Stuck in Lodi again

We left Oceanside yesterday, so sad to go. But this would not be a tour if we got too attached to each city we visit. Onwards back down to Lodi, CA where I am from. A little spot in the valley about 30 milles south of Sacramento. Tonight we play at what could potentially be one of the "rougher" crowds we have had a chance  to perform in front of..here is a quite humorous review I have read about tonights venue "

"Nino's is a fantastic place to observe the North American Cougar in her natural habitat, ready to pounce and prey upon any guy under the age of 35.The drinks are solid, they don't accept debit or credit (which in this day and age is crazy) but they do have one of those sketchy on-site ATM machines. Lots of bikers, old dudes in Tommy Bahama shirts and young, wanna-be redneck clampers. Do yourself a favor and head straight for the back (where the stage is located) and enjoy the splendid view of middle age white folks dancing to a C minus version of Hot For Teacher. You go girl, tear up that dance floor just like you did at Senior Prom 1980!"

 Here is another hilarious re view I pulled off of Yelp

"This place could only exist in a place like Modesto.  This is actually one of the places in Modesto that I take people to get a feel for Modesto and that indescribable feeling of being in the presence of human time-bombs .

I feel weird writing a review of Nino's Place because very few of their patrons will ever log into the internet, let alone be able to read this review - but that's okay.  I am not saying Nino's patrons are stupid or ignorant, they have just had other things to do in their life other than learn to read...namely serve 10 to 20, repair HVAC units, or work for the MPD.

I agree with the other reviewer, respect and not being a asshole will get you a drink.  Anything less might get your teeth knocked down your throat.

I highly recommend their raspberry compote cheese cake and any one of their limited edition Belgian beers."

So with that said it looks like we are in for quite a treat tonight! If you do not hear back from Us in 24 hours please send help.

Shalom and  Namaste friends!

-Santino

O Cosmic Universe, let me count thy ways...

O cosmic universe, where are you leading me? Playing city after after city has definitely, had a wonderful effect on my spirit. The show in San Diego @ Cafe Libertalia was a humbling experience. We were blessed with the opportunity to play to a very small select audience whom were really receptive to our music, and for that I am truly thankful.

Me and Roy spent some time with my cousin in San Diego's Ocean Beach, before and after the show. What a beautiful experience it was, to reconnect with old family, to have a break and enjoy the surf and a few good meals. Looking back on the wonderful places we have visited, San Diego seems like a place I could see my self living. Who knows what the future holds?

My cousin and his girlfriend Kelly were amazing hosts, and once again the magic and the destiny of the tour is manifesting itself daily. Teaching valuable life lessons that can only be learned by experience. That's why I say " O cosmic universe.." because I am realizing more and more each day, that I am, we are, exactly were we are supposed to be. The faces we have seen, the lives we have touched through the gift of music has been immeasurable.

We are back in Oceanside, CA working on our spirits, taking the time to breathe. Today I collected some sage from the yard and tied them together with  wild grass. I plan on using this natural purifier to share with the guys on our return trip back to Lodi. Another cool thing that happened this morning when I went to get coffee , was I ran into someone who I am a huge fan of. Billy Galewood ie: Bushwalla. Accomplished musician, poet, juggler and best friend of one of my musical muses, Jason Mraz.  What a blessing it was to sit and rap with him for a few moments, He recognized me from a Portland show in which I reminded him that I gave him a CD with the " Jewish title".  I know I probably freaked him him out because when I seen him I was like " Mr. Billy Galewood" he probably thought I was some obsessed fan or someone trying to serve him with some sort of legal documents by the confused look on his face. It was all in good fun,  after staying here in Oceanside for a few days I also realized that I am staying directly across the street from Alysse Fischer, another good friend of Mraz's. What a small world this truly is. And I know I am on the right path. How do I know? Because the universe tells me all the time in it's own way.

 Just four more shows to go, and then I can see my lover again, and sleep in my own bed.

Shalom and  Namaste friends-
-Santino

Musically Sound

After our wonderful visit to Hollywood, we proceeded on down to Long Beach, CA.  We roamed the streets like gypsies, ate some taco and burritos, (Chronic Taco) And pondered the schematics for the evening's performance, by the beautiful ocean. Wow the ocean! O How I have longed for you, the crisp clean air, the gentle tide lulling me to sleep, as I absorb the essence of sun drenched bliss. Viento Y Agua was fun, I think maybe we made a couple of fans  in Long Beach. But the road was calling  to us again, summoning us to bring the the music to  another city. it's always so amazing to me how quickly I can either fall in love or just be disgusted by the charm of a city.  Long Beach, thank you. Next stop was Oceanside, Ca. We pulled up to what I thought at the time was San Diego. Gabriel's friend Jamie welcomed us into his home. What a wonderful treat it  was, We went to the farmers market in Vista, and gathered the freshest fruit and vegetables for a nice egg scramble in then sun! Thank you Jamie for feeding us and sheltering us for an evening. Roy and  I drove down to San Diego later that day, hoping to get a better idea of the next venue we were about to play that evening. Cafe Libertalia was the name. One of the old Java Joes. Met up with my cousin Marcus whom I have not seen in about 10 years. Great times...just when I thought Oceanside was a great place to be, along comes Ocean beach! Surf, sun, and beautiful people make quite a nice mental libation for the mind. "waiter I will take two of those please" What a wonderful chance we had to just relax our minds and  be filled with peace and serenity. My girls tells me I am not missing much back in Oregon, and that it is still raining... It looks like I am going to have to try to bring some of that amazing sun home with me. " I 'll sure try. Until then, i'll get as much sun kisses I can!
Shalom and Namaste friends
-Santino

                                                                                                              

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Holy Hollywood Batman!

  

What a Tour this has been this far. We spent Wednesday night playing a private show, at Our host's home in San Bernadino, and all I can say is that is was magical. The evening weather was perfect for such an intimate setting. And the guest's could not have been more receptive. Thank you Lord for showing us so much favor and allowing us to shine with the gifts YOU have so richly blessed us with!

Our host Esperansa Luna was so kind. What a beautiful artist and loving woman she is, for helping us along our journey, believing in us..and feeding us. We are so graciously thankful!

We left for Hollywood Thursday to first go for a try out for a possible gig in October. We had no idea what we had gotten Ourselves into, the place we played was the celebrity center owned by the infamous Church of Scientology. One word: Bizarre! We asked when we played if we could sell our merch, CD's etc. The  woman who was allowing us to play, said that we could not, seeing how the "church"  was a non profit organization. We then let her know that as traveling musicians, we would have to respectfully decline the invitation, due to the the fact that we are traveling musicians and that we were hungry and needed to make provision to make money for food, as is selling our "stuff" at this point was our only possibility of means. Barbara our Scientology host  made a statement that she could provide us with a nice home cooked style meal if we were willing to stay for a tour..

 Two and half hours later,, after some crazy circular talking about our potential and each of getting an e-meter reading, It came down to the brass tacks of them wanting us to purchase something from them! First they pitched a seminar, we said "we are broke musicians!"  then in a last ditch effort they tried to sell us a DVD. Again we were like, " We cannot afford anything!" we basically silently slipped out of the building and drove away as fast as we could! What a bunch of kooks! trying to build a philosophy and religion based on a science fiction writer! We left towards a friend of ours from the town of Corvallis and accomplished musician, Casey Hurt and his wife Lauren's apartment in west Hollywood. There we tried to shake of the mental mind washing we had just been exposed to shortly before. Casey took us out for a drink in Hollywood, to give us the "Hollywood" experience.Twenty one dollars later and some beautiful plastic women , we perched on the roof of Casey's  apartment building to the most spectacular 360 degree view of Holly wood I  have ever witnessed. We played music into the wee hours of the night, only to realize that we would be up four short hours later.

Thank you Casey and Lauren Hurt for showing us such kindness by opening up your home to us and sharing your beautiful light!  We are currently in Long Beach, CA. preparing to play our show @ Viento Y Agua  at 8 pm! Shalom and Namaste friends! See ya in San Diego tomorrow night!

-Santino

Santino, somewhere in San Bernadino

Wow. What an interesting couple of days this has been. My lover was with me for the past three days, perpetuating me into a state of bliss and bringing a little piece of home to me. Gabe and Roy retreated into the hills of San Bernadino while me and my partner caught up on kisses. Now she is gone and what we are left with is hopes and dreams towards the future. Our wonderful host has made us feel entirely at home here in San Bernadino, for that I am so gracious. As we prepare for our next gig in Long Beach, CA on Friday @ Viento Y Agua , we are trying to consider what the people might enjoy most of our performance. It's really quite hard for me to imagine considering I typically read a crowd before I give em what they want. But what about what I desire? What message am I hoping to convey? I know this, my hope is for people to hear and receive the message of  love, healing, forgiveness and shalom ( true peace, the kind that makes you whole) through my music. I feel old concepts perishing, and new ones being formed minute by minute. So I guess the idea is to go up there and just be me. Which is really tough sometimes, considering that's what makes me feel most vulnerable. But I realize being vulnerable is not a bad thing, it's how you cope with it, that makes you feel accomplished. I am loving this moment, the gentle breeze, the abilty to do what ever I put my mind to. Thank you Lord for giving me this moment, to honor you,  to reconnect with you, to feel your presence.
Shalom and Namaste!
-Santino

Making the "most of" Hermosa.

Relaxing ... Sun shining, beach, ocean, and positive vibrations. Is this what summer feels like? It's been entirely too long since my skin has felt the warmth and nutrition of the sun! My beautiful girl Alison joined us on the tour this Friday for our show in L.A. @ the Mint. One word for that show ... amazing! People buying my music and looking forward to attending my show in San Diego. A little discouragement from my band mates, realizing this is not the money making venture they had hoped for, only the vacation and chance of a lifetime! How much more could we ask for? Every little thing has been a blessing thus far, and the size of our pockets is not what this Tour means to me. It is about whose lives we can touch with our music. It's about getting out of our comfort zones and pushing ourselves to do things out of the norm. I am learning and growing and discovering so much about myself, my relationship, and my role as a leader. I take this moment to recognize the wonderful blessing that God has put me, my lover and my friends smack dabble in the middle of (Thank you Lord!)! I excitedly and humbly look forward to, with much anticipation, for the next adventure. Thank you everyone who made this possible, (Alison: my manager and best friend :)!) Also, all who allow us to stay in their homes while we are away from ours. And, of course, the wonderful fans we are making along the way. Shalom and Namaste! See you in Long Beach this Friday @ Viento Y Augua at 8:30 and Saturday at the old Java Joes (Cafe Libertalia) in San Diego.     Love and Light...

-Santino and the Soteria Tour

What do I love most about myself?

What do I love most about myself? that was the daily question today at Cafe Gratitude in Berkley, CA.  That is a tough question, I know what I love about others, I know what I love about the Creator.  But what about myself do I love? Before I pondered this eternal question I had a beet and kale drink infused with blue green algae from my lovely home of Oregon. You see the purpose of the food and drink at CG is to enjoy what you consume along with positive affirmations, the drink   I had today  is called " I am healthy". How important is it to feel your best? To let your body know that you care about it, Which brings me to the answer of what I love about myself: I love that I am trying...ie: to be a better man, to judge less, to be more aware of peoples feelings around me. To use the powerful vessel of words to build up and not tear down. I am trying to be healthier, to make the conscious decision to abstain from things and people and principalities and dominions that cause my temple harm. I am trying to be more courageous and free from being  full of fear and anxiety. I am trying to work on the idea of "commitment" I am trying to be a better father to my children. The blessed reality is "I am trying" and if I am moving forward, than I am not moving backward...I am definitely not standing still. I love this progress, this evolution that is occurring internally within my spirit that helps me to be the man I am destined to be. I am gracious for this wonderful day!  May Love and the wholeness of God shine on your beautiful face at this very moment!       Shalom and Namaste.

-Santino

Happiness does not come in a tip jar.

Tonight We played at The Bistro in Hayward, CA. The show was fun, a good indicator that I am doing exactly what i should be. Then off to Berkley where we met up with our friend James. Getting a chance to rock the open mic scene, we had one more chance to do exactly what we love,....... to share music with people, to touch them, in a way that you only get when passion is involved. How can I do this forever? the ability to touch some ones soul in a different city each night, the chance to say to someone......I am currently living my dream. What a beautiful blessing it is to be out on the road participating in Something I believe in. Speaking of....thank you to all who believed in me, those  who encouraged me, to follow my heart and helped make the Soteria tour possible.  I am surrounded by wonderful musicians and wonderful potential to make anything happen! Bless Hashem ! my love and light and gracious provider!
see ya tomorrow night in SF friends!   Shalom and Namaste
-Santino

The Journey has just begun

The Journey has just begun, and yet so much has already taken place. I have been on this first leg of the tour enjoying some quality time with my Dad and my fellow band mates, learning and growing, living and expressing music. We have not even played Our first show yet, but something magical is definitely already happening. This crazy California weather drains any slight hint of motivation, that a lackadaisical musician could possibly muster up. Like a cell phone whose battery is perpetually blinking, like that old  VCR whose clock still flashes 12:00 ( who owns VCR's anymore? I sure don't) But We must keep treading on, We have been mentally and spiritually  preparing ourselves for this tour for a while,  and the music is coming together wonderfully. It will be a reality tomorrow when we first step on that stage in Hayward, Ca. The music is calling us by name, luring us with it's enticing dance, like that of a well known harlot. Will we give into it's mystical coercing and finally let it take control instead it being the other way around. Only time will tell, and we definitely have plenty of it. Our 4th of July was wonderful! with bike rides and pizza and BBQ's and beer, and did I mention Lions and Tigers and Bears ....oh my! Excited to see where this next adventure takes us......even though we already have it all mapped out! ( thank you Miss Alison our wonderful Tour manager and my sweety pie!) See ya all on the flip side kiddo's, remember how loved you are. Shalom and Namaste!
-Santino

here is a picture of last night's festivities! Proud to be an American! Freedom costs a buck O five!

Home is where you rest your head.

I returned to my hometown of Lodi, Ca this past Saturday on my west coast Tour to promote my new album "Soteria". Along with two other musicians, ( Gabriel Surley) and (Roy Ravincrowe) We are in store for a month of musical journey, life lessons and all around inspiration! Today is the 4th of July, a time when Chinese fireworks persuade  the ear to reason with war sounding  easy listening. A time when families gather together for an entire day to eat food and spend quality time together, in hopes of catching that 15 minute display of dazzling pyrotechnics, that somehow represent freedom for us as an American.  The food has been amazing so far with authentic pastor ( Pork) tacos and a lovely Asiatic noodle dish inspired by my father.  Already missing my lover at home, but realize her kisses will be all so much sweeter when I see her this Friday in L.A. at the Mint show.  I will see you on the road my friends as this next chapter of life unfolds, .......maybe you can buy a t-shirt so this poor musician can eat. Blessings and Namaste to all my friends, fans, family and alien counterparts!

-Santino