Tag: san diego

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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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.

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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!

Football Anyone?

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Can it really be? Football season already?

In light of how absolutely pathetic and boring the Padres have been this year San Diego fans are definitely ready for some football…even if it is a meaningless preseason game.

Here is the Charger Fight Song to get you in the mood!

We Lost an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award Winner Today – RIP Marvin Hamlisch

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That’s right, Marvin Hamlisch was one of only eleven to ever win all four prestigious awards not to mention he also won multiple Golden Globes, as well.

Unfortunately, the composer passed away today at age 68.

Locally, Hamlisch’s name was synonymous with the San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops, as he was the principal conductor.

Another huge musical loss in 2012, RIP Marvin Hamlisch!

American Idol Live! Tour, San Diego Concert Review -July 26, 2012

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Let me say I do watch American Idol. I didn’t see the first five years or so but every season since I have, but I never vote.  Growing up a rocker into Van Halen, Zeppelin, Judas Priest, etc., it is a bit out of my element.  However, when my wife’s cousin Mary (of Mama Mary) got tickets and asked us to go I was actually pretty excited. Maybe even a little afraid that it would be a cheesy pop concert but I was excited to see the show and hang out with Mary and her husband.

The kids did not disappoint!!

My fears that it might be a Brady Bunch Popfest were unfounded. Surprisingly, as well, the stage setup was not beastly over powering the singers. With all the hype Idol brings I expected a huge overbearing scene. It was, however, state of the art and perfect for letting the singers do their thing.

So here are some of my thoughts on the show…keeping in mind that I am a guy that loves music but not usually into vocals so much.

The Good!

First of all let me say there was no pitchiness Dawgs!

All the girls sounded amazing! So much serious musical talent for such young musicians. They don’t just sing but use their voices as instruments.

Highlights included;

Elise Testone’s version of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love.  Since I usually go to rock concerts it was a chance for me to feel in my element and rock out a little.

Erika Van Pelt, nailed Pink’s Glitter in the Air!

The duo of Skylar Laine and Hollie Cavanagh hit some serious harmonies together and their musical phrasing was impressive! Their respective solos were great as well.

Very cool to see San Diego native Jessica Sanchez return to a hometown hero’s welcome. Sixteen years old are you kidding me? That girl can flat out sing!

On the boys side I would have to say my biggest surprise of the night was Colton Dixon. He sells it out! There is a difference between good singers and good singers who put their heart into it, good job my man!

Phillip Phillips, what can you say? First of all he was my pick from day one of the auditions when he sang Michael Jackson’s Thriller. All bragging aside he like Colton, but even more so, has stage presence, a great voice and likeability.  I would say he even stole the hometown crowd away from Jessica, a bit.

But the best singer of the night maybe one of the best ever is Joshua Ledet!!!! The boy can SANG! I said it not sing…SANG! His version of James Brown’s It’s a Man’s World was PHENOMENAL. Regarding my earlier statement that I like to attend concerts of musicians over vocalists does not APPLY to Joshua. Not sure what else to say but AMAZING!

The Not So Good?

Deandre Brackensick with his super falsetto and Heejun Han with the sweet crooner voice just did not quite live up to the others…keep at it though guys!

The flow of the concert was also a little off especially in the first half. I think it is just the nature of the show not being one recording artist and their own fans creating a bond.

Valley View Casino Arena…come on San Diego we can do better than that worn down piece of junk! I remember seeing shows there in the 80’s and it was not a great venue then…lots of memories though.  And sorry to Valley View…everyone is San Diego just calls it the Sports Arena!

The Must Be Mentioned!!

The band! Yeah, believe it or not there are real musicians backing these kids up and they have the best backing them up. Flawless rocking out in the band and some great guitar work throughout the show but most notably on Testone’s version of Whole Lotta Love…Don’t forget these guys!!!!

Alright, there’s my thoughts. I am going to go read Mama Mary’s blog  for her thoughts and you should too!

 

Click here to view the American Idol Live! Tour Setlist

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

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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!

My custom picks have arrived!

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Excited to get my custom guitar picks delivered today!

They’re  basic but I think they look really cool! Next, I need to get a logo!!

Had them made by InTune Guitar Picks. They were super cool and great to work with!

Thanks to everyone who voted in the online pick contest. Design #1 won by a landslide.

 

 

 

 

 

I guess it is a little ironic that I don’t use picks any more since I play mostly classical/flamenco styles with my nails but they are cool ‘business cards’ anyway.

Hope I don’t lose them…check out this previous post about picks mysteriously disappearing.

Slayen & Fox “Sunny & 70” on KNSD Morning News

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Did you watch KNSD 7/39 Morning News yesterday? If you did you would have heard Slayen & Fox Guitar Duo.

5:25 AM as they came back from commercial one of my tunes, “Sunny & 70” was aired as Jason Austell described the scene outside the KNSD building on Broadway just north of Horton Plaza.

Thanks to everyone at KNSD especially @djtikiNBCSD (twitter) She’s super cool and easy to work with…and always looking for local music to all my colleagues out there!

KNSD is doing a lot to promote local music with shows like SoundDiego which airs after Saturday Night Live on Saturday evenings make sure you check out the show or set your DVR!

If you did not get to see “Sunny & 70” broadcast live check out the link below…and of course watch KNSD News all day. You never know when they’ll air us again!

Sunny & 70 braodcast on KNSD Morning News July 10, 2012

 

American Idol Live Season 11 Tour Setlist

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Check here for my review of the San Diego American Idol show.

 

Post updated July 16

Here is a link to one of my favorite websites regarding the AI Live Setlist

Setlist.fm Check this link for the most recent setlists of AI and your favorite bands on tour.

America are you ready to see your favorites?

The 2012 final ten have kicked off their tour and are headed to a town near you!

The top ten this year include winner Phillip Phillips and runner up Jessica Sanchez from my hometown San Diego, Chula Vista more precisely. Also on tour are; Joshua Ledet, who I thought was the best pure singer this season, rockers; Elise Testone, Colton Dixon, and Erika Van Pelt, crooners; Heejun Han, Deandre Brackensick and the two pint size powerhouses; Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine.

Below is the setlist as reported by Michele Amabile Angermiller on The Hollywood Reporter website. Check out the article for more info on the tour and videos!

I will keep an eye out for updates setlists if they become available!

If you see one of the shows please leave some feedback below.  I will see the tour in San Diego at the end of July.

Enjoy!

Set List:

Top 9 – “Sing” My Chemical Romance

Deandre Brackensick – “Master Blaster”  Stevie Wonder

Skylar Laine and Hollie Cavanagh – “Undo It”  Carrie Underwood

Erika Van Pelt – “Glitter in the Air” Pink

Colton Dixon, Erika Van Pelt, Joshua Ledet, Hollie Cavanagh – “Moves Like Jagger” Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera

Heejun Han – “Green Light” John Legend

Heejun Han with Deandre Brackensick and Jessica Sanchez -“Party Rock” LMFAO

Boys – “Everybody Talks”  Neon Trees (Without Phillips)

Elise Testone – “Whole Lotta Love”  Led Zepplin

Elise Testone (backing vocals by Erika Van Pelt and Deandre Brackensick) – “Rumour Has It” Adele

Colton Dixon – “Meant To Live” Switchfoot

Colton Dixon – “Never Gone” (Original Song)

Colton Dixon – Piano Man by Billy Joel

Top 9 – “Just The Way You Are”/”What Makes You Beautiful” Billy Joel/One Direction (Without Phillips)

INTERMISSION

Jessica Sanchez– “Best Thing I Never Had”  Beyonce

Jessica Sanchez (backing vocals by Deandre Brackensick and Joshua Ledet)– “How Come You Don’t Call Me Any More” Prince

Jessica Sanchez (backing vocals by Deandre Brackensick and Joshua Ledet) – “Proud Mary”  Ike and Tina Turner

Skylar Laine – “Gunpowder and Lead”  Miranda Lambert

Skylar Laine – “Stay With Me”  The Faces

Hollie Cavanagh (backing vocals by Elise Testone and Erika Van Pelt) – “Rolling in the Deep”  Adele

Hollie Cavanagh – “Give Your Heart a Break” Demi Lovato

Joshua Ledet (backing vocals by Elise Testone, Deandre Brakensick, Erika Van Pelt)– “Runaway Baby”  Bruno Mars

Joshua Ledet – It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” James Brown

Joshua Ledet and Jessica Sanchez – “I Knew You Were Waiting For Me”  George Michael and Aretha Franklin

Phillip Phillips – “Superstition”  Stevie Wonder

Phillip Phillips – “Nice and Slow”  Usher

Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone – “Somebody That I Used to Know”  Goyte

Phillip Phillips with Jessica Sanchez – “Volcano”  Damien Rice

Phillip Phillips with Colton Dixon and Deandre Brackensick – “Home”

Girls – “Raise Your Glass” Pink

All – “Glad You Came” The Wanted