Eric Marienthal - High Hopes Benefit - July 25, 2010
Saw an amazing show last night that a dear friend has hosted for 12 years now. The benefit organization is High Hopes and the music director is Eric Marienthal. Eric is an amazing sax player that has always impressed. I have seen the shows for years now and every year is a treat!
This years guests included saxman Dave Koz, and 2 really fun Guitarists - Peter White and Jonathan Butler. David Benoit was the guest keyboard player and the house band was amazing as always. Special note to Bernie Dressel who just killed the drum chair!
Mark your calendar for 2011 and plan on getting tickets around May or June. High Hopes is a head trauma group that helps victims and victim's families with this difficult life change that follows head trauma incidence.
This is a great organization and an honest benefit to support High Hopes and raise awareness of this issue. Eric and Leann Marienthal have been working with High Hopes for 12 years now and this is a great cause and awesome benefit event!
A FEW MORE PICS -- Eric Marienthal is pictured above -
The amazing Jonathan Butler on Guitar and Vocals
David Benoit on Piano
Dave Koz Sax and Peter White Guitar! WHATA SHOW!!!
A Full Gallery of the Artists and Event is posting to my Photo Pages on FLICKr - Check 'em out!!
Greg Vail Photo's are posted on FLICKr and always there to enjoy.....
Website Updates - Getting back at the task at hand....
I have been online a lot this week getting things updated and finding more things that need attention! I had to change out the SMooth Jazz Awards images and remove the GO VOTE links since the voting thing was ended and the link was still going to a page that just said sorry, it ended. I always try and keep the web experience good on my sites and that was a lame one, SO - went thru the Alto Sax and Tenor Sax Sites this week making changes as I saw things that needed fixing. Might as well fix it while you are there!
Once you start something, the list gets big just because you are online and looking. Minor updates were also made on the Sax Love Songs site (music player on the MP3 page, ASJA pictures changed, home page update), EWI site (new Videos added to Video page, home page update, links added thru site better, GOOGLE ads adjusted) Christian Sax Site (Updated home page, fixed ASJA links and images) and got stuck on the Sax Reviews site (decided it needs a full rewrite and everything changed after getting the home page updated and researching links for the OTHER MANUFACTURERS page - all updated and good links now. It is amazing how many things have changed in the Sax world in the past 2 years!!)
I also added a music player to the BLOG home page , began posting more on this blog overall and updated my Greg Vail Sax site - main with the music player and minor tweaks on the home page and a few other pages.
Important UPDATE to the Calendar page for both GOOGLE Calendars and Reverb Nation also so both have upcoming dates again - like they are supposed too....
Catch up, clean up, follow up --- that's the motto for summer now that I have things moving forward again....
Hey BLOG PEEPS - As promised - attempting to get back online with a little more frequency.
So many issues on the LIFE front - another dear friend and boss is added to the cancer list and a family member now too. Health issues are making me sad for so many. Also had a complicated birth / now custody issue with friends and a divorce notice from another. I think there can be little doubt as to the brokenness of this crazy world these days....
Work has been interesting to say the least. Took a job I think I should not have this week, but my new motto of YES to everything has a few wholes in the logic. Best of intentions and a little possible complication looks like drama today. Bottom line - I will do my best to plat great - kill the gig - get out with the check - get home and ponder what to do better next time.
With the YES FIRST plan - I am working lots - as much as ever! Problem is I am making very little money overall. You might think that is bad - but I really think more activity and some money is far better than sitting home and even more broke!
I need to apologize for the calendar online since I have not been getting updates - I am at Anthology in San Diego Thursday 730pm, Friday at Gentiles in Coto de Caza 730pm, Saturday private party, and Sunday 5pm service at Saddleback Church. Lost a great paying Saturday afternoon and not happy about that but busy getting music together for the Anthology show and the B Project rehearsals - add a few little internet based sessions and that is a busy week with a lame total at the end of it. Welcome to 2010!!
Gotta run for now - more music to transcribe and scheduling for Vanessa to hang with friends - Ice Skating for her and then an art project tonight to finish at another friends.
Get out to see some live music!! Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and great music!!
14 Days since last post -- getting back into the swing after life blowups
It is now July 19 - bills have been untouched for a couple of weeks - life has been sad and hard - the swing toward needing to get back to it all has been moving - today is a new day and I am trying to get more caught up and cleaned up.
I know I have been pretty offline this past few weeks and old posts cover that stuff below. The main thing is today is a NEW DAY - a Monday starting a NEW WEEK - the end of many months of trying to get people out to VOTE for the Smooth Jazz Awards is done - many pages on many websites have been updated this past few days in the open time - I have hundreds of pages online with dozens of sites and socials - pushing 50 if you add them all together. When the Smooth Jazz Nominations came out I plastered the news everywhere - clean up is now needed cuz the VOTE page is down. I have finally made a dent there and that is good - bad links encouraging people to click and vote - that are DEAD - that's bad.
Work has been real busy. If you follow my Twitter or Facebook stuff - I have been buried for the last 3 weeks and that is really good! I have very little this week and that sucks. BUT - I am really thankful for the work the past few weeks. Unfortunately it has been basically all work, some Vanessa hanging and sleeping - the business really needs attention this week!! REALLY! And I do have to pay the really past due bills now!
My basic thoughts on this stuff - When you loose dear friends - you allow some time to let it sink in - and all those stupid unimportant things will be just fine when you get back around to them.
Thanks to my dear friends that have been of support over this past few weeks! Thanks to the many awesome people that did respond to the VOTE on the Smooth Jazz Awards site! The ceremony is in October in Indiana so we will all find out then who wins what!
Updates - Clean up - fixes - catch up - thanks and apologies for being a bit out there lately -
Hey BLOGland - Greg Vail here checking in - Update or two and a reminder....
My friend Tom Stein has occupied much of my time and thoughts this week. Tommy passed away last week and many are sad to see him go. I have been trying to help where I can. I have Tom's Memorial Service info posted in my previous post (below) and the Memorial Benefit Jam info too - both Wednesday the 7th. We also have a repeat of the Jam Benefit on Sunday the 11th - all in the previous post.
After getting a call from a dear friend that COULD NOT FIND THE DONATE BUTTON on this page - I thought I should repost it so it could be up high again!
I want to remind you that you can make donations to the family – The Account is set up direct to the Stein Family - any donations will be deposited into Claudia's account and are very appreciated by the family. Let's show some love - no amount is too small since many can share in donating a few bucks and I know Claudia is very grateful to say the least.
The service is in 2 days - Wednesday the 7th. I hope to see many of my OC musicians at one of the events scheduled and love you all! Thanks for checking in, for SHARING the details with friends of Tom's (we are not all on Face Book!) and for caring for a hurting family! QUESTIONS? gvsaxboy@aol.com
Temple Memorial Service - Wednesday 7th - 2 PM
Memorial Benefit Jam - Wednesday 7th - 6PM
Benefit Jam #2 - Sunday 11th - 4-8PM
Tom Stein Memorial Service Program
UPDATE JULY 20, 2010 - I HAVE HAD REQUESTS TO POST TOM STEINS PROGRAM FROM THE SERVICE FOR THOSE THAT WHERE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND. THE ABOVE LINK SHOULD BE A PDF FILE - SCAN FROM THE PROGRAM FOR THOSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SEE AND READ IT. CLAUDIA STEIN WROTE A BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF A LIFE WELL LIVED AND TELLING THE STORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND! THANKS CLAUDIA AND KIDS! BLESSINGS AND CONTINUED PRAYERS TO ALL!!
The memorial for Tom Stein will be:
2 PM
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot, 3652 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA (949) 857-2226
write / mail to 2323 N. Tustin #C-202, Santa Ana, CA 92705
BENEFIT CONCERT for the STEIN FAMILY
Following the Service we are planning a Memorial Benefit Concert - ALL Funds donated to the Stein family.
TIME - 6PM - close DATE - Wednesday, July 7, 2010
LOCATION - Gentile's in Coto de Caza
ADDRESS - GOOGLE MAP - make sure you you go to "A" at the Via Venado address (listed below)
Inside Coto - you will pass the closed up General Store, pass the Equestrian Center - Gentile's shares the Coto Fitness Center - same building - there are signs to the Fitness Center and Equestrian Center - they help head you in the right direction.
COTO de CAZA CLUB - Gentile's is open to the public! Go to the guard gate on Coto de Caza Drive off Antonio and tell them you are going to Gentile's. You can ask for a map but should print directions before hand since Coto can be a little confusing with out a map. The Guard Gate is the left lane and will take a few minutes to get thru with lots of people expected.
MUSICIAN DETAILS - CONCERT JAM Hosted by Greg Vail and Tony Guerrero - We will have a stage set up for full rhythm section and mics. We will have a basic house band. The event will be open mic for area musicians to share is honoring our dear friend Tom Stein and the contributions he made in so many of us (myself included!) Band is yet to be set. Musicians available to be apart of the host band, please contact Greg Vail and Tony Guerrero - once we get the basic band set it will be easy....
Gentile's - will be open for dinner, full bar and serves as a large space with lots of parking is a beautiful setting.
Guests and Musicians will be responsible for food and drinks. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the family.
We will be passing the bucket for the family and will only suggest a 10$ door.
I hope we can raise some serious money for Claudia and Lona!
The main room in front of the band will be loud, the bar and back room will be not as loud! There are front and back patios also. Lots of room!!
Come down and celebrate the life of a dear friend and share in the music that draws us all together!!
BENEFIT #2 - UNOFFICIAL MEMORIAL CONCERT
I already know some will not be available Wednesday night and I had planned on dedicating the Gentiles PRO JAM to TOM STEIN before this whole BENEFIT CONCERT came to be. I am officially inviting you all out to the PRO JAM at Gentiles - 4-8PM - Sunday 11, 2010.
We will be collecting money for Tom's family again at the JAM and this event is always a huge event with dozens of top OC Players coming out to Rock out. This is a monthly event at Gentiles. Players and friends are welcome to come to both and enjoy the music, sit in, and donate if you had a conflict for Wednesday's Concert event.
Monday my dear friend Tommy Stein left us - passing away and breaking many hearts. Check the last 2 entries below for more on Tommy. I have had MANY REQUESTS for memorial service information and any benefit concert plans and I WILL BE POSTING BOTH AS SOON AS I HAVE DETAILS TO POST. I have been in contact with Claudia and she is working on plans as I post.
We hope to have the classic musician benefit memorial and a traditional memorial service for Tom.
On to the rest of the week in Greg's world.....
Vanessa Corielle Porter June 13th 1988 - June 17 2010
With Tommy passing Monday morning I didn't get to any reflection on Vanessa Porter's service Saturday. I had been working out in Indio and was unsure I could even make it back and forth in time for Saturday night's gig, but a dear friend offered to make the drive - thanks Lucy!
The service was packed. Vernon Porter and his family are very well known in the music community and the Christian community. People from many walks of life where there and Vernon became my hero - watching him deal with such strength and conviction in his faith - God was truly in the room and the service was powerful, moving, real in every sense, yet dripping of the hope we have in a loving God!
I don't think a single parent made it thru the service without many tears; tears of sadness, thanks and conviction. We all have had issues with our kids, all been very human while trying our best to raise them, all grieved over our imperfections and our kids mistakes, all hope and pray the very best for our kids, and all have feared the worst - that something horrible could go wrong.
One dear friend wept for some time just knowing that his daughter had been thru drug issues and rehab - yet somehow survived it all. I could go on for too long - but the point is - this service touched every person in that church in a deep way - many tears were shared and I pray the weight of this heavy load - the loss of a beautiful daughter was shared over a few hundred people - spreading out the pain that might have been overwhelming for just the few immediate family members.
God bless the Porter family - my dear friend Vernon - meet them in their grief and bring extra doses of that PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!
And saving the least important for last - music oddness in 2010.
I actually did a vocal session yesterday - friend was the contractor - thanks Vang - but add this up to the crazy things a sax player will gladly do to make a buck in 2010! I did a music video last month playing Conga's and singing! I am available to wash and wax your car next Thursday.... HARD TIMES and grateful for any money coming in to feed my kids and keep a rough over head.
Last night was an amazing night at Cafe Cordiele - Rick Braun Jam - every top player in LA showed up last night. I don't know what happened but it was crazy. I had been in North Hollywood for that session and just stayed over for the jam - what a trip. 10+ sax players - included Shiltz and Mark Hollingsworth - Peter White and Blake Aaron Guitars - Percussion guys Luis Conte, Joey Heredia, Foroney - name spelling not my forte - - - - Just trying to say it was the most amazing open jam - accidental turn out ever. SOOO Many players - I got a minute on stage with Peter White and Rick Braun - felt like the good ole days....
Rehearsal starting soon for the B Project - gotta run -
Today brings sad news and a very long and painful day. I received news this morning that my dear friend Tom Stein passed away - 10:35 AM. Although it was not a huge surprise that Tommy was dealing with life threatening illness, this still shocked me and many dear friends.
Tom Stein was a boss, dear friend and talented musician. I first met Tom as a near child, just starting off my music career and it feels like he was with me my whole adult life, until this mornings passing. I had the opportunity to visit Tom in the Hospital 2 weeks ago and he was not looking that great to be honest, but had that Tommy attitude with a little added drugs for pain - pretty funny even at the end.
I love and will deeply miss Tom like I know many of you will. Tom had an ‘in your face’ personality that could talk the paint off a Buick! He was a legend for many things, and I am sure a memorial service with any open mic would go on for hours with favorite Tom Stein stories - we all have them.
Prayers for his wife Claudia and daughter Lona.... They are really hurting today.
I got a text this morning that he had slipped into a coma and then passed away - shock - It happened so fast.... It was less than a month ago doctors had diagnosed Tom with Liver Cancer. He was up for the fight, for the most part; but sadly lost that fight today.
I then spent the morning doing what I could do since I knew his family would be unable to make calls for a few days - I called thru my phone and phone book until I had called every friend I knew would want to know. It was hours of calls with so many tears. I was overwhelmed with the impact 1 person makes just living life. The hardest was my dear ex-wife Diana – we met on Tom’s gig. Many had only heard he was ill and had no idea it was that bad – so sorry to be the barer of bad news.
I want to remind you that you can make donations to the family – I would really be surprised if they don’t need the financial help right now – he was a struggling musician like so many I know. The DONATE button was posted the other day and is here for you if you want to and can help.
I think it is impossible to sum up a life in 1000 page book, and foolish to even try in a blog post. I just want to say I am sad and shocked at the news of Tom’s death. Life is so very fragile and the important things in life have nothing to do with THINGS and everything to do with people.
Love on your loved ones – don’t miss the opportunity to SAY IT TOO! Life is hard right now in so many areas, but remember; only a few of them really matter. That bounced check fee last week or late house payment will soon be forgotten; but those that leave us are remembered for ever. Take every opportunity to be with people and let go of stuff. You can’t take any of your stuff with you when you die, but a life well lived and invested in others can take the people we love to heaven.
I pray Tommy made his peace with God and has already started reassembling the View band, hanging with Zup and preparing the welcome party for us. Love you Tommy – Will miss you greatly - greg
Any Memorial Service information will be posted as per requests by everyone I know.....
A quick personal post for my dear musician friends in Southern California.
As many already know, keyboardist Tom Stein has been ill - diagnosed with liver cancer and not working for a few months now. Many of his friends have been asking what they could do to help and a few of us decided to set up a donation button on his PayPal Account.
If you know and love Tom, you now have something you CAN DO and we would love to have you do!
1. Click on DONATE and send a little cash to the family during this very difficult time!
2. Share the link with others that would want to know and might want to send a few dollars of love to the Stein family.
3. Email Greg and get the DONATE BUTTON CODE to post on your website, BLOG or social that allows HTML.
4. SHARE THIS PAGE LINK on FaceBook, Twitter and any place you would like to give your network of friends a heads up and way to help. ---- http://saxplayersblog.com/2010/06/24/tom-stein--donate.aspx
(This link goes straight to this page - post, and will not drop down as new articles post on the blog! Blogs do that ya know....)
If we can share in a brothers hardship and time of need, we are truly blessed. It's like one guy trying to move a piano or 5 guys - the more the load is shared, the lighter it becomes.
ALL MONEY DONATED WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE STEIN FAMILY!!
Greg Vail email is gvsaxboy@aol.com - email me for the code to post the actual button on your personal sites if you would like to participate.
I would also ask that you praying fools remember Tom Stein and pray for healing and health!
A little video clip Diana Ditri just posted of Tommy with DARK HAIR!!!
