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I was recently interviewed for San Diego Voyager Magazine and they asked some interesting questions… which I can appreciate as a former high school newspaper editor. For a long time, I wanted to go into journalism; I love the process of thinking of poignant questions and stories.

Perhaps the most thought-provoking question was to describe my proudest moment. A few moments came to mind. When I was hired to play UCSD’s all-campus commencement for 7000 people, that was pretty special. Standing on that huge stage, playing melodies and solos, made me stop and think, “Wow, I never thought I’d come this far!”

Another special moment came at a recent wedding. The bride had called me and explained that, more than anything, she wanted sax at her wedding. I was happy to oblige and we worked out the schedule. I always check in to make sure things are on schedule. In this instance, the bride asked me to come an hour later than planned. No problem. But it turned out she was running 3 hours late! Her mother and fiancé kept asking me to stay longer, slipping me $20 bills to cover the extra cost, and giving me schedule updates. I had to play much longer than I ever do, and pull out all the romantic songs in my repertoire. Long story short, the bride thanked me for staying for the whole event, and got so emotional that tears were flowing.  Giving joy like that is one of the many reasons I love playing weddings.

In early 2019 my folks I knew through my college alumni group said their daughter was planning her wedding in Baja. I told them I’d hold the date, but my family almost got in the way! My wife and I were expecting our second child, and the due date was a month after my friend’s wedding. I always honor my commitments, but this international trip had to be cleared by the doctor first. Once he assured us that the baby had only about a 1% chance of being born a month early, and, even then, labor would likely take 12+ hours, I was ready to purchase auto insurance for Mexico and set up credit card travel alerts so I could be part of the festivities!

It turned out really well, and turned into a huge destination wedding weekend with many folks flying in from New York. I was honored to be the musician for the rehearsal dinner at the Encuentro Guadalupe winery and restaurant. Big weddings have lots of moving parts and ever-changing schedules. I pride my services on being flexible and a can-do attitude! Throw in the fact that it was in Mexico, everyone was enjoying the local wine, and most people were relying on limousine for transportation, my show time got changed a few times. But when everyone arrived at Encuentro, they were impressed that I was set up and already playing smooth jazz.

The view over the Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) wine region was spectacular. I felt inspired and enjoyed playing a mix of jazz and pop music, all easy listening background music with backing tracks pumping out of my amp, which added to the ambiance of the event. Between cocktail hour and dinner, they asked everyone for their attention for the practice wedding march. They requested fitting music for the scene, and I went into John Legend’s All of Me, a song that I played at my own wedding years ago. I got rave reviews for my performance during the evening. I’m very happy that our baby decided to come later!

I often get hired to play romantic ballads, jazz, and pop music, for couples who are celebrating their anniversary, engagement, or even first date, with a memorable evening. I set up my small portable amp on the beach near Coronado Ferry Landing and Maria Ojeda Urista of Romance Events in San Diego sets up a romantic candlelight dinner and gets a permit for the beach setup from the City of Coronado.

Sometimes the couple books the event together, but often one person books it as a surprise to their partner. I have a great time seeing the look of surprised partner when they see the setup and beautiful backdrop of downtown San Diego. One of the best parts is the parking: this secluded area a few blocks south of the Ferry Landing, in front of a large condominium, has ample 3-hour parking most times of the day.

Sunset time is most popular, and parking is easy and right next to the beach. When the couple arrives in their car, I’m already playing romantic saxophone music. They walk to the table where the dinner is prepared, and often walk to the water’s edge, sharing a quiet private moment.

As they have dinner, the sun goes down and the buildings of downtown San Diego light up, making a magical scene. It is a quiet spot, and I keep my saxophone volume at a nice level: loud enough for the couple, but not too loud for the neighbors. However, I am proud to say that many residents of the nearby buildings and pedestrians enjoying the area have told me how much they enjoy the music and have hired me for other events. One person who happened to see me was talented photographer Victoria Pennick, of Frozen Glass Photography. She wanted to take some photos and I am pleased to share these.

Kevin Kicks Up the Volume at a Hacienda Hotel Pool Party

The Hacienda Hotel Old Town, in San Diego, hired me for their wedding shoot and marketing video. I was playing in the courtyard when a woman came to watch me from the pool. It was flattering that she kept taking photos and videos, in between compliments on my pop song instrumentals. Then more people came from the pool to watch me play. Pretty soon I had a crowd, and one guy shouted, “How much can we pay you to play for us at the pool?” On my break from the hotel shoot, I brought my amp, set up in 2 minutes, treated them to some music on the pool deck and the photographer on the shoot captured the end of it in this raw video! I love playing in new places, for appreciative crowds, especially when it’s spontaneous. Every time I play my music comes out a little different, because it’s a different setting, different people, and different energy. What makes live music so appealing is clients tell me they feel my energy and the music is much more powerful seeing someone play it live than recorded or cranked out by a DJ. I am creating music and developing it right before their eyes. There’s the connection between me and my sax, and I convey that to the audience, so they feel part of the unique experience. As I was leaving a woman stopped me and said, “Thank you. You are a fantastic saxophone player.” To me, that makes it all worth it.

At a gorgeous park in the Tierrasanta neighborhood in San Diego, California, I played a milestone anniversary party last weekend. Due to some last-minute changes of family visiting for the special occasion, my client asked me to move my music play time from evening to afternoon. I always try to stay fleible for my clients’ ever-changing needs… I know life happens! I was able to rearrange my schedule and play the big event. I took requests from the crowd and enjoyed walking around playing my instrument, sharing my music, amidst the joyous guests. Clients often approach me with questions about my song selection and setup. I’m happy to tell them my songs can include a wide variety of pop song covers, jazz, blues, funk, and soul, and they get rave reviews from their guests on the listenability (if that’s a word!) of my saxophone. They’re also pleased that I can set up anywhere, keep a small footprint, or roam the crowd for a unique experience. Since I played in a park with no outlets nearby, I brought my portable amplifier to run my backing tracks while I provided some memories for the happy couple and family! Please let me know if you’d like some music for your next event and we can work out an ideal plan for you.