach my kids/students, major, sounds happy and, minor, sounds sad…with that in mind…

Keep life on the Major Sonority side of the street!

Peace,

Mike