MICHAEL KAUFMAN

Michael Kaufman, explores sounds the cello isn’t supposed to make, be they ethereal scraping of the strings or industrial level strumming and banging,” said Mark Swed, LA Times. Passionately involved in contemporary music, Michael has premiered works written for him by composers such as BMI Competition winner Justin Hoke, Daniel Silliman, Jeffrey Parola and many others. He has worked with composers such as Thomas Adès, Jörg Widmann, John Adams, Donald Crockett and Stephen Hartke in interpreting their own music. After hearing Michael’s performance of Lieux retrouvés, Thomas Adès (the composer) declared it to be “breathtakingly good.” In April 2013, Michael participated in a Carnegie Hall professional training workshop with John Adams and David Robertson called American Soundscapes. In June 2014, he gave the west coast premiere of Sean Friar’s piece Teaser. He has performed in the concert series Jacaranda, the what’s next? ensemble, and in the Callings out of Context series at RedCat.

Michael is a regular and avid chamber musician. He is a founding member of SAKURA, an ensemble of five cellists which has been described by the LA Times as “brilliant” and “superb.” SAKURA has performed in Disney Hall as part of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival and is currently Young Ensemble in Residence at the Da Camera Society. This season, it is performing concerts in LA, Sedona, Cleveland, and St. Louis. In addition to the quintet, Michael regularly plays with pianist Brendan White in a duo.

In addition to regular chamber music groups, Michael has collaborated in concert with artists such as Leon Fleisher, Midori, Anthony Marwood, Donald Weilerstein, Steven Tenenbom, Roger Tapping, and the Calder Quartet. He has participated in music festivals such as Open Chamber Music at Prussia Cove, Yellow Barn, Music@Menlo, Verbier, Kneisel Hall, Norfolk and Sarasota. Michael is the founder and artistic director of Sunset ChamberFest, which looks forward to its fourth season in June 2017.

Michael loves teaching and recently became cello faculty at Loyola Marymount University. He also works for the Harmony Project, an El Sistema program that serves low-income communities of Los Angeles. Additionally, he teaches privately in LA and has taught masterclasses at schools such as Bowling Green, Cal State Long Beach, UC Irvine, Caltech, and Saddleback College. He served on the USC faculty of student instructors from 2011 to 2014.

In an orchestral setting, Michael is the Associate Principal Cellist of the Redlands Symphony and has performed as guest Principal Cellist of La Monnaie in Brussels. He also subs with the Los Angeles Opera and has played in the section of the San Diego Symphony. He was a founding member of the LA-based conductorless orchestra Kaleidoscope.

Michael is also passionate about baroque cello, for which he received a minor at USC, studying with William Skeen. He frequently plays principal cello with Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra of Los Angeles and enjoys other small projects on period instruments.

Born in 1987 in New York City, Michael moved to Cleveland at the age of three. One year later, he began cello lessons with teacher Pamela Kelly, and continued with her into his teens. By the age of seventeen, he was already participating in music festivals in Sarasota and Norfolk. In 2004, he was the only cellist to be accepted to the Young Artist Program of the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Alison Wells. He then received a Bachelor of Music Degree with distinction and a Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, studying with Steven Doane. During this time, he had masterclasses with cellists such as Steven Isserlis, Frans Helmerson, Pieter Wispelwey and Miklós Perényi and chamber music coachings with Robert Levin, Pamela Frank, Daniel Hope and members of the Tokyo, Emerson and Orion String Quartets. Michael earned his Master’s Degree and Doctorate from the University of Southern California, studying with Ralph Kirshbaum.

ROBIN CECIL

Robin Cecil, Violinist, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance at California State University, Long Beach, and was a member of the honored University String Quartet and American Youth Symphony under the baton of Mehli and Zubin Mehta.

Because of her versatile playing ability, Robin has been chosen to perform on stage with many celebrities such as Elton John, Josh Groban, Luciano Pavarotti, Reba McEntire, and Yo Yo Ma. As a studio musician, she can also be seen and heard on television commercials and movie soundtracks such as “Spiderman”, “The Soloist”, and on several Rock/Pop/Country CDs with Vitamin String Quartet. Robin lives in Garden Grove, California with Todd, her husband and 5 chickens and 2 turtles.

In 2013, Robin was invited to Anyang, South Korea as Artistic Ambassador to perform with her harpist-daughter in celebration of Anyang’s 40th Anniversary of Peace and Freedom.

STEVE VELEZ

Born in Long Island, New York and raised in Orange County, California, Steve Velez received his musical education at the University of California Irvine.

Steve’s musical experience is as diverse as his ability to direct, produce, arrange and perform many styles of music. From Classical to Pop, Irish to Klesmer, Steve performs regularly on cello, guitar, piano, recorder and saxophone.

Steve’s recent television appearances include the Travel Channel and with the musical sensation Korn on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Pepsi commercials, MTV Music Video’s, NBC’s West Wing and Frasier.

His various other works include performances with such world-renowned artists as, Yo Yo Ma, Michael Crawford, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Rod Stewart, David Foster, George Martin, John Tesh, James Galway, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Clint Black.

Steve performs regularly with The Mozart Classical Orchestra, Opera Pacific, Orange County Symphony, Disneyland Candlelight Orchestra and the Crystal Cathedral Symphony. Steve was also the Principal Cellist for the “Beatlemania Classical Mystery Tour” at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

In addition to running his own music business, Steve has released compact discs, “Breathe the Celtic Aire” and “Christmas Fantasia” with his own Da Capo Players. Produced and published “Rainbows of Music”, a student compact disc book set. The remainder of Steve’s professional time is spent as a studio musician, performing chamber music, symphony concerts, children’s concerts, teaching, and touring around the world.

Rainbow of Music Book

Steve Velez has written and produced a CD and Book set designed for students to have fun while practicing at home. With 18 selections to learn from, including Bach, Mozart, Star Wars and Titanic, this set will give years of enjoyment. Perfect for Recorder, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Cello, Guitar and Piano.

The Da Capo Players

The Da Capo Players are a group of classical professional musicians that will turn your event from memorable to truly exceptional!

Weddings, corporate events, religious occasions, or any other special moment, The Da Capo Players specialize in creating a stellar experience for your memories and heart.

With a variety of ensembles and instrumentation we fit a variety of celebratory themes and budgets. We work with you to customize musical selections and coordinate all the necessary logistics to bring together a unique ambiance for your celebration.

CRAIG CHAQUICO

​LEGENDARY GUITARIST/SONGWRITER

FOR

THE JEFFERSON STARSHIP & STARSHIP

SPECIAL GUEST ON

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

Craig Chaquico (pronounced Cha-KEY-so) was born September 26, 1954 and was raised in Sacramento, California, and by the time he was 14, he was playing in his own band and playing professionally in nightclubs. Primarily self-taught, Chaquico says "I was just this kid in my bedroom playing along with all these records. I would play until my fingers bled. All I did was play guitar from sunup to sundown."

Paul Kantner and Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane auditioned Chaquico on his 16th birthday and invited him to join them for a series of concerts and recording sessions. Chaquico made his recording debut with Kantner and Slick in 1971 on their Sunfighter duo album. This was followed by appearances on the pair's next album in 1973 and Slick's solo debut album, Manhole, in 1974.

During this period members of the Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Crosby, Stills and Nash often appeared together in concerts and recordings, and Chaquico played alongside a number of musicians including Jerry Garcia, David Crosby, David Freiberg and Carlos Santana.

Craig recalls the early days as great learning experiences. "l learned a lot from doing sessions with Grace and Paul Kantner and that group of musicians," he says. "There were a couple of songs where I was playing rhythm guitar and Jerry Garcia was going to come in and do the guitar solos later. I figured we could just erase it when Jerry came in but when Jerry came in the next day and he heard the track with the solo I did he said, 'That's a great solo. Why don't you let the kid have the solo?' Being around all those musicians was like getting thrown into the deep end. There were so many different songwriters, musicians, and styles that I had to wear a lot of different hats."

In 1974 Chaquico toured with the newly-renamed Jefferson Starship, and opened the shows with his own band, Steelwind. After the tour, the band went into the studio and recorded Dragon Fly, and Chaquico demonstrated on tracks such as " Ride The Tiger" and 'All Fly Away" that he was a distinctive lead guitarist able to define the Starship sound just as the very different Jorma Kaukonen had the Airplane. Chaquico, who had expected to go back to school after that one tour, was instead approached by Slick and Kantner, who invited the teenager to join the band permanently. He jumped at the chance.

In 1975 Jefferson Starship recorded the best-selling album of their career, Red Octopus, with Rolling Stone remarking that "the emergence of guitarist Craig Chaquico resulted in the finest San Francisco music since the heyday of the Haight."

Chaquico became a central figure in the band, playing lead guitar on all their hits from 1973 to 1990 including "Miracles," "We Built This City," "Sara" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and developing into one of their main songwriters. He wrote or cowrote some of Starship's most memorable songs such as "Find Your Way Back,"

"Jane," 'Layin' It On The Line," and "Rock and Roll is Good Time Music."

He played a seminal role in making Jefferson Starship (later Starship) one of the top selling bands in history, earning twenty platinum and gold albums. While in the band he was also on the covers of Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, the front page of the New York Times, featured in USA Today, People, Easy Rider, GO, and Playboy, performed on both the Grammy and Oscar telecasts, appeared on a number of late night TV shows, and contributed to movie and TV soundtracks. While others came and went, Craig is the only person in the band to appear on every recording, tour, MTV video, album, and hit song during that time,

When Starship broke up in the early 90's, Chaquico formed Big Bad Wolf, a hard rock band continuing in the same vein as Starship, recording one eponymously titled album before disbanding.

Then, after finding himself at the top of the national charts in each of three consecutive decades, Craig left the fast-paced pop world of arena rock and reinvented himself as a top-selling contemporary jazz/New Age guitarist.

As a solo artist Chaquico quickly emerged as one of the most original and exciting pop instrumentalists on the contemporary jazz landscape. The fresh sounding combination of his rock, blues, contemporary jazz and new age influences allowed him a rare crossover success to the top of the charts once again. In 1993 he released his first solo album of contemporary instrumental music, Acoustic Highway, which hit number one on the Billboard charts and was named by that publication as the "Independent New Age Album of the Year."

His next recording, 1994's Acoustic Planet, also found a home at number one on the Billboard charts. The album, a blend of guitar playing and recordings of African and Native American music, garnered Chaquico a Grammy Nomination for "Best New Age Album." One of the songs from the release, "Just One World," became part of NASA's Space Ark project and is now in permanent orbit around the Earth.

In early 1995, he contributed guitar tracks for the animated children's film Gumby: The Movie, most notably in the scenes where Gumby plays his guitar solos in his concerts.

Some of Chaquico's other celebrated chart-topping titles include A Thousand Pictures (1996), Shadow and Light (2002), Midnight Noon (2004) and Follow the Sun (2009). Chaquico continued his success into the new millennium with two songs - "Café Carnival" and "Luminosa" - that topped the Billboard and radio airplay Smooth Jazz charts, and he even extended his chart dominance into a fifth decade with "Songbird."

Altogether, the acclaimed guitarist has sold over a million albums as a soloist. And he was voted the "Best Pop Instrumental Guitarist" by the readers of Guitar Player magazine while Jazziz magazine listed him as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential Guitarists of All Time.

Chaquico has continued to work regularly as a studio musician and maintains a robust touring schedule with his own band. In addition to recording and performing, Chaquico, a believer in the healing power of music ever since a lengthy boyhood hospitalization where his guitar saw him through the recovery process, does charity work by performing in hospitals and working with the American Music Therapy Association and riding his Harley in benefits for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A graphic artist and amateur astronomer, he has also designed his own guitars, including a signature series that features wider frets, lower action, and steel strings. A die-hard environmentalist, Craig negotiated a deal with the guitar maker to "give something back" by planting a tree for every Chaquico guitar manufactured.

Chaquico, an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast, had two songs chosen for the company's official double CD collection, Road Songs. Both his hard rock side and his more contemplative playing are represented, with one Jefferson Starship track and one from his solo career. Craig also arranged a licensing deal between Harley-Davidson and Dunlop for the manufacture of a special edition series of guitar picks and guitar straps featuring the motorcycles company's well-known logo.

Going into the fifth decade of his illustrious career, with the release of Fire Red Moon Chaquico continues his improbable journey from the boy-wonder of 70's rock to genre-defying success as a top jazz and new age guitarist, returning to the roots blues he listened to in his early teens. Says Chaquico, "The multi-platinum stadium rock period in my musical life was as rewarding as it was fun, and part of my higher musical education. And as much as I still love instrumental smooth jazz, which for me was always blues-based anyway, I sometimes missed the edge that I could experience with blues-based rock and roll."

As the Los Angeles Times said of Chaquico, "Despite his having achieved a remarkable degree of technical prowess, it's the feelings that he elicits that gives his music magic." And blues, one of the most emotional forms of music, if it's about anything, is about feelings. Fire Red Moon sublimely showcases Craig Chaquico's innovative guitar wizardry, the refreshingly honest musical approach of a consummate artist, and, delightfully, more music magic.

About Earthfort And How It Began Fixing Broken Dirt!

Earthfort is a small company with a big heart! Earthfort was founded in 2004 in Corvallis, Oregon by Matt Slaughter (President, Lab Director and Soil Specialist of Earthfort) and Dr. Elaine R. Ingham to address the needs of Soil Foodweb testing clients on how to repair their damaged soils. Starting out in the back office of the Soil Foodweb Lab, Earthfort grew quickly, testing and reselling soil and compost related products that were commercially available and proven quality products. Soil is a fundamental resource that often needs restoration. Whether you have degraded soil or good quality soil we can help make it better. That’s why we offer our support and products to all the dedicated agricultural workers, landscape managers, and everyday farmers who care about the environment as much as we do!

For over a decade our lab has provided detailed soil biology profiles for land managers across multiple industries.  Using these profiles we have created custom products to help revitalize tired, worn out soils and to boost the effectiveness of composts and teas.  Utilize our expertise to help unlock the productivity in your soil! No matter what you grow, Earthfort improves its health and quality. Our expertise improves soil fertility, water retention, nutrient uptake and overall soil health. What sets us apart is the ability to measure soil health through lab testing.

Test your soil with us, attend one of our educational programs, or try our products and see how we can help you. Soil microbiology: Measure it, manage it. Earthfort labs and offices are located in Corvallis, Oregon – the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley.

Contact us at: 541-257-2612, or email us at: info@earthfort.com.

P.J. Thomas is the founding editor and co publisher of Pathfinders Travel Magazine, a unique publication that speaks to the lifestyles and values of people of color and others who enjoy heritage and cultural tourism. She is responsible for the editorial planning and direction of the publication and the on line and digital components.

In addition, Ms. Thomas hosts ThePerfectBeachblog.com where she writes about all things beach related including U.S. and international destinations, accommodations, and beach-related product reviews.

Ms. Thomas is a frequent speaker on topics such as, African American Family Reunions, Magazine Publishing, African American Travel, Heritage and Cultural Tourism and “The Best Beaches You Never Saw” and has been honored as one of the most influential women in travel. 

Pathfinders Travel Magazine received tributes from then First Lady Hilary Rodham Clinton and Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the company’s two-year campaign for the preservation of African American Historic Sites and Cultural Institutions. She received a B.A. in journalism from Temple University and has completed Master’s course work at the University of Pennsylvania in Organizational Dynamics. When she is not traveling the world, she lives and works in Philadelphia with her husband, co publisher, Weller R. Thomas

Edel Travieso is a veteran who served six years in the US Air Force. While serving his country, Edel performed many roles including logistics, mobility air freight, traffic management and EMT. He served during Kosovo, supporting the Alabama Air National Guard. As a civilian, Edel has been in management with various companies throughout his professional career. Edel’s strengths include innovative planning, project management, business management, consulting, building science, sustainability systems... and always thinking outside the box. He holds an MBA, a BS degree in Alternative and Renewable Energy Management, a minor in teaching, and holds several professional certificates and licenses, including BPI building analyst and HERS rater. He is founding member of the Green Veterans and serves as the current chair. He is always looking for ways to help his fellow veterans by advancing the Green Veteran mission and vision. He is an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council and is passionate about veterans leading the way forward in sustainability at home and abroad.

Website: http://www.greenvets.org/index.html

Video on Green Veterans:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbq5KyDUTsU

Dr. John Huber is a Clinical Forensic Psychologist; Chairman of Mainstream Mental Health; Professor of Psychology, Texas State University.

Dr. John Huber, a mental health professional and university professor that has been in mental health for over twenty years. His experience began as a School Psychologist. Today, he is in private practice as a Clinical Forensic Psychologist, and he is a practitioner with privileges at two long term acute care hospitals.  In addition, he taught undergraduate and graduate psychology at Texas State University from 1996 until 2017.  Dr. Huber will provide the public face for Mainstream Mental Health.

As Chairman of Mainstream Mental Health management, their common goal is to help people get mental health services. The target market for services are underprivileged and underinsured youth, veterans, and their families. Both of these groups are taught to be wary of mental health labels. They are often told that there is a lack of access to needed resources. Negative peer pressure through fear of the consequences of being ostracized scares these people in need away from psychological treatment. Additionally, many community programs do not “kick in” until after an individual has a serious mental breakdown.

The primary goal is to help before that breakdown occurs. There are two parts to our goal. First, we must provide a way to make out-patient therapy and out-patient mental health services financially practical to the individual. Second, we must reduce the stigma of “mental health” treatment. The focus is slightly different at each level but the goal remains the same; empower the young person or veteran to make positive changes in his/her life before a crisis evolves.

Over time, Mainstream Mental Health will create an environment that will be an invaluable resource to the young and the veteran alike to stop the fear in seeking help and problem solving; and embrace each other and our differences as part of the normal human condition.

Mainstream Mental Health is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

http://www.mainstreammentalhealth.org/

A former gymnast of 14 years, and an accomplished triathlete herself: Gina raced in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI in October of 2006. She treats on site at Ironman events nationwide and is the provider of choice for many of the nation’s and worlds top Ironman triathletes.

Gina received her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and Masters in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, where she served for more than 8 years on the USA Gymnastics National Health Care Referral Network; providing medical care at meets and lecturing. Currently, Gina takes care of many of our nation’s top gymnasts, including local Elites, National Team members, World Team competitors, NCAA Champions, Olympians, and Pan American Champions.

Before starting her PT career, Gina obtained a Masters in Health Communication from Michigan State University in order to broaden her education and knowledge of health care campaigns, patient-practitioner interaction, and the art of “marketing” health to her patients. While at MSU, she served as an Asst. Women’s Gymnastics coach.

Through school and after, Gina had focused on all levels of athletes and became nationally and internationally recognized as a leading lecturer, educator, and researcher. She has presented over 100 lectures for coaches, parents, gyms, and athletes on various aspects of health care. She has been published in “Technique Magazine” for gymnastics professionals and coaches nationwide, is a Medical Editor for “Inside Publications”, whose disciplines include gymnastics, dance, cheerleading and volleyball. She also writes for “Irish Dancing and Culture Magazine”, as well a medical blogger/contributor for adolescent, adult, and women’s health through “Shannon Miller Lifestyle” online.

Gina has also co-written the only American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approved manual and course on performing arts medicine: recognized worldwide. Her Performing Arts Medicine specialization includes treatment on site of Broadway touring theater musicals and local productions. Analysis, assessment, treatment, injury prevention, program creation and tour health longevity are focuses of her time with the performers. She has been privileged to work with shows such as “Mary Poppins National Tour, Jersey Boys Chicago, A Chorus Line - National Tour, Fiddler on the Roof - National Tour, Memphis, Shrek - National Tour, the Billy Elliott National Touring Company, Motown, and The Book of Mormon”.

Gina focuses on manual therapy/hands on techniques in combination with in depth analysis of biomechanics and movement patterns. She is fully certified and serves as an instructor with Active Release Techniques, based in Colorado, the leading elite technique for soft tissue-based and overuse injuries. Gina is currently focused on both treatment and education.

In 2007 Gina started her own business: MedGym, LLC and has expanded it via websites, blogs, publications, and educational seminars, focusing on “Gymnastics Sports Medicine for Me,” a course directed at educating gymnastics coaches on the importance of injury prevention and proactive healthcare. Locally, she provides physical therapy and movement analysis, strength program creation, flexibility assessment and sport-specific biomechanics education. Gina works with many local figure skating and cheerleading clubs, dance studios, gymnastics gyms, and musicians as well as endurance sports clubs and more while providing PT services in the Chicagoland Suburbs with Achieve Orthopedic Rehab Institute.

Gina resides in the suburbs of Chicago and enjoys working out, theater and music, and spending time with her husband and three children and dog, Bucky!

Deborah Pietsch comes via the world of Hollywood, as an award-winning producer, switching gears in 2010 to allow an additional ‘calling’ to reveal itself as a cutting-edge spiritual teacher, healer, telepathic communicator and Activator. Awakened in 1987, Deb was opened up like a “tin can” multi-dimensionally. She has gone through a decade of “Activations” which have accelerated her abilities to traverse dimensions 24/7, communicate telepathically, as well as understand unexpected situations such as infiltration, the hijacking of humanity’s great awakening, the energetic effects of 9/11, the reversing energies of the Law of Attraction and much more.

In 2009 Deborah experienced another profound awakening with a visitation from a Light Being along with a week long ongoing telepathic communication of details that “humbly blew her away”. Many of the details communicated during that conversation have come to pass, and are still unfolding. Shortly after this experience, Deborah unexpectedly went in front of the camera to start an iTV and radio show called, “Wake Up…Shift Is Happening TV!” She has interviewed many guests, as well as utilized this platform for Activating Unified Fields of Light and Reality for the Betterment of Humanity. The show has been down for several years and slated to re-launch in May/June 2018.

She developed the I AM Awakening Academy, as well as online retreats, such as “Creating Your Reality”, “The 3 Day Cocoon Retreat” and Project Leap Frog. Along with, Scott Bartle, her husband and spiritual partner since 2013, both have been providing details and information about the Deception Matrix for many years; all of which are just beginning to be revealed in the MSM. Deb and Scott are Way-Showers to teach people how nefarious aspects of the current reality, aka the Enslavement Matrix, are affecting people’s daily lives. They then provide the tools, teachings and Activations to shift their experiences and reality to be aligned with their client’s heart’s desires and aspects such as Soul Matrix Destiny. They spoke at the 2014 Conscious Life Expo together, have hosted several episodes of “Wake Up..Shift Is Happening TV”, and were guests on Sean Stone’s Buzzsaw. They also produced and hosted a panel show during the 2015 Superbowl that was a Counter Protocol of Light to the nefarious agenda of the half time show.

Highlights of her past includes decades of high profile clients in the entertainment & advertising industries, and in 2000 becoming Lisa Garr’s, The Aware Show, first producer.

SPECIAL EDITION:

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF

TOMMY BOLIN

​WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

JOE VITALE

KENNY PASSARELLI

AND TRACE KEANE

WELCOME to a very special edition of The Ray Shasho Show. Today we Honor & Remember ‘The Life & Music’ of legendary guitarist, singer and songwriter TOMMY BOLIN. And to help us relive those incredible and historic events… We will feature three very special guests … Joe Vitale, Kenny Passarelli and Trace Keane. 

But first here is a little background about Tommy Bolin and our special guests …  

BIO: Tommy Bolin was born in Sioux City, Iowa and began playing in bands around the city as a youth before moving to Boulder, Colorado in his late teens. He played with American Standard before joining Ethereal Zephyr, named after a train that ran between Denver and Chicago. When record companies became interested, the name was shortened to Zephyr. The band featured Tommy on guitar, David Givens (bass), and Givens' wife Candy (vocals). They produced two albums with Tommy and began performing larger venues, opening for more established acts such as Led Zeppelin.

In 1972 Tommy, aged 20, formed Energy, a fusion jazz-rock-blues band which featured Stan Sheldon (bass), Bobby Berge (drums), Tom Stevenson (keyboards) and Jeff Cook (vocals) who shared writing credits with Tommy over throughout his career. While the band never released an album during his lifetime, several recordings have been released posthumously. Around this period, he was invited to play on Billy Cobham's (ex Mahavishnu Orchestra) highly acclaimed Spectrum album (1973), with Tommy on guitar, Cobham (drums), Leland Sklar (bass) and Jan Hammer (keyboards). The album allowed Tommy to reach a far wider audience, and to this day, is considered one of his career highs. Jeff Beck reportedly was so impressed, he went down a similar path – ‘Stratus’ is a regular on his current concert set list. Of note, ‘Stratus’ was also sampled by Massive Attack on their 1991 track, ‘Safe from Harm’.

Reportedly, at Joe Walsh's recommendation, Tommy joined the James Gang in 1973 as Domenic Troiano's replacement (who had subsequently replaced Walsh). He recorded two albums, Bang! in 1973 and Miami in 1974. Frustrated with the band's progression he quit in August 1974 and went on to do session work for numerous artists including Dr John's ‘Hollywood Be Thy Name’ album (his guitar parts were replaced before release – tapes featuring Tommy's contributions exist, making the decision even more baffling). Alongside Lee Ritenour and Jay Grayden, Tommy laid down some stunning guitar on Alphonse Mouzon's 1975 ‘Mind Transplant’ album, considered ‘one of the best fusion recordings of all time’ by Allmusic reviewer Robert Taylor. He also jammed with The Good Rats and Carmine Appice – a rousing version of ‘Stratus’ is available through the Tommy Bolin Archive Release Live at Ebbet's Field.

Tommy signed with Nemperor Records to record ‘Teaser’, his 1975 debut solo album. Musicians included; David Foster, David Sanborn, Jan Hammer, Stanley Sheldon, Phil Collins and Glenn Hughes. Also, around this time he contributed some studio guitar assistance to Canadian band Moxy for their self-titled debut album. While recording Teaser, he was contacted to replace Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple.

A year earlier Blackmore had mentioned in an interview that Tommy was ‘the only American guitarist worth listening to’. But, it was apparently on the recommendation of David Coverdale – Purple's then current vocalist, that he was invited to audition for the band in July 1975. The job was immediately his. Contracts were quickly drawn up between managements allowing Tommy to continue his solo career during Purple's downtime. The band relocated to Munich to begin work on a new album. ‘Come Taste the Band’ was released in late 1975 (around the same time of the release of ‘Teaser’) with Tommy writing or co-writing seven of the album's nine tracks. At the time, many die-hard Purple (and Blackmore) fans were unhappy with album's strong funk element, but the album has aged well – the 2011 release of the 35th Anniversary edition (see discography) received ecstatic reviews. The band embarked on a world tour, but internal conflict and Tommy and Glenn Hughes' increasing drug use resulted in mixed performances – the group disbanded in March 1976.

Tommy immediately returned to the States to record his second solo album, Private Eyes, released September 1976. He then went on the road to promote the album with a rotating cast of players which included Narada Michael Walden, Mark Stein, Norma Jean Bell, Reggie McBride and Jimmy Haslip. The tour, which saw him opening for Peter Frampton and Jeff Beck, proved to be his last. His last performance was at the Jai Alai stadium in Miami December 3, 1976 where he opened for Beck. Ironically his last song was ‘Post Toastee’ – a song warning of the dangers of addiction. A day later, Tommy was pronounced dead from a drug overdose. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Sioux City, Iowa … Tommy Bolin was only 25 years old.

Joining us today to help share the life and music of Tommy Bolin is …

JOE VITALE … Born into a musical family, Joe Vitale is a veteran musician and drummer whose career has spanned over forty years of touring, recording, song writing, and producing with legendary and Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame artists.  Along with vocals, he also plays percussion, keyboards and flute.  His drumming encompasses all styles of music.  A dedicated professional, his quality of performance is evident in his resume. 

He has recorded and toured with Ted Nugent, Joe Walsh, Dan Fogelberg, Peter Frampton, The Eagles, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and CSNY to name a few.  In addition, he has recorded with Rick Derringer, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Ronnie Wood, Van Morrison, Carl Wilson, Don Felder, Boz Scaggs, John Entwhistle and many others. 

Joe Vitale’s songs & performances have appeared in many movies & TV: Spy Games, Joe Dirt, the 40-Year-Old Virgin, The Warriors, Devil’s Rejects, Beverly Hillbillies, History of the Eagles, Fringe, that 70’s Show, just to name a few. 

Vitale has also co-produced albums for Joe Walsh, Stephen Stills, CSN & CSNY.  His many songwriting credits include the classic Joe Walsh song, “Rocky Mountain Way,” and also, “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” from The Eagles classic album, “Hotel California,” both co-written with Joe Walsh. 

He has three solo albums, “Roller Coaster Weekend,” “Plantation Harbor,” and “Speaking in Drums,” and a book, “Back Stage Pass,” about his career in music. He’s also produced his son, Joe Jr.’s, first album, “Dancing with Shadows.”  

In 2010 and 2011 Joe played drums for the historic “Buffalo Springfield Reunion” 

Joe continues to tour, record, write and produce. He's also added to his resume, counselor and music director at Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp.  He has no plans for slowing down. 

This year will be Joe's first appearance at The Tommy Bolin Music Festival.

Joe came to Tommy Bolin's funeral with Joe Walsh.

ALSO, ON THE SHOW IS …

KENNY PASSARELLI … Kenny was born in Denver, Colorado … A meeting with Stephen Stills changed his life forever.  Kenny was impressed by Stills, and who wouldn’t be?  Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young was producing some of the most amazing music.  Kenny recalls this introduction, “I was introduced to a guy that owned a local music store that knew Stephen Stills.  He took me up to Goldhill, which was a place in Colorado that Stephen spent a lot of time.”  Stills took a liking to Kenny and played him some tracks that Stills had been working on.  Stills then played Kenny a rough version of Carry On, and Kenny was simply blown away.

Shortly thereafter, Kenny was slated to join Stills at Woodstock, but a bout with hepatitis ended his dreams with sudden swiftness. In the summer of 1971, Kenny got his first big break.  >He received an invitation from Joe Walsh to join Barnstorm.  Kenny recalls that Joe was the person responsible for his getting involved with the fretless. Joe received one of the very first fretless P-Basses and gave it to Kenny.  Though intimidated at first, Kenny eventually made it his trademark, and started to get a great deal of session work because of it.  Kenny worked with some of the best … Russ Kunkel, Joe Vitale, Dan Fogelberg and so many others from that memorable period.  Things hit a high point when Kenny co-wrote the classic track Rocky Mountain Way with Joe Walsh. 

Kenny’s biggest break came when Joe Walsh recommended him to Elton John, who was in need of a new bassist.  Elton flew Kenny to Paris, where he auditioned.  Kenny remembers, “I really didn’t know a whole lot of Elton’s music.  When I auditioned, it was just the two of us.  I was intimidated the whole time, but he was impressed by some of the people that I recorded with.”  Before long, Kenny started laying down tracks for the Rock of the Westies LP, which was done under the direction of famed producer James William Guercio.  Kenny recalls that Guercio made him lay down the tracks with an old Hofner Beatle Bass.  Kenny was not happy at first but in the end, he was very satisfied with the result.  In 1976, Elton recorded his double album entitled Blue Moves.  Kenny saw that the music on this album was much more difficult, so he put down his fretless P-Bass, and cut all the tracks on an Alembic Bass, obviously one of the earliest models. When Elton toured in support of Blue Moves, Kenny kept playing his Alembic.

During a week of sold out shows at Madison Square Garden, Elton informed his band that that was his last tour for a while.  Kenny recalls that Elton was very gracious and generous with the band.  When Elton stopped touring, Elton’s entire band became the backup band for the up and coming duo Hall and Oates.

Kenny was well compensated while working with Hall and Oates.  He recorded Along the Red Ledge, and the live LP entitled Livetime.  In time, Kenny left Hall and Oates and started touring with Dan Fogelberg.  In 1983, Kenny finally got his chance to play with Crosby, Stills and Nash, but it was a bittersweet experience.  Kenny was dissatisfied with the band’s new sound.   In addition, Kenny was starting to get burnt out from all of the touring.  By the mid 1980’s Kenny decided to stop touring.  This period lasted well into the mid 1990’s.

During this 10-year period, Kenny reinvented himself, getting back into playing the piano, and composing his brand of music which he calls “Contemporary Classical Music.”  His recent CDs include Twelve Twelve and Miracle of Tepeyac.  He now makes New Mexico his home and is playing quite a bit these days.  He produces and tours with Otis Taylor, a blues guitarist that Kenny really believes in, and he recently played a show with his old pal Stephen Stills.  

ALSO JOINING US IS … TRACE KEANE who is from Tommy Bolin’s hometown of Sioux City Iowa … Trace writes for Hush Music Magazine/ and is a Tommy Bolin Archives Contributor … Trace says … I interview and write about the most significant musicians of the 1970's, and I love it!

Mariko is a Yoga-Ayurveda Expert with over 20 years of teaching experience, and author of the forthcoming book, "The Yoga-Ayurveda Book of Anti-Aging Secrets." A former professional dancer as well as an Ayurvedic physician trained in India, she combines scientific knowledge with an intuitive understanding of the body. Healer, yogini, and a performer with multi-cultural background, Mariko is known for the quality and depth she brings to her work. Proficient in Hindi and Sanskrit, she is one of the very few in the West to have completed the rigorous 5 ½ year B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) degree as a fellowship scholar at Gujarat Ayurved University, an internationally recognized Ayurvedic university in India. Drawing on her background as a dancer as well as on extensive studies with spiritual luminaries of the East and West, Mariko places Yoga in its original context, linking the intricacies of physical alignment with Yoga’s spiritual purpose: the attainment of inner freedom.

After almost four decades of practice as a pediatric surgeon and nearly a decade of practicing holistic medicine, Dr. Ivan Figueroa-Otero now heals people through the guiding principles and empowering words of his Amazon best-selling series of self-improvement books. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he was a member of the Puerto Rico Medical Association, American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, American Pediatric Surgical Association, and Fellow American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. He is currently engaged in his private practice and continues in his role as an educator, trying to achieve full integration of traditional Chinese acupuncture courses in the curriculum of medical schools.

Throughout his decades-long career as a practitioner of both Western and Eastern medicine, he found that many treat symptoms by either taking doctor-prescribed medications or self-medicating instead of addressing the root of their problems. As a specialist in disease prevention and lifestyle modification, he aims to treat the whole person–not just their symptoms–through holistic Chinese medicinal techniques such as acupuncture and meditation, and often works with other specialists to get patients the help that they need.

In an Amazon best-selling series that explores the depths of the mind-body-spirt connection and offers insightful advice about how we can all better our lives, Dr. Figueroa-Otero seeks to help others find the path of self-discovery and coping with challenges. In his newest book, 'Spirituality 103 The Forgiveness Code: Finding The Light In Our Shadows' he sheds a fresh light on and offers powerful insights to the whole experience of forgiveness, a work that delves into human nature, exploring what constitutes human brokenness and how to heal it This book will help anyone understand why they are broken, feeling sick, bitter, and in pain. This is a book for those who want to experience wholeness in themselves and peace with the universe and with others.

Kristin Maxwell is a transformational speaker, consultant, and coach who guides entrepreneurs and executives to overcome even lifelong patterns of limiting beliefs, so they can operate at their full potential and accelerate business success.  Kristin's specialty is taking down the harmful mind chatter that causes burnout and blocks entrepreneurs from operating at their full potential. Kristin also hosts the Your SuperPowered Mind podcast, where she uses her decades of experience as a litigation attorney and seeker of personal growth to share practical, actionable strategies individuals can use to get out of their heads -- out of anxiety, stress, insecurity and perfectionism -- and make lasting change in their lives.

I am the Owner of Amigo Bob's Organics. My involvement in the organic farming movement started with my family, Pavich Family Farms in the mid 70’s.  We were the early pioneers in the organic farming business. Since then I have gone on to develop my own company, Franny’s Organic (an organic raisin company) started in 2002, and recently am an owner/founder in Amigo Bob’s Organic (an organic soil nutrient and fertilizer company).

My passion has always been centered around food, farming and healthy lifestyles. My formal education is in Clinical Psychology, which provided me the tools to work with different people on many levels helping them understand the message of what holistic healthy living means. My informal education began on the farm. I have always been a Gardener - I love growing my own food, and I love teaching others to grow their own food and prepare it in a tasty way.!

I have been a speaker on Organic Farming and healthy lifestyles at many events: National Native American Business Conference, Health Food Forms, and various Governmental forums for Agricultural and Alternative Energy to name a few.

Robert B Andrews - The Institute of Sports Performance

Robert Andrews works with Olympic, professional, college, high school and junior high school athletes, and attended the Beijing and London Olympics where he worked with USA and international athletes. He works with minor and major league baseball players and MLB All Stars. Robert helps athletes achieve peak levels of performance by integrating sports performance tools to increase mental and emotional toughness.

His area of specialization is helping injured athletes overcome the mental and emotional impact of sports related injuries and teaches the mental keys to peak performance in baseball.

He has worked with Olympic Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist, Olympic teams, athletes, and hopefuls; helped USA athletes win 13 medals, including 7 Gold Medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Also work with World Champions, NFL All Pros and MLB All Stars, NBA players, NBA All Stars, Heisman Trophy winners, Ray Guy Award finalist, NCAA All Americans & Champions, State Champions, All State athletes, college, high school and junior high athletes. Attended London Olympic Games. Worked with USA and International athletes in gymnastics, trampoline, and track and field. Worked with U. S. A. Men's Gymnastics at 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Key note speaker at 2017 Navy Seal Foundation Impact Summit.

Robert implemented a cutting edge model for treating the mental and emotional impact of sports related injuries. This process accelerates the recovery process dramatically. Athletes return to play confident and free of the fear of re-injury. Especially effective with ACL injuries, Tommy John recovery, broken ankles, and concussions. Seeing athletes before surgery is critically helpful.

He was the Lead sports performance consultant for U.S.A. Men's national and world gymnastics team and national, world, and Olympic team coaches as they prepared for the 2012 London Olympics. Also worked with USA Trampoline in preparation for the London Olympics. Worked with top track and field sprinters and other top track and field athletes. Their times have improved dramatically by implementing mental skills training into workout and competition regiments.
Helps college football players prepare for the NFL Combine. Evaluates talent for the NBA Combine and Draft.

Specialties: - Helping athletes reach their peak potential and reach new levels of performance
- Assist injured athletes in over-coming the mental and emotional blocks that limit their confident return to play after injury-Help organizations create a positive winning culture.

Author of 'Champion's Mental Edge: Turning Winners into Champions' on Amazon.

Teresa Anne Power, the founder of Kids’ Yoga Day, is an internationally recognized expert on children’s yoga and the author of the bestselling book The ABCs of Yoga for Kids. Her book has been translated into 4 languages and is the recipient of multiple awards. Teresa has taught yoga to thousands of children, and has spoken at numerous libraries, schools, bookstores, yoga studios and school conferences across the United States. She has appeared on both local and national television and radio, and has been featured in/on Sirius XM, Fox News, Good Morning Arizona, Glamour.com, Parenting.com, Parenting Special Needs Magazine, USA Today Magazine, Girls World Magazine, Green Child Magazine, Yogi Times, and more. She was also KNX-AM “Hero of the Week”, honoring her dedication to helping yoga become accessible to children all over the world. She also writes articles about children’s health and fitness on Examiner.com and the Pali Post, teaches Children’s Yoga Training Workshops, and volunteers her yoga expertise at Let’s Move West LA, SOS Mentor, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Children’s Bureau, Connections for Children, Pathways, and The Neighborhood Youth Association. Teresa also sits on the board of the National Math Foundation.  A graduate of University of Southern California, she earned her J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law, and completed a yoga training program with Indigo Yoga. For more information, please visit Teresa’s website at https://www.abcyogaforkids.com/.  Teresa is available for workshops, speaking engagements and instruction.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=wbyF21aww3I