Music has always been a huge part of my life.
Fam Jam in Davis
I was born in Davis, CA in 1987 and lived here for the first 18 years of my life. I have a lot of memories of early morning dancing with my family to “Birthday” by the Beatles and searching through the massive volumes of my dad’s Grateful Dead tapes and CDs. I’m very grateful that our house was always filled with music: a keyboard from the 1970s (it still works), lots of guitars, vibraphones, drums, shakers, and other noisemakers.
I started playing guitar when I was 13, taking lessons from John Wolfe, an awesome music teacher here in Davis. He taught me how to play the songs that I loved to listen to, and was a big influence on me getting started in playing rock music and believing in my ability to do the things I wanted to do musically.
My junior year of high school, I decided to apply for the Davis High School Jazz Band. I had never played jazz before really, but I was committed to learning. I locked myself in my room for 2 weeks practicing the rehearsal pieces, and I actually made the group! Jazz band was probably the biggest challenge I’ve had musically, and always serves as humble reminder that there is always more to learn and grow from musically. I had the pleasure of playing with some of Davis’ best young musicians and built friendships and musical ventures that still exist to this day.
When I lived in San Diego from 2005-2012, I taught guitar lessons to kids with developmental disabilities and learning disabilities. It was really rewarding to me to be able to teach kids that had hyperactivity problems to play music and like myself, it gave them an opportunity to express their creative sides and calm down from the many external influences of the world.
Skavolutionary Orchestra Halloween Block Party
In 2010, I joined a 9-piece band called the Skavolutionary Orchestra, a fusion of Jamaican Ska, Bebop, and other musical influences from around the world. We played gigs all around San Diego and had a great time connecting with people and sharing our love of music and our music of love with the good people.
Playing at the Belly Up Tavern with the Skavolutionary Orchestra
One of the highlights that sticks out was opening for Hepcat at the Belly Up Tavern, one of San Diego’s best spots for live music. Playing with a full horn section and all the masterful pieces written by our band leader, James Hanson Trent was an awesome eye-opener to me in terms of being part of something greater musically and understanding the magic that happens when people are all listening and grooving with each other.
I unexpectedly moved back to Davis in November of 2012 (this place seems to lure you back in) and was quick to connect with my musical buddies from high school. It’s been amazing being back, especially with all of the potent musical energy in this town. It seems like everyone plays music here, and plays it well!!
Whole Earth Family Jam at N Street Coops in Davis
I’ve been teaching music lessons since I’ve been back and playing in a new group called The Whole Earth Family Jam. You might see us around town playing a gig or busking downtown sometime in the near future 🙂 The whole idea is about creating community through music, food, and good vibrations.
I’m excited to introduce more people to the world of music. If you’re interested in taking a lesson with me, give me a holler!