2023 was a banner year for my business. I traveled to corporate gigs in Los Angeles, Orange County, Pechanga Casino, and other casinos in Southern California, but mostly I played saxophone at a variety of weddings and birthday parties locally in San Diego. Here are some samples of my entertainment: https://youtube.com/shorts/x96JoCUT-vI?si=DqWPqOURLbQ8YjAn

https://youtube.com/shorts/s0hwwImwl-0?si=YlCORulBZJnHaxw4

https://youtube.com/shorts/_xJL-YQGIHo?si=TOK6YC7WfIUNw87u

If I Ain’t Got You: Alicia Keys

Thinking Out Loud: Ed Sheeran

Besame Mucho: Andrea Bocelli

At Last: Etta James

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You: Frankie Valli

I Will Always Love You: Whitney Houston

Unchained Melody: The Righteous Brothers

I Could Fall in Love: Selena

Can’t Help Falling in Love: Elvis

A Thousand Years: Christina Perri

Thank God: Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown

Lover: Taylor Swift

Until I Found You: Stephen Sanchez

Just The Way You Are: Billy Joel

When a Man Loves a Woman: Percy Sledge (Richard Elliot smooth jazz version)

Perfect: Ed Sheeran

All of Me: John Legend

How Do I Live: LeAnn Rimes

Latch: Sam Smith

Vivo Per Lei: Andrea Bocelli

You Are The Reason: Calum Scott

Con Te Partiro / Time to Say Goodbye: Andrea Bocelli

You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman: Aretha Franklin

Nothing Compares 2 U: Prince, Chris Cornell

No Other Love: Jo Stafford

Dance with my Father: Luther Vandross

La Vie en Rose: Louis Armstrong

Beautiful Girl: Jose Mari Chan

This I Promise You: NSYNC

Wonderful Tonight: Eric Clapton

That’s Amore: Dean Martin

You Are So Beautiful: Lionel Richie

Ain’t No Sunshine: Bill Whithers

How Deep Is Your Love: Bee Gees

Save the Best for Last: Vanessa Williams

Right Here Waiting: Richard Marx

Thank You: Dido

All My Life: K-Ci & JoJo

The Lady in Red: Chris de Burgh

Georgia on My Mind: Ray Charles

I’m Yours: Jason Mraz

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Roberta Flack

You Raise Me Up: Josh Groban

I Want it That Way: Backstreet Boys

Can You Feel The Love Tonight: Elton John (Lion King Disney movie)

A Whole New World: Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle (Aladdin’s Theme)

One More Night: Phil Collins

Waiting for a Girl Like You: Foreigner

She’s Got a Way: Billy Joel

Because You Loved Me: Celine Dion

Girls Like You: Maroon 5

Love on the Brain: Rihanna

Faithfully: Journey

I Want To Know What Love Is: Foreigner

Skinny Love: Birdy

You Are The Best Thing: Ray LaMontagne

Romantic songs (fast tempo)

Isn’t She Lovely: Stevie Wonder

Just the Way You Are: Bruno Mars

Heartbeat: The Midnight

(Simply) The Best: Tina Turner

I Only Want to Be With You: Dusty Springfield

Take My Breath: The Weeknd

Lucky: Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillet

Can’t Stop Loving You: Phil Collins

Sway: Michael Buble

L-O-V-E: Nat King Cole

Treasure: Bruno Mars

That’s Amore: Dean Martin

Pop songs (slow tempo)

I Feel It Coming: The Weeknd

Golden Hour: JVKE

One Call Away: Charlie Puth

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Skyfall: Adele

Someone Like You: Adele

My Heart Will Go On: Celine Dion

Moon River: Andy Williams

Turning Tables: Adele

Clocks: Coldplay

Yellow: Coldplay

Stay: Rihanna

The Scientist: Coldplay

New York State of Mind: Billy Joel

Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen

With or Without You: U2

Let It Go: Idina Menzel (Frozen Disney movie)

One Moment in Time: Whitney Houston

When I Was Your Man: Bruno Mars

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room: John Meyer

Casanova: Levert

Locked Away: R. City feat. Adam Levine

What Lovers Do: Maroon 5 feat. SZA

Breakeven: The Script

I’m Not the Only One: Sam Smith

Stay With Me: Sam Smith

Stand by Me: Ben E. King

Careless Whisper: George Michael

Man in the Mirror: Michael Jackson

I’m Yours: Jason Mraz

Purple Rain: Prince

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Memories: Maroon 5

Summertime: Ella Fitzgerald

Young and Beautiful: Lana Del Rey

Under the Bridge: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Tadow: Masego, FKJ

Canggu: FKJ

Lady: D’Angelo

Fix You: Coldplay

Jealous: Nick Jonas

Sweet Surrender: Sarah McLachlan

Wind Beneath My Wings: Bette Midler

From a Distance: Bette Midler

I Can’t Make You Love Me: Bonnie Raitt

Where do Broken Hearts Go: Whitney Houston

Someone You Loved: Lewis Capaldi

Let It Be: Beatles

Pop songs (fast tempo)

Levitating: Dua Lipa

Thief: Ookay

Take My Breath: The Weeknd

Uptown Funk: Mark Ronson (ft. Bruno Mars)

Closer: The Chainsmokers

Can’t Stop The Feeling: Justin Timberlake

Viva La Vida: Coldplay

In My Head: Jason Derulo

The Edge of Glory: Lady Gaga

Love Somebody: Maroon 5

Smooth Operator: Sade

Superstition: Stevie Wonder

Tonight: John Legend

Thunder: Imagine Dragons

Believer: Imagine Dragons

Rock Your Baby: George McCrae

I Wanna Dance With Somebody: Whitney Houston

Tequila: The Champs

Snow: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Miss Atomic Bomb: The Killers

Read my Mind: The Killers

Heard it Through the Grapevine: Marvin Gaye

Save Your Tears: The Weeknd

In My Head: Jason Derulo

Maneater: Hall & Oates

I Can’t Go For That: Hall & Oates

Sunset: The Midnight

Human: The Killers

Rolling in the Deep: Adele and Aretha Franklin

Respect: Aretha Franklin

Dance & EDM

In the Air Tonight (dance remix): Phil Collins

Happy Birthday: Kygo and John Legend 

Levels: Avicii

Sexual Healing: Kygo and Marvin Gaye

Sweet Lovin’: Sigala

Bleu: Worakls

Faded: Alan Walker

Jubel: Klingande

Cheap Thrills: Sia

Higher Love: Kygo and Whitney Houston

What’s Love Got to Do With It: Tina Turner and Kygo

Oye Como Va: Santana

One More Time: Daft Punk

Vivir Mi Vida: Marc Anthony

Despacito: Luis Fonsi and Justin Bieber

Give Me The Night: George Benson

Forever Young: David Guetta

A Sky Full of Stars: Coldplay

Stay: Kygo feat. Maty Noyes

Uptown Funk: Mark Ronson (ft Bruno Mars)

Titanium: David Guetta

Stayin’ Alive: Bee Gees

Let’s Go: Calvin Harris

Stereo Love: Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina

Hung Up: Madonna

My Universe: Coldplay, BTS

Doses and Mimosas: Cherub

Work From Home: Fifth Harmony

Get Lucky: Daft Punk

Gimme gimme gimme: ABBA

Classic rock

Don’t Stop Believing: Journey

Lights: Journey

On the Turning Away: Pink Floyd

Comfortably Numb: Pink Floyd

Satisfaction: Rolling Stones

Beast of Burden: Rolling Stones

Learning to Fly: Tom Petty

Free Fallin: Tom Petty

90s

Man! I Feel Like a Woman: Shania Twain

All My Life: K-Ci & JoJo

Purple Rain: Prince

Under the Bridge: Red Hot Chili Peppers

(Simply) The Best: Tina Turner

Every Time I Close My Eyes: Babyface

Building a Mystery: Sarah McLachlan

Jumpin’ Jumpin’: Destiny’s Child

Weak: SWV

80s

Careless Whisper: George Michael

Girls Just Want to Have Fun: Cyndi Lauper

Man in the Mirror: Michael Jackson

Don’t Stop Believing: Journey

Heaven is a Place on Earth: Belinda Carlisle

On the Turning Away: Pink Floyd

Every Breath You Take: The Police

With or Without You: U2

I Wanna Dance With Somebody: Whitney Houston

Your Love is King: Sade

Sweetest Taboo: Sade

Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You: George Benson

Maneater: Hall & Oates

I Can’t Go For That: Hall & Oates

Africa: Toto

You Can Call Me Al: Paul Simon

Simply The Best: Tina Turner

Give Me The Night: George Benson

The Finer Things: Steve Winwood

Downtown Train: Rod Stewart

Don’t Be Cruel: Bobby Brown

Faithfully: Journey

I Want To Know What Love Is: Foreigner

Waiting for a Star to Fall: Boy Meets Girl

Have a Little Faith in Me: John Hiatt

How Will I Know: Whitney Houston

Against All Odds (Take a look at me now): Phil Collins

Caribbean Queen: Billy Ocean

Endless Summer Nights: Richard Marx

When the Going Gets Tough: Billy Ocean

Glory of Love: Peter Cetera

Next Time I Fall: Peter Cetera, Amy Grant

70s

Smooth Operator: Sade

Superstition: Stevie Wonder

Play That Funky Music: Wild Cherry

Brickhouse: The Commodores

Low Rider: War

Oye Como Va: Santana

Lights: Journey

She’s Got a Way: Billy Joel

Your Song: Elton John

Rock Your Baby: George McCrae

Breezin’: George Benson

When Will I See You Again: The Three Degrees

Do You Think I’m Sexy: Rod Stewart

Stayin’ Alive: Bee Gees

Jazz

Girl From Ipanema: Stan Getz, Antonio Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto

Mercy Mercy Mercy: Cannonball Adderley

So What: Miles Davis

Moondance: Van Morrison

Fever: Peggy Lee

All of Me: Jazz Standard by Gerald Marks

All Blues: Miles Davis

Moanin’: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

Blue Train: John Coltrane

Watermelon Man: Herbie Hancock

Cantaloupe Island: Herbie Hancock

Freddie Freeloader: Miles Davis

Summertime: Ella Fitzgerald

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: Duke Ellington

Breezin’: George Benson

Sofrito: Mongo Santamaria

Sway: Michael Buble

Beyond the Sea: Michael Buble

Oldies

At Last: Etta James

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You: Frankie Valli

New York New York: Frank Sinatra

Fly Me To The Moon: Frank Sinatra

The Way You Look Tonight: Frank Sinatra

All The Way: Frank Sinatra

My Way: Frank Sinatra

All of Me: Frank Sinatra

L-O-V-E: Nat King Cole

Til There Was You: Meredith Willson and The Beatles

Don’t Play That Song For Me: Aretha Franklin

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: Duke Ellington

Sittin on the Dock of the Bay: Otis Redding

Stand by Me: Ben E. King

Just One Look: Doris Troy, Linda Ronstadt

Sweet Caroline: Neil Diamond

Unchained Melody: The Righteous Brothers

When a Man Loves a Woman: Percy Sledge

Moon River: Andy Williams

Girl From Ipanema: Stan Getz, Antonio Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto

Tequila: The Champs

Heard it Through the Grapevine: Marvin Gaye

Stranger on the Shore: Acker Bilk

Summertime: Ella Fitzgerald

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Roberta Flack

No Other Love: Jo Stafford

Love and Happiness: Al Green

Wonderful World: Sam Cooke

Shake Rattle and Roll: Sam Cooke

Cupid: Sam Cooke

Cry To Me: Solomon Burke

Always On My Mind: Willie Nelson

Burning Love: Elvis Presley

Close to You: Carpenters

I Only Want to Be With You: Dusty Springfield

I’ll Take You There: Staple Singers

Slip Away: Clarence Carter

Latin or Latin-themed

Siempre Te Voy A Querer: Calibre 50

Sabor a Mi: Luis Miguel

Havana: Camilla Cabello

Stand by Me (bachata version): Prince Royce

Bailamos: Enrique Iglesias

El Amor Que Perdimos (bachata): Prince Royce

Oye Como Va: Santana

I Could Fall in Love: Selena

Vivir Mi Vida: Marc Anthony

Como Te Voy a Olvidar: Los Angeles Azules

El Liston de tu Pelo: Los Angeles Azules

Girl From Ipanema: Stan Getz, Antonio Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto

Sway: Michael Buble

Bachata Rosa: Juan Luis Guerra

Tequila: The Champs

Despacito: Luis Fonsi and Justin Bieber

Europa: Santana

Se Murio de Amor: Bobby Pullido

Sofrito: Mongo Santamaria

A Mi Manera: Julio Iglesias

Crazy: Julio Iglesias

Escape: Enrique Iglesias

Livin la Vida Loca: Ricky Martin

Maria: Ricky Martin

Careless Whisper: Julio Iglesias

Bailando: Enrique Iglesias

Ahora Te Puedes Marchar: Luis Miguel

Funk/R&B

Cissy Strut: The Meters

Chameleon: Herbie Hancock

Dynamite: Taio Cruz

Fire Burning: Sean Kingston

Yeah 3x: Chris Brown

Beautiful: Akon

Beautiful Girls: Sean Kingston

Break Your Heart: Taio Cruz

OMG: Usher

Yeah! : Usher

Replay: Iyaz

Jumpin’ Jumpin’: Destiny’s Child

Don’t Cha: Pussycat Dolls

Smooth jazz

Wine Light: Grover Washington, Jr

Mister Magic: Grover Washington, Jr

Just the Two of Us: Grover Washington, Jr

Lily Was Here: Candy Dulfer

Europa: Gato Barbieri and Santana

Tequila Moon: Jessy J

Contact: Boney James

Maputo: David Sanborn

For the Love of You: Candy Dulfer

Chill Factor: Richard Elliot

Spin: Boney James

Slow Jam: Euge Groove

Boom Town: Richard Elliot

Religify: Euge Groove

Kenny G Collection

Saxoloco: Kenny G

Rhythm and Romance: Kenny G

Forever in Love: Kenny G

Silhouette: Kenny G

The Moment: Kenny G

Songbird: Kenny G

Tango: Kenny G

The Look of Love: Kenny G

End of the Night: Kenny G

Stranger On The Shore: Kenny G

World Music

O Sole Mio: Luciano Pavarotti

You Can Call Me Al: Paul Simon

Diamonds on the Sole of Her Shoes: Paul Simon

Under African Skies: Paul Simon

Great Heart: Johnny Clegg

Dela: Johnny Clegg

Graceland: Paul Simon

Africa: Toto

Aicha: Cheb Khaled

Sofrito: Mongo Santamaria

Funeral/memorial songs

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen

Amazing Grace: Spiritual

Christmas/Holiday songs

Miracles: Kenny G

All Traditional Songs

I got some beautiful shots while playing on a rooftop deck overlooking Petco Park in downtown San Diego. Photo credits: Eeman Minert, MyOwnBeat Photography.

Then I was a featured entertainer for a second straight year for the Bridal Bazaar, San Diego’s biggest bridal show, at the San Diego Convention Center downtown. More amazing shots by MyOwnBeat Photography!

I enjoyed connecting with some movers and shakers in Southern California for this featured interview on me and my business. Based in Los Angeles, this website heard about me and featured me in their March 9, 2021, publication online.

I’m thrilled to be growing my business and get acknowledged like this! If you’re interested, the full article is at https://shoutoutsocal.com/meet-kevin-delmastro-saxophonist-entertainer/.

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.

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!

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.

Which is better for a wedding, hiring a live musician or a DJ?

People can feel the energy of live musicians, see them play, connect with them as they play, change moods, feel the groove, get excited, dance, and sometimes- if you ask them- move about the dance floor or mingle with guests, giving a unique, unforgettable experience for that special moment. On saxophone I can play romantic ballads, smooth jazz, growling blues, classical processionals, or upbeat pop or rock music. It can mimic the variety of the human voice and brings songs to life. If you want to add magic to your event, you should hire a live musician, who creates the music and mood right before your eyes.

What if I have special song requests?

Of course a DJ can spin the song you requested, but I can play the song with energy and flair. I’ll deliver a professional and personalized version of your song. I’ll need enough lead time to create the rendition of your song that you desire, so please tell me as early as possible. But I can put together a song in several hours, so I have done day-before requests for clients!

Is a live musician more expensive than a wedding DJ?

My typical rate is $300/hour, which is usually much lower than a DJ. My rate includes my set up, clean up, sound equipment, and travel time (within reason). I only charge for the time I’m actually ready to play music. If money is an issue, or if you have a small family event, please let me know and I can try to stay within your budget. DJs and other bands might charge higher rates, but my product is superb. You won’t sacrifice quality by hiring me.

How soon should I book a live musician for my wedding?

Because I work by myself, I can accommodate last minute requests. But generally you should reach out at least 2 months in advance just to get on my calendar.

Do I have to provide food and drinks?    

Though some clients provide food or drinks, I actually prefer not to eat too close to my performance. I’m happy to bring my own water, as well. I want to make booking me as easy and affordable as possible. The bottom line is that I love to play music, so I don’t require extras like other wedding entertainers.

Is insurance required?

This depends on the venue requirements. I can purchase insurance for the particular event, but that would be added to my price. Most of the time venues include insurance in the event cost.

What equipment and space do I provide?

Sometimes clients want me front and center, and other times they ask me to discreetly set up and play in the corner. I work with you to create the ideal setup and sound. My saxophone projects well, so I can play softly or loudly, depending on the venue and your preference. I only need space for a 2’x3’ amp. I stand as I play, so don’t take up much room. I’ll work with you to plan the ideal event, however I know that changes always come up and I pride myself in staying flexible.

Can saxophonists play different styles throughout my wedding?

Absolutely! From chill, easy listening vibe, to upbeat dance beats, I play a mix of jazz, pop music, blues, funk, rock, Latin, and classical music. You name it, I can play it!

What will you wear?

I often wear a suit and tie, but I can wear different styles. I like to ask if there’s a color theme, so I can coordinate with the rest of the event and make it even more special.