Staying With Lisa

I was driving home today, clicking through songs on my Ipod and hit play when I came across "Stay (I Missed You" by Lisa Loeb.

Unbelievably this song has been around for 14 years. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1994.

The story behind the song is that actor Ethan Hawke heard it, and persuaded the makers of the film, Reality Bites, to put it on the soundtrack. They obliged. Lisa didn't even have a contract with a record label and when it hit No. 1 she earned the distinction of being the only artist in history to have a No. 1 hit without a record contract. That record still stands.

In these YouTube days, who knows how long she will hold onto that title.

Fourteen years have passed and I still love this song as if it's the first time I've heard it. It's so well written and has a great sound to it. I've seen Lisa in concert three times and each time she's performed her biggest hit, as it winds down, I wish it would keep going on.

I've added the song to my jukebox. It's track No. 5, and it's a version you might not have heard, a live acoustic version. Just Lisa and her guitar. Good stuff.

One Last Look

Every so often when I'm running sound for a ceremony, I'll see the bride walk up to her position just before she hits that aisle. Most of the time this is the first time I've seen her since our consultation meeting. Sometimes she's close enough for me to say "you look great." Other times, she's too far, but we make quick eye contact and trade smiles.

I'm sure there is relief in her mind that I showed up -- as I'm sure there's always always a slight fear of vendor "no shows." But I'd like to think that my smile or comment eases a few of those nerves she may be experiencing.

It's an interesting moment, because in many cases it's only the third time I've ever seen her. The other two times in casual settings, while she is casually dressed. And here she is, probably the most beautiful she's ever been in her entire life.

So after that quick smile, I hit the music and she's off. Walking as a "Miss" and coming back a "Mrs."

On Point With En Pointe

That fabulous opening shot on my website of my hands working my mixer was taken by Susan Yee of En Pointe Photography. And while she just might be the tiniest photographer in San Diego, her creativity and talent looms large.

Susan also took this shot at another wedding we worked together. On my finger is a San Antonio Spurs NBA Championship ring. The groom, who was a former Spurs employee, had several of his co-workers at the wedding. At one point, they asked me to play "Get Ready For This" by Two Unlimited. Apparently this was somewhat of an anthem for the Spurs that year.

While they danced away, one of the guys handed me his ring to wear during the song. Susan snapped the photo, and now I'm forever a Spurs NBA Champion.

Too bad Eva Longoria didn't come with it.

A Blog Two Years in the Making

After almost every one of my gigs my wife and I chat about how they went. She always urged me to put my thoughts down on paper. So a couple years ago, I set up this blog, but never put anything in it.

With the relaunch of djkanoya.com, I thought it might be time to actually start writing some stuff for all to read. So here it is. My thoughts, pre and post gig. There may be some interesting party planning tips or a lead on a new song I've heard.

One thing is for sure, my wife won't have to ask me to write my thoughts down anymore!