It was well worth it

We threw the benefit show for Steve Cass and everything went as planned.  So well, It was a divine experience.

There are SOOOO many people to thank, I know that I risk missing some names, but, I must do my best.

I'll start with the photographers and videographer.  Carrie Alexander and Diana Stathakis (photographers), and Robert Hansen (videographer).  They went leaps and bounds beyond the call of duty.  BTW, just wait till the DVD comes out, it looks like it's to be awesome.  Carrie never stood still.  She moved all over the place getting some fantastic shots.  In addition to Diana shooting, she and Sabrina formed all the graphical print and digital work.  Additionally, Diana did all the sled work getting things to the print shop, picking it up, delivering items and more.  Robert video taped the bands, interviews, and even played some monster guitar.  When all things were torn down and memories began, he's been like a soldier working to get all video loaded and edited. 

The bands.  Let's go chronologically.  Slick Willie, man these guys were basically raw emotion kicking this thing off.  They were so kind and sensitive, but then when the music started, they exploded with energy and kick'n rock-n-roll. 

Then, Steve himself got up and rocked the floor for 1 straight hour of amazing CLEAN in your face guitar playing.  Accompanied by Dave Porter on drums playing some amazing chops.  Then there was the treat with their steel guitar player, fender guitar player, Paul Sisoon.  Add to that a female vocalist that was as sassy as you can get with a voice from above that was not only in perfect tune, but, was compelling to listen.  And then there was Dale, holding down the groove on that bass. 

Chip then led Texas Underground with a full range of southern rock that brought the crowd to a heightened sensation.  This was followed by Kat Moore, who has had success on the Texas country charts with some excellent original music.

The Reloaded band took the stage and kept the momentum going.  Three guitar players and harmonies that are out of this world.  If you haven't seen em, you must.  Their music is only surpassed by the quality of human beings that they are.

Larry Ross, Jay Trahan lead Stratakatz and boy did they excite the crowd and bring a tremendous show.  They moved about the stage like they were born to do it.  Two lovely ladies singing lead and harmonies provided a visual oasis of gorgiosity!  Add to that Mark on the other guitar moving with a zeal that makes you bop your head with him.

Finally, Sabrina & Gypsybleu took the stage and requested prayer for Steve.  Every person in a chair arose and came to the stage to pray with/for Steve.  May the Lord be glorified and hear our prayer and may we be prepared for his will.  I can tell you that Sabrina was in her normal AMAZING form and owned it from the beginning to the end of her performance.  And may I say a special thank you to Sabrina for her planning assistance and running the silent auction, and never ending friendship to me.  Tony provided 1st class bass clinic with the amazing chops he can put together.  Robert, after having run a video marathon then played on the stage not having missed a note.  Greg, always greg, works tons of hours and still is prepared to give 100% no matter how little rest he gets and I knew that if I needed something, I could go to him and ask, and he would always be ready to help.  Finally, Fernando showed up.  I was so touched that after having been to Europe, I thought surely he'll need to catch up with his family, but, he sacrificed his time and came.  Like a Marine, he simply asked what we wanted/needed him to do.  Thank you Fernando!

Rick Stevens, a special shout out.  I honestly have to isolate and say, he was a clone of me at the gig.  He met with us that morning and whatever I assigned him to do, he passionetly executed it. I honestly could not have gotten through the day without all the things he did. 

Kathy and Mason managed the door.  This was a key point because all who were to buy raffle tickets or be directed to the silent auction began at the door.  They faithfully stood their post and I never had to look twice.  I was provided with ticket counts, dollars collected and whatever things I needed from both.  Mason helped to pack up at the end as well.  NOTE - this is a high school student pitching in!!  And in that spirit, may I commend Jeremy (Greg and Carrie's son) for all his help, and Alisha and her daughters for helping out videotaping and other things).  They say our youth are struggling... not the youth I got to see that weekend!

I want to isolate Larry, Greg, Sabrina, Diana, Carrie, and Robert once again because, they were in this from the beginning and/or were integral pieces during the day of the event.  Planning involved the council and feedback from them all.  Without them, I could not have gotten ANYTHING done.

Lonestar Legend provided the hall with NO CHARGE.  They provided staff, bartender, waitresses at no cost to us AND they also shared from food and drink revenue!!!!!!  Thank you Shan and staff.

John, Kathy, and Vince Villareal, it was as treasure to see you out in the audience.  A friend is a rare thing, a true friend, and sir, you are my friend and I thank you and your wonderful family.

Peter and Marino, my sons, you showed up to support.  I was and AM honored that you were there.  May the Lord bless you in your honoring of your parents.

Robin Valetutto and Willie Martin of KVCE radio, 1160 AM dial.  Thank you for coming out and supporting.  Willie, thank you for the interview and encouraging words you shared with your personal testimony of yourself and your sister.  Robin we thank you for your financial support as well.

In conclusion, if I missed your name, I sincerely apologize.  I may add to this if I think of more, and I may have mispelled some as well.  Please forgive me.  Steve, I pray that the Lord does his perfect will and that whether it's here or there, we will rejoice in him together.

A Benefit for Steve Cass

On December 4th, 2012, we are partaking in a benefit show for Steve Cass.  If it is at all possible, please come and support this cause for I tell you, it is for a tremendous person.

There will be 7 bands donating their time, energy, passion, and music.  Club will be sharing proceeds from Food and Drinks to the benefit, an awesome Raffle and Silent Auction. 

Sabrina and Gypsybleu requests that you come on out and show what an awesome group y'all are. We are so excited about this and can hardly wait for that Sunday, December 4th.  it will be from 3 - 9 p.m..  If you have any questions, please contact us @ 214.673.2751.

Thank you so much ahead of time.

The assumptions we trust...

A weekend getaway.  The weather is hot, the lake is refreshing.  You're with friends and family and life is just happening.  There's no warning.  You reflect afterwards and see things that may have made a difference.  You've had past experiences that made you swear that you would live day by day to the fullest and then yet another dose of reality hits to reaffirm yet another awareness point and yet another commitment.

While at the lake, I was asked to visit and eat with the family next to our cabin.  One of the people there no longer breathes the same air we do.  He drowned.  He actually drowned on Saturday, the day after I was asked to join him and his family for a meal to which I declined.  In retrospect, I wished I could have spent some time and then again, I really don't know what it would have been like, would I have maximized the time... I doubt it.  We live today... looking for Friday... despising the oncoming Monday.  Looking forward to the vacation and complaining about the heat during the vacation. 

Lord, grant us the ability to capture the moment.  To live life in abundance, to realize that we are dust.  Our time is very short... yes very short.

Me and my Mesa Boogie

Well, I finally got a new amp.   I started with a Marshall, then, I went to Fender, then, two Fender amps at the same time.  I was left wanting.  The Marashall was too powerful for the smaller clubs.  I could never open it up enough to get the tone.  The Fenders, well, they're ok, but, I still couldn't get the tone I wanted.  So, I recently traded them in towards my new amp.  My Mesa Boogie.  Wow, I am so happy with the tone.  It's amazing with only 30 watts of power, but the tone is ... well, you need to come and hear it.  I like it so much that today, I've decided to get a second one.  Hope to see you at the gigs upcoming so you can tell me what you think.

Marino Stathakis
Lead Guitar - Sabrina and Gypsybleu (s&m2)

We're approaching our 4th year as a band

Long time ago in a galaxy far far away, Sabrina and Gypsybleu was formed.  It was around this time 4 years ago that Larry Ross decided to put together a band.  Larry is extremely insightful and had a vision to get musicians that could not only play music, but were kind of like family.  Cassandra graciously opened her home and allowed us to practice night after night without complaint.  So, to both Larry and Cassandra, we want to say a heart felt love and appreciation for your roles in putting together this band and without you, we would not exist as a band.

Our first gig was at the Boot and Saddle.  I knew at that time we had something special.  Sabrina and I (Marino) appeared to perfectly compliment each other. I personally had not committed in my heart to the band UNTIL that first performance, one time on stage with these folks, I was hooked!

Sabrina has a sense of musical professionalism and was really cut to be a Broadway performer. I, as an insider to this band can say to you with NO hesitation, she epitomizes the phrases, "The show MUST go on!" I've never been challenged with all the difficulties that have hit her in the last 4 years, but, come 9:00, she's there, ready for the downbeat.  I'm a bit frustrated with the Lord because I can tell you that you can always be a better singer than you are with proper technique, but you got to have the vocal chords to begin with.  If a normal voice has, let's say 200 chords, she's got like10,000.  I got 100.  Not only does she have an extremely strong voice, but she has an ear too.  I mean, it's one thing to be able to bring a strong voice, but it has to be in tune!  And furthermore, not only does she have a strong voice and sings in tune, but she can move from all different genres of music.  She can go from Aretha type to Janis Joplin to Katty Perry, (need I say more?).  Ok, I will.  She can entertain folks.  She has a charisma that draws and holds an audience.  And finally, her personality is such that you'd never know she had all this talent.  She'll make you feel like you're her best friend.. And, she may be the one person that has over 200 best friends.  She just has that connection about her.  To play with her on the stage, there is no stepping on each other and we both have sense of entertainment that has an unspoken connection.  We sometimes call it VMM.  We've actually experienced finishing songs and going to call out the next song and mouth the exact song at the exact moment.  All I can say is it works and even though much of what we do repeats itself, it still feels fresh after all this time.

Robert and Greg are great people and they may be the hardest working people in our band.  Although I am the only United States Marine in the band, Robert and Greg are Marines at heart because they are the first to arrive and the last to leave.  They are two pillars and without them, we could not do what we do.  As people, Larry's original vision could not have been better executed.  Remember, he wanted to have a family like environment where the band members would love each other and have more than just a musical unit. Robert and Greg are two of the most sincere, kind, and likable people I've ever known.

Our bass players, yes, plural as in playerSSSS.  As in life, divorce exists and families change so it is with a band.  In the list of bass players, we've had the fortune of playing with Larry Ross, who has gone on to successfully put together several other bands and currently continues with his vision with Stratakatz.  Stan Allison who was extremely versatile as a bass player and provided us with an awesome job at bass for 2 years, Buthel, those of you who know Buthel, I don't need to say anything for his personality, professionalism, and MONSTER chops all speak for themselves, to the rest, if you haven't, I'm so sorry that you missed him playing with us.  John Paul who helped to bridge some gaps, Dave Lewis who is faithful, and reliable and provides us with professional support in the absence of our current bass player Tony Merante.  Tony, like everyone else in the band makes it easy to hang out.  He's one of the funniest people you'll know.  He's a family man convicted to provide the most stable home environment for his lovely wife and son.  BTW, did I say he can play bass?  OMG, this cat his one of the most talented bass players I've ever been associated, and he has the humility of a rookie.

We would be remiss in not mentioning the fact that we've only had ONE keyboard player associated with us throughout our playing experience.  His name is Fernando De Los Santos.  (hope I spelled it correctly).  He's from Spain, and when he gets those wireless keys going, he rocks the club and has the girls screaming in a frenzy.  He rips through the keys like a virtioso.  With all that talent, he's got his equipment up on the stage hours before I (Marino) show up.  He has the warmest smile, and he has a tremendous sense of humor too.  You'll never find an easier soul with which to talk, play, laugh, or just plain drive 4 hours with to Abilene.

I would not be complete if I failed to mention Diana, my wife.  She has been a support system that cannot go unrecognized.  ALL of the photos you see, the website, putting my clothes together, sitting front row, providing feedback, encouraging during the hard times, and my best friend.  As of this article, we're approaching 33 years together on August 16th, 2011. 

All of this to say, we approach our 4th year.  I can promise you that if it is at all possible, we'll continue Lord willing, and we have plans for some up and coming directional changes that will leverage our most awesome fan base.  Let me repeat this.  Without the fans, we are trees falling in the forest not making a sound.  I've heard of musicians that gasp at playing Sweet Home Alabama ONE MORE TIME, but, if it means something to the fan, then it means something to me, to us.  We so greatly appreciate each and every one of you.  We do our best to greet, speak with, and even be-friend you.  I can tell you of so many stories of newly acquired friendships and acquaintances do to this experience.  One person that lifts me up so much is Brett.  If you haven't met Brett, you're missing a piece of life that needs to be experienced.  I haven't cleared with him to say much more, but, I hope he reads this and allows me to share some of his story.  I assure you, you will never be the same after meeting him.

Thank you all.

What a busy summer!

This summer has been amazing...

We've been playing every weekend, mostly both days on the weekend and some mid days of the week as well.  The outdoor gigs can be a bit challenging with this Texas heat, but having someone watch and clap brings great satisfaction.

I can remember a gig in Gainsville where we played landslide and a patron of the club who had lost a son was in front of us weeping.  It's amazing how there's a shared experience that may not be possible any other way.

We are working in new material and new equipment and even new personnel periodically.  All that can bring its challenges as well.  But, we are blessed with strength, breath, and skill to bring it!

We have been playing these outdoor concerts in Allen at Waters Creek Montgomery.  July 9th, was spectacular.  The crowd was plentious, (I tried to get them to do a count off haha), I would estimate several hundred and possibly a thousand or so with all that actually passed through at some point.  Here's a neat link where they wrote an article on the band... BTW, they weren't aware of the fact that we have a fabulous keyboard player named Fernando De Los Santos and our current bass player is named Tony Merante.  Both seasoned and true professionals at their craft.

Please check out the link:  http://www.watters-creek.com/events/SabrinaGypsybleu-July9.html

Anyway, if you haven't joined us this summer, please try to make a gig or two, or three hehe.

How can I live my life to the fullest?

I have had many people come to me through the years and tell me that they want to learn how to play the guitar.  I sometimes respond by telling them that a person who wants to play the guitar... actually does.  Usually, we do what we really want to do.  We may want to rest MORE than we want to work out or practice an instrument.  Heck, it's hard, requires a great passion that exceeds the want to rest or whatever it is that's preventing us from reaching our goals.

I hate sleeping.  I always have.  When I was a boy, I grew up with this go to bed at 8:30 pm to be prepared for school the next day.  I would lay in a bed for hours staring at the ceiling.  It was agony.  Now, I don't have to go to bed until I've completed what I've wanted to for the day.  I find the liberty very exciting.  Jesus said, "I've come that you might have life and life in abundance" or life ore abundantly. 

I've got some cool things developing.  The marketing head of the Dallas Mavericks and I are forming a relationship in order to develop music for the stadium.  It appears that all the years of my head banging hard rockin music has a place... haha.  Many thanks to my co-author, I think of him as a little brother and one of my best friends, Rick Stevens.  He inspires me to create music and it was he that got me back into this some time ago.

We're booked pretty solidly throughout the rest of the year, please come out and spend an evening with us, we'll work as hard as we can to bring it!

Gainesville, what an amazing town...

We've been playing at a club up in Gainesville called, JC's Rock-n-Roll Icehouse.  I must say that as a professional musician, I've played throughout the state of California, as an amatuer, I've played in the midwest and now, I've been living in Texas since 1994.  This city, and this group of people are an amazing, fun loving, good spirited people.  They are so energetic and their zeal is contagious bringing out the BEST from us as a band.

In our band, we have ups and downs...  We have internal strugles and some times, we look for what we call "Healing" gigs.  These those type of gigs where the experience is so awesome that whatever has been going on is forgotten in that 4 hour period.  JC's Rock-n-Roll Icehouse is one of our healing gigs.

Gainesville, we salute you!

Should I Retire the Red Pants?

It's been brought to my (Marino) attention to "lose" the red pleather pants.  I've been seriously considering this.  I don't know, should I go with a florescent green instead? 
Traditionally, I've been wearing the red pants for Valentine's day.  It seemed to draw an extra attention.  I seem to have a weakness for attention and as a result, fell into a trap of continuing to wear them.  I've since learned that people laughing, although attention, probably isn't favorable.

Oh well, so much to ponder, a major decision ... what will I do.  This weekend, I'll be in black, that's for sure.  See you soon.

New Music

We have been chomping at the bit learning new music.  It's pretty amazing when you think about the complexity of learning music when you factor all the technology, studio versions of music, and quality that we are trying to emulate.

Recently, we were requested to learn All of my love by Led Zepellin for a wedding.  Additionally, we just had a rockin time over at Delaney's Irish Pub in McKinney Texas celebrating a friend's birthday party, (Steve).  We were requested to learn Beautiful Dangerous by Slash/Fergie, or is it Fergie/Slash.  My vote would be Slash/Fergie, but that's for another blog.  Another new one is Stop Draggin my Heart, Petty/Stevie Nix.

Up an coming music, Huey Lewis, Jackson 5, yes you heard it, Jackson 5 !!.  We may string a medly of several tunes of Huey Lewis.  Not sure yet, chime in if you'd like to share what you would like to hear us play.



 

American Airlines Video

We played for the Dallas Vigilantes last year and we actually received the television footage.  We will be converting it and sharing it on Facebook and our site. 

Please bear with us as we convert the footage and bring it to the web.  It was an exciting time and we thank all who came out and participated in it with us!

Direction, North, East, South, or West

It seems like life moves in 6 month increments.  We're finishing the 1st 6 months of 2011.  We're now preparing for the second half of 2011.  We've got some exciting things brewing.  Please keep checking back on the website and you'll see them when they appear.

We are definately moving in a direction as a band.  We're becoming tighter, we've introduced new material and continue to learn new material.  We have 4 newly written original tunes.  Many more changes coming forward.  We have met and discussed an interesting concept for a DVD that we hope to start soon. 

Please, when you finish reading the blog, post a comment.  Give us some feedback, we'd love to hear your ideas.

Thanks

New Clubs New Opportunities

We've recently been engaged with a rich schedule of places to play.  On April 22, 2011 and April 23, 2011, we are involved with two new clubs. 

Friday, we played at Plano's 1st and 10 sports bar.  I wasn't sure what the night would bring.  I was amazed at the response of folks that showed up.  We filled the room with our fans.  We are so thankful to all who showed up to support us in this new venue.  The managers/owners appreciated our fans as well. 

We do sincerely thank each and everyone of you that showed up!

If you haven't done so, PLEASE go to our facebook and join the group.  Also, look at Sabrina Pictures in facebook.  Both links are available from our band's website @ http://www.sabrinaband.com/ 

An outdoor wedding in a wonderful setting

The wedding was set outdoors in a gorgeous setting.  The wedding involved some 80 to 100 people. 

We started the music and people slowly began to enjoy and migrate to the dance floor.  Eventually, the floor was packed as they rocked out with us.  The joy on the families' faces was obvious and we knew we had fulfilled our purpose to provide them with a wonderful experience.

It really is more blessed to give than to receive, and we gave our best and to see the joy of the participants was quite something.

Funny thing that happened was the cake fell at the end of the night... also, during our packing up, the generator went out twice.  But, the good news was, we had power throughout our playing and the cake was effectively served prior to its falling.

We hung out with the groom's family back at the hotel.  A fantastic, warm, sharing family that were so generous with their items.  We felt like family as we hung out with them. 

I (Marino) got hungry and took a walk and got a chimichanga. <-- A deep fried burrito.   A mild evening with a temperature of around 75 degrees.  Then, a great jacuzzi and swim at the end of the night.  Fernando, Sabrina and I hung out.

The next day, Tony calls my room at 8:30 am and says, "What room you in?".  Crazy question huh?  Anyway, he left with his family shortly thereafter, and the rest of us ate at a wonderful restaurant of Fernando's picking.  A rustic place where we feasted on Brisket, btw, I like to spell it incorrectly.  BrisQUETTE.  The band continues to make fun of me for this and I will survive these wounds. 

After this wonderful meal, we left for Dallas.  SAFELY, we all made it back.

Day of Departure

We're begining our travel shortly... Matter of fact, Robert and Greg are already in progress.  These two soldiers are amazing.  Never a complaint and they just simply "get it done."

Fernando, Sabrina, and I (Marino) should be leaving at about 9:00.  Tony soon to follow. 

We do pray for a safe trip, going and coming, and that we help to fulfill this couple's expectations!

Peace

A Wedding in Abilene

Perhaps, one of the most wonderful days of a person's life is their wedding.  A day when two people become one and all family is there to rejoice and witness this occasion. 

We at Sabrina and Gypsybleu cherish this event along with the family, friends, groom, and bride.  We actually feel so priviledged to be part of someone's special day and we will do all we can to make it as special as it deserves to be. 

Our road trip will begin Saturday morning at 8:00.  At least for Robert and Greg it will because they're bringing in the heavy artilery.  Sabrina, Fernando, and I (Marino), will depart at 9:00 and meetup with Tony and his family at an appointed intersection at appx. 9:30. 

We'll keep you posted as time marches on.  We anticipate a warm day with moderate temperature as the sun goes down. 

Peace

Welcome to Sabrina & Gypsybleu

Hey there Gypsy fans, this is our FIRST blog...Marino and Sabrina sitting side by side (fighting over the keyboard).  I (Marino) will write the first paragraph, and then Sabrina will write the second one!

Please enjoy our website and let us know what you think, what you would like added or even taken away.  We greatly appreciate each and everyone of you that have ever been to our shows and we greatly treasure your participation with us.  (Sabrina is trying to edit me... tell her to please read the 1st paragraph).  Anyway, we do intend to continue to upgrade and modify the site periodically and eventually even offer band branded merchandise.  So, please come back and check.  I can't say enough how much we appreciate each and everyone of you.

As stated by my cohort (Marino), I get to go second, so I too can't reiterate enough how grateful we are to all of our fans.  Some of you guys make it out to almost every single gig!  It continues to amaze me how much support we get.  Ok, enough of that..  Let's get onto the fun stuff!  Band merchandise coming soon, we may be asking for your input so you can be part of the process.  One thing you may be considering is a selection of a song(s) that you want included in a recording that we'll be releasing.  We will and currently are working on originals and those will also be included in a release soon to come!

From the two of us, we love and appreciate you all and look forward to your continued support for without you, playing would have no meaning.

Peace and continued prayers for Japan,
S&M2