MY ROCKSTAR JOURNEY
Here is your backstage pass to join my rockstar journey - where we can strive to realize our dreams through music together! Watch along as I challenge societal expectations and my own reservations so as to inspire your own dreams!. Share your guidance with me as I explore new realms in stage fashion, musical performance, positive mindsets, self-care/fitness, travel, and much more. Here you will get a front-row/behind-the-scenes perspective while also meeting the people that inspire Music By Saxy along the way! Together, we can break the mold, push boundaries, and forge our own path - one leap of faith at a time! And most of all, I want to join YOUR rockstar journey! Use #TOOSAXY to share the moments when you overcome limitations, conquer your fears, or achieve your aspirations!
AN UNEXPECTED SUMMER
Little did I know that this summer I would find myself leading a jazz band with my own daughter playing trumpet at the college where I work...or see myself serving as moderator for a panel of music industry executives...or as the MC for three weeks of performance feature amazing young musicians and producers. Yet all this and more happened during the 2024 Summer at LACM program at Los Angeles College of Music.
Not a single skill or experience of mine was left unharnessed in the course of running this program. Everything from handling live sound to reformatting flash drives to ExFAT on-the-fly - and doing so all while running out the door so many nights to make it to my own shows and rehearsals. Even more shocking was the transformation I saw in my daughter Edie, who threw caution to the wind and embraced her #toosaxy moment to sing a jazz standard live, write an original song in a matter of days, and perform said song for full house and a live stream.
Having a role at a music college where I can fully utilize my range of acquired skills to support the future music careers of emerging talents is a blessing beyond words. And even when I thought this program had me near collapse from exhaustion, my amazing Director Mel and I found the fortitude to persevere. And to top it all off, I walked away with a newfound sense of self-reliance as well as my BMI from all the walking throughout the campus. I cannot be more grateful to all those that supported the program on staff, including those who placed their trust in me to guide this program and it's amazing students.
BOSU BALL WORKOUT
I never knew what the strange, half-yoga ball in the hotel gym was until Nate B. explained it to me at a Hilton before our show in Avon Park, FL (2021). Now four years on, my balance training is key to pre-show #rockstarjourney workout, which you can even see on the official @bosufitness Instagram!
Though Nate got me started with a few moves that day, I took his advice to search YouTube for some guided workouts once I got back home.
After a short scroll, the immediate stand out was Katie Kasten Wasilisin (@yogi.ish), whose energetic, approachable, and encouraging vibe was perfect for a newcomer. Katie's short 20-minute videos fit my pre-commute workout needs perfectly while also supporting both my stage moves mobility and saxophone/vocal cardio goals.
Like Nate did for me, I felt my Bosu benefits were best shared with my friends who might also want to make gains with a low barrier to entry. The response from followers has been tremendous, and I was blown away to see @bosu_fitness re-post my video and nearly 41,000 views back in Feburary 2024 right before our show in Hilton Head. Definitely validating to have so much support - and to have an alt-trampoline in the house for Benny! You can check out his solo-go on the Bosu on #rockstarjourney Part 37
BENNY COLLABS!
100% grateful for Benny wanting to jump in (literally) on the #rockstartjourney and the MuscBySaxy social! Like his dad, he is a natural ham for the camera with no reservations or qualms about turning an innocent workout into hysterics!
For #rockstarjourney Part 24, Benny personally chose the playlist for our "Family Fitness" session, which features the vocal stylings and unique songwriting of TJ Mack (@brianjordanalvarez).
As my impromptu fitness trainer, Benny keeps the pace hot - always one up-ing me or pulling out the pool noodle and Nerf guns to lay the smackdown when I fall behind. So far, his patent form of "crossfight" has netted over 20k views. He also has a pretty hysterical idea of "Leg Day" as well.
Ben is also game to cameo in any of the Saxy Merch unboxing, Shoe Show Cleaning, or a Saxy Fits reveal videos, never hesitating to show off his own recent toy acquisition in the process. To me, he's giving "future-influencer" vibes! Here he is - transformers and all - for the Saxy sticker reveal.
BEHIND THE LOGO
After more than a year of gathered inspiration and creative collaboration, Team Saxy has given visual form to what being "Saxy" is all about! The new SAXY logo represents a lifestyle of performing fearlessly while encouraging the same in others! Neon pink symbolizes the bright stage lights of an epic stage show while the open lettering harkens to the neon signage of a trendy club or music venue. Like a "bat signal," The SAXY logo is a call to action that always leads the way to "fun!"
The rightward italicized font captures my in-your-face approach to my audience - leaned forward, eyes open, and ready to engage! The gradient underline represents the spirit of performance-in-motion - like a Saxy walk racing through the aisleway. Not only is the stylized saxophone "Y" my favorite type of sax (tenor), but also embodies the often aloof, cartoon-like nature of my performing personality. I dig the organic, fantasy quality of the dragon-like sax that seems coiled and ready to pounce!
I cannot express how grateful I am to Team Saxy CMO, colleague, and true friend Kirsten Israel for her masterful creation of the SAXY logo and the joy I feel seeing it come to life to share with you all!
MY FIRST DANCE LESSON
Working towards a better tomorrow, one stage move at a time... I have wanted to meet up with @helloitsbrielle since we met last fall to learn how to improve, refine, and develop my on-stage moves and antics. She is an absolute superstar, not to mention a pro-level competitive salsa dancer that just opened her own dance studio @siempresoldance. I'm lucky to have such a patient and supportive teacher in this totally new part of my rockstar journey. #toosaxy
