tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54973952328555738082024-03-12T18:29:42.822-07:00Bizbuzzongo Silicon ValleyMusic, art, sports, business, politics (mostly the stupidity of politics), kids, biographies, history, travel,architecture, local people making a difference or "going for it" in life, education, faith.... Squirrel!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554151135326176051noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497395232855573808.post-49512602140934236992012-11-26T14:26:00.001-08:002012-11-26T14:26:39.500-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>The SV
Houserockers</u> -</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Working Hard and
Loving What They Do<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven’t had a chance to see the Silicon Valley
Houserockers cover band you’re missing out on one of the true gems in bay area
music. Led by front man Paul Kent, the Houserockers have become one of the bay
areas most highly sought after acts, and one of the busiest. Winners of the
2010 K-FOX “Last Band Standing” competition as the best cover band in the bay
area, the Houserockers playlist includes rock, R&B, funk and soul hits from
the 60’s and 70’s with a sprinkling of 80’s and 90’s rock and soul tossed in
for fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I asked Paul what the best part of playing music was. His
answer was the crowds. “We love seeing our dedicated fans follow us from gig to
gig just to watch us play, and dance.” And dance they do. From the opening song
to the second - or third encore, people are on their feet. From “Dancing on the
Avenue” in downtown Willow Glen, to the Capitola Begonia Festival, and all
points in between, the Houserockers have lit up the south bay this year, having
playing over 40 of their scheduled 50 performances. Their final gig for the
year is at the Fox Theater in <st1:place w:st="on">Redwood
City</st1:place> on New Year’s Eve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul, who also maintains a full time career, started playing
guitar as a kid. After injuring his leg in a basketball game, his mother
decided it was time for another hobby. She bought Paul his first guitar and a
love for music was born. Lessons followed, as did stints with a few bands in
high school. “ We weren’t great back then, but we loved to play!” Paul
remembers with a smile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With early influences from artists on the Stax record label
like Sam and Dave, Ottis Redding and Eddy Lee Floyd, Paul kept at the guitar
until his early 20’s when life, career and family became his focus. That was
until Christmas of 1997 when his wife Terri surprised him with a guitar.
“Didn’t you say you used to have one of these?” she asked with a smile, as he
opened his gift. By the spring of ’99 the Houserockers were born. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though the band has had a few lineup changes, the core of
the group has been together since the beginning. “It’s great to play with guys
for so long who share a love for the same types of music, and a love for
playing.” Paul remarked. “It’s in our DNA and the music never fails to deliver
adrenaline, whether we’re playing for 50 people or 5,000.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to the dedication and hard work the band puts
into every performance, what comes through is their heart. The Houserockers
have donated their time and talent to several causes and local charities over
the years, including the American Cancer Society, private fundraisers and
scholarship drives. “We love playing music, and we love a good cause. Since we
all live in the bay area, we want to give back to our communities.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I asked Paul what he is most appreciative of regarding
music. He answered, “If you learn music as a kid, you will always have it with
you. It can help you learn good habits, and give you a creative outlet. It can
unlock your brain, and we all need that!” He continued, “Music, when played
right, is universal. It is something enjoyed by people of all ages. And it
creates endless opportunities.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As he speaks, his love for music shows on his face, and
weaves in and out of his words. He sits across from me, smiling with a youthful
enthusiasm and a childlike grin. It’s what you get when you watch Paul and the
Houserockers perform; ten musicians, working hard and loving what they do. It
doesn’t get much better than that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catch the band’s upcoming performances by going to their
website: <a href="http://www.svhouserockers.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.svhouserockers.com</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_2FM101cH9HOdOI47kBSUiYpMzRFAidnZrF22UeDgokikbPM6smBKh9qAH7phcu0JbKkyb_qKmYOF8wu9rNpC5-XQSW6Vudbd5OOztjlJiQ2Ku0MWFsr3cw1Xm9kZQ3yZBoKTmhHG1xx/s1600/Paul+Kent.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_2FM101cH9HOdOI47kBSUiYpMzRFAidnZrF22UeDgokikbPM6smBKh9qAH7phcu0JbKkyb_qKmYOF8wu9rNpC5-XQSW6Vudbd5OOztjlJiQ2Ku0MWFsr3cw1Xm9kZQ3yZBoKTmhHG1xx/s1600/Paul+Kent.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5497395232855573808" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkacBqTUw9_xh06tRDR0uB6rpD28DF33FE8s6TnOvMxw_6vIINYu9p_tXcRrcLDOFzJbQtzgSh6YEPEOYxDKpC_F8kgCJRCgNhAdzW0I1YwKooH7yN2DsTrsVnTUxSVutWOvdQrD26vuO/s1600/The+SV+Houserockers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkacBqTUw9_xh06tRDR0uB6rpD28DF33FE8s6TnOvMxw_6vIINYu9p_tXcRrcLDOFzJbQtzgSh6YEPEOYxDKpC_F8kgCJRCgNhAdzW0I1YwKooH7yN2DsTrsVnTUxSVutWOvdQrD26vuO/s1600/The+SV+Houserockers.png" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Housrockers:</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Al Gonzalez</b> -
Trumpet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jon Hassan</b> -
Baritone Sax</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Paul Kent</b> -
Guitar, Vocals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mark Proudfoot</b> -
Trombone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mike McWilliams</b> -
Trumpet, Vocals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Nick Chargin</b> -
Keyboards, Vocals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Michael Mendoza</b> -
Sax</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Simon Santiago</b> -
Guitar, Vocals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Joe "BAM!"
Rizzi</b> - Drums, Vocals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Steve Strom</b> -
Bass, Vocals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bill Tasto</b> -
Sound Engineer</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554151135326176051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497395232855573808.post-86185521178686238212012-11-26T13:45:00.002-08:002012-11-26T13:45:43.987-08:00Meet Me at the Greek<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5497395232855573808" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><u>Meet Me at the
Greek<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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I recently had an opportunity to take in a performance by
one of the truly great bay area bands at the Berkeley Greek Theatre. The Grammy®
award winning band Train played to a sold out crowd on a beautiful fall night.
Andy Grammer opened the show, followed by Matt Kearney. Grammer and <st1:city w:st="on">Kearney</st1:city> are both accomplished
musicians and both were amazing. I am looking forward to hearing more great
music from these two artists in coming years as they embark on their respective
careers. You can read more about those artists and about the band Train soon on
our music blog that will be launched in the very near future. </div>
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For the sake of space, I will sum up Train’s performance by
saying this… “Wow.”</div>
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And now, about the Greek: in my humble opinion.</div>
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Imagine you’re in an open amphitheater with 8500 of your
closest friends. You just don’t realize anyone else is there except for the
people right around you. That’s because all the lights in the venue have been
drawn down just before the main act. </div>
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The venue is completely dark. You look up into the clear
night sky above and there are stars; thousands of stars. Look just beyond the
confines of the amphitheater to the west and you’re greeted by the lights of <st1:city w:st="on">San Francisco</st1:city>, our city
by the bay. She presents her soft amber glow as a gift to you for your presence
here tonight. Her lights gently, perfectly rise up and blend like watercolors
into the purple and cobalt hues of the night sky. Right before your eyes a
masterpiece of color, texture, abstraction and symmetry develops and you’re
overcome with a feeling that promises to take your breath away. </div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5497395232855573808" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Now it’s time for a
reality check. It’s Friday night. You’ve worked all day. You fought through
traffic and somehow made your way here. You think to yourself; I can’t believe
that just a couple hours ago I was on the phone, doing the grind, working for a
living…. fill in the blanks. You’re still looking west and suddenly, gently,
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Golden Gate</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></st1:place> rises in the distance across the
bay, and whispers ‘Hello’<br />
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Reality check over. Take a deep breath. Exhale. Then, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sather</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Tower</st1:placetype></st1:place>
closes the deal. The <st1:city w:st="on">Berkley</st1:city>
campus landmark, also known as the Campanile, sits in the foreground. The tower;
designed by John Galen Howard and completed in 1914 as a centerpiece for the UC
Berkeley campus, glows like a beacon in the night. You can’t help but to smile.
Ahh.</div>
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Now, you’re a rational, logical, hard working sort of
person. You’re not prone to fall for the “warm and fuzzy” This night is
different. It is beyond special. It is magical. Have I mentioned the main act
has yet to hit the stage? <br />
<a href="http://www.apeconcerts.com/images/venue_greek3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Greek Theatre" border="0" height="195" src="http://www.apeconcerts.com/images/venue_greek3.jpg" title="Photo credit: Another Planet Entertinment" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome the Greek Theatre. Located in the foothills on the
UC Berkley campus, the theatre was built in 1903 on the site of what was
already an outdoor bowl theater in use since the late 1800’s and known as “Ben
Weeds Amphitheater”. Financed by the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst,
the Greek also bears his name. In its 100-plus year history, the Greek has seen
performances from hundreds of musical and theatrical performances. </div>
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The Greek is also host to graduation ceremonies, the annual
bonfire rally the night before the “Big Game” between <st1:city w:st="on">Berkley</st1:city> and Stanford, among other events.
President Theodore Roosevelt gave a commencement address to a graduating class
in 1903 while the theatre was still under construction. </div>
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Musically, hundreds of big name acts, including Luciano
Pavarotti, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Elvis Costello, Joan Baez, James
Taylor, and the Dave Matthews Band, have played the Greek. If you love music,
history, culture, or architecture, a visit to the William Randolph Hearst Greek
Theatre on the UC Berkley campus is a “must do” </div>
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On this night, the main act hits the stage and as the lights
of red, purple, blue, amber and green cast their sheen upon the venue, you
realize that you are in a special place. You begin to let yourself fall into
the night as the notes from the music on stage lift off the instruments and
float into the air… so clearly visible that you can reach out and touch them.
But you don’t. You simply take it all in and know you are in one of the most
beautiful venues this area has to offer. </div>
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If you do nothing else next year, meet me at the Greek. Do
it once. Do it as often as you can. You will be delighted, amazed, and filled
with joy. You will be inspired. </div>
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The event schedule runs from May to October each year. Go
to: <a href="http://www.apeconcerts.com/">http://www.apeconcerts.com/</a> to
learn more about the Greek and check out next years concert schedule. Go to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/">www.tripadvisor.com</a> for directions and parking information, as
well as local establishments to help make your trip enjoyable</div>
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Contributory sources:</div>
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Another Planet Entertainment: <a href="http://www.apeconcerts.com/">http://www.apeconcerts.com/</a></div>
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WikiPedia : <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearst_Greek_Theatre">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearst_Greek_Theatre</a></div>
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Trip Advisor: <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/">www.tripadvisor.com</a>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554151135326176051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497395232855573808.post-46954504030992209532012-11-26T13:13:00.003-08:002012-11-26T13:13:51.849-08:00Let's Get This Party Started!Welcome to BizBuzzOngo! This is not a test. This is my "tad bit more than half an effort" to write for public consumption. I know, good luck with THAT, right? Here's my short story;<br />
<br />
Since I was a child I was told to write.<br />
I said "Nope."<br />
Now I'm all grown up and the voice inside my head still says "Write"<br />
I'm tired of fighting about it... with myself.<br />
<br />
So, I am going to write. Hopefully, someone is going to read. Although, I have no control over that part of it. That said, I will focus on my part. I will write. (Hey! voice inside my head, are you happy now?).<br />
<br />
Here's what interests me:<br />
Music, art, sports, business, politics (mostly the stupidity of politics), kids, biographies, history, travel,architecture, local people making a difference or "going for it" in life, education, faith.... <b><i>Squirrel!</i></b><br />
<br />
Sorry, I'm back.<br />
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This blog is your standard run-of-the-mill hodge-podge melting pot of ideas, thoughts, observations and interests of the author (Me) with no particular order. Wow, this sounds like a failure already! But, since I am a positive person and optimistic to a fault, I'm going for it anyway. I am starting with a couple articles I wrote for the South County's "Out & About" magazine recently. That's a new gig I started to make the voice inside my head (see reference above) happy. Hope you enjoy them, and the blog for many years to come. Ugh, that sounds like a commitment. Happy reading.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554151135326176051noreply@blogger.com0