Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin DelMastro.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kevin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Clients call me “a born showman,” and “a passionate, engaging performer,” but I didn’t start that way. When I learned to play the saxophone at age nine, it was just something to do with my friends. I wasn’t yet comfortable in the spotlight. It wasn’t until much older than I felt passion bursting through my music and understood the effect that music has on people and events. I started feeling grounded yet energized by playing sax, I was constantly hearing how inspiring I was to audiences at weddings, hotels, and clubs. After playing in bands and duos for years at venues like Humphrey’s Backstage Live, House of Blues, and The Music Box, folks in the audience started to single me out to play solo at their events. Funny story: the first time I was hired to play during a cocktail hour, the gentleman didn’t tell me what type of event it was. I was surprised to see teenage girls running around the hotel ballroom I was supposed to play. Was I supposed to play jazz for them?? Turned out to be part of a bat mitzvah and the parents wanted jazz for their cocktail hour! But I had to chuckle at my initial confusion.
Has it been a smooth road?
I feel grateful that it’s been fairly smooth. Of course, there are always changes in plans- that’s understandable in event planning. Clients often praise me for my flexibility and can-do attitude. I realize these are big events with lots of people involved, emotion, moving parts, and I can put myself in their shoes.
One struggle I’ve had is with my body. Doctors diagnosed my thumb pain as osteoarthritis, caused by playing sax so much. I had a choice: stop playing or live with the pain. I chose to keep living my life, doing what I love and trust that I’d find a way. Between a few treatment methods and the power of positive thinking, my thumbs have gotten used to the load (from stabilizing the instrument, especially when I’m dancing during my shows). For the most part, I am now pain free.
We’d love to hear more about your music.
Besides playing music, I interact with the crowd, putting on a visual show. People say I have the ideal sound, look, and personality to be a party starter. I think it’s just because I love people, adding to the fun, and giving folks a unique experience. People always tell me that I helped them make life long memories.
I used to be a professional dancer so my wireless mic lets me play in different spots, move to the music, and play in the crowd if my clients prefer. Of course, I also have other intangibles, like friendliness, communication, flexibility, attentiveness, reliability, thoughtfulness, and professionalism. One client said, “I know musicians are notoriously late.” To that, I replied, “I’m no ordinary musician. I’ve never been late.”
The sax is quite versatile, like the human voice. I can play upbeat or easy listening music, loud or soft, pop music, jazz, blues, Latin jazz, rock, funk, romantic ballads. My most popular music is my fresh takes on hit songs, by Adele, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Maroon 5, and others. I think people like hearing music they know and can relate to more than obscure jazz.
Live saxophone music livens up any party. It adds a flavor of jazz and excitement. The parties I get hired most for are wedding ceremonies, wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, corporate events, birthday parties, fundraisers, dinner parties, cocktail receptions, and galas. I have also played bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, anniversaries, barbecues, and quinceaneras. I’ve even been asked to emcee; I love public speaking and used to do it professionally, so that’s always fun, too!
I’m also proud of my customer satisfaction. Out of 70+ reviews across Yelp, Google and social media, I’ve gotten a perfect score every time. I pride myself on understanding client needs, expectations, and nuances of each unique event that I’m hired for.
What is your proudest moment?
Proudest moment. A few moments come to mind. When I was hired to play UCSD’s all-campus commencement for 7000 people, that was pretty special. Standing on that huge stage, playing melodies and solos, made me stop and think, “Wow, I never thought I’d come this far!”
Another special moment came at a recent wedding. The bride had called me and explained that, more than anything, she wanted sax at her wedding. I was happy to oblige and we worked out the schedule. I always check in to make sure things are on schedule. In this instance, the bride asked me to come an hour later than planned. No problem. But it turned out she was running three hours late! Her mother and fiancé kept asking me to stay longer and giving me schedule updates. Long story short, the bride thanked me for staying for the whole event and got so emotional that tears were flowing.
Contact Info:
- Email: kdelmastro@yahoo.com
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
