by Kevin DelMastro
I had a blast filming a promotional video on the cliffs above Blacks Beach in La Jolla, California! Such a beautiful setting, at sunset, with a drone camera flying around me, capturing the most memorable angles and shots.
After discussing our plan, we got a great angle for the sunset and our photographer, who was not filming, took this gorgeous photo of me, my horn, and my portable amp. Just hook it up to my iTunes, and it’s a party “to go!” I travel light to beach/nature gigs.
I had the honor of playing a unique proposal where the girlfriend surprised her boyfriend at Windansea Beach in La Jolla, California, and got down on HER knee to pop the question. I pride myself on being open minded and I felt excited to be part of a unique experience like this. When she contacted me to play the momentous event, she had specific songs to make the perfect soundtrack, including their favorite romantic song “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. I set up in front of the beautiful decorations and warmed up as I waited for them to show. Finally they came and she led him blindfolded to a spot on the beach right in front of the decor, Marry Me sign, and me… the got down on one knee. He said YES!
After I got to play some more romantic tunes for them at the water’s edge as they took photos.
I love playing proposals, especially when they’re surprises. This one was different. Fernando had called me months ago to play the anniversary party on a yacht with his girlfriend. Then in late September he called to see if I was available to play on the yacht for his marriage proposal to her.
He rented 2 other boats for their friends and family to meet them halfway out in the San Diego Bay. As he surprised her with the proposal on our boat, the other 2 boats were closeby and starting cheering!
To prepare for this momentous occasion, I called Seaforth Boat Rentals beforehand to work out the sound system, get clearance for my instrument and sign their waiver. Fernando and his fiance preferred a formal look and jazz and romantic songs, so I wore my new tux. I felt like a million bucks… and she said yes!
What started as a marriage proposal downtown, turned into a weekly downtown San Diego gig, and now playing a few nights a week at Fleming’s fine dining restaurant. Due to Covid, they have to seat patrons on the sidewalk. I set up there and play jazz and pop music for various tables which is great fun and exposure for my business.
During the quarantine, I got hired by a gentleman to play sax on the sidewalk while he and his girlfriend shared a romantic dinner on his balcony in the Marina District of downtown San Diego. During dinner she kept mentioning the saxophonist and romantic music, and finally asked him if he knew anything about the saxophonist. He admitted that he had hired me, for her, for their romantic dinner, for him to ask her a big question. She said “Yes,” and I felt proud to play for the special occasion.
As I played, people started clapping and cheering after each song from their balconies in nearby high rises. It was so gratifying for me, as people said, “The beautiful live music is exactly what we all needed,” and, “This made my week!” Hundreds of people came down from their buildings to find out why I was there and ask if I could come every week. I now have a regular crowd each week and I’ve branched out to play in different locations. Amidst this pandemic, finding ways to spread the joy of live music and connect people is uplifting.
