Thank you’s
We just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to a couple of people who helped us out a lot these last few weeks ~ Phil, who helped with sound for two shows, & Rob (of Rock Cathedral), who filled in on short notice, with no practice, when Daniel couldn’t play drums.
These guys both did a smashing job, & we did NOT want to let the season pass by without sharing our appreciation!
Daniel – The Man, The Musician
Illuminate was lucky enough to meet Daniel this year, thanks to Jason.
Daniel turned out to be such a special gift for Illuminate. Not only is he a highly skilled drummer, he’s a man of God.
I’ve met and played with many musicians during my time here. I feel so blessed to have met Chelan, Jason and Lee, and that feeling holds true with Daniel. He came in and fit like a glove!
OK, so here’s what I like about Daniel…
Dedication and Love. The guy just OOZES with both!
I was so impressed with all the notes he took to ensure professional performances. As a matter of fact, it was his notes that were the final word many times. Daniel has such a great feel for music – I could tell from the first night we met.
Love? All you need to do is watch Daniel and his Family…
Thank you God, for Daniel!
-Rene
Blue Marble Java was One Caffeinated Show
This coffee shop in Pflugerville was so fun to play!
It was roomy, the service was the best, and the free WIFI gave me the 
opportunity to skype the show, w/my family in Oregon. Yep, my parents, sister & her whole fam were huddled ’round their computer & got a live show. I love technology.
By mid-show, there were about 20 people that had come – a great surprise. It was comfy, relaxing, & even interactive during “Do You Hear What I Hear?” when Rene invited the crowd to echo!
BIG thanks to owner, Jim Johnson and his awesome barista working hard Friday night, including hookin up the band w/free drinks.
The evening @ Blue Marble Java was filled to the top with meaningful songs, family (Daniel’s family & mine, via ‘gmail video-chat’), close friends (thanks for comin’ out, Evie, Ben & Rachel! I love you guys!)… & well, jus’ a whole lotta fun.
What I like about Rene…
Yes Rene, I do remember “Patos Tacos”, we had some great gigs there as the “Cool Arrows” sometime around 1996 – 97 if my memory serves. I am still amazed how God brought us back together after all this time. It warms my heart so much to play with you again! You have improved so much as a musician, and I remember you as such a solid bassist.
So much for history, more importantly the beautiful music and memories we are creating today. What I like about Rene are his great organizational skills. His prescence of mind and spirit to keep us all together and sounding as one. He has a wonderful knack of knowing what sounds good and what doesn’t; and letting us know in a gentle way. Thanks Rene for all your technical know how and willingness to help everyone! You are a genuine blessing to me personally.
VLF
Project Transitions us into the New Year! + Update
Project Transitions (7101 Woodrow Avenue, Austin, TX) has an apartment community that is graciously hosting our final performance of ‘09, TUESDAY, Dec. 21st. For more details on this wonderful non-profit organization, scroll down to, “A Brief History“.
These folks are having a holiday party Tues. night and thought that the music of Illuminate would add the finishing touch. I’m so glad we could be available; we are honored to be able to bring some live, soulful music & hope-filled lyrics to those in attendance at Project Transitions’ celebration. Thanks, Beth Thomas & Kim Hernandez…I Can’t Wait!!
…
* UPDATE! (as of: 1/2/2010) Just wanted to note, that this last show of the year went great, even though it was just three of us – Rene, Lee & myself. Roosevelt Gardens, created in 1995 as a supportive housing program for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. The cost of this program was largely supported by the proceeds from the thrift store, Top Drawer which was opened in 1993 and remains fully operational to this day.
The gracious Kim Hernandez welcomed us, and most of the residents were probably with family, as it was just a few days before Christmas. But there were several little ones listening as they decorated cookies, and 3 or 4 “kids at heart”, in attendance – one of which was John.
John is a middle-aged man, a Believer who was diagnosed with Cancer in 2001. He was sweet to volunteer to be our camera-man, as we were attempting to get this last performance on home video. His smiles and comments, cheers and claps, along with the amazing testimony he shared with me afterward, made this show more than worth it. He was originally given a grim diagnosis back in ‘01, but told me that God gave him the courage to fight for a second opinion and provided a new aggressive & caring Dr. that treated him a different way & gave him hope again.
Now he walks with the help of a cane, & otherwise seems as healthy & upbeat as a college boy! John told me that our song about modern-day miracles spoke to his heart & gave him a reminder of hope…to keep believing that God can do miracles in your life…keep looking & praying for them to happen.
Sometimes you intend on doing some “great deed” for many people, but in the end, discover your purpose in doing what you were called to do, for just one. It was humbling and special to be able to share Christmas through song, with these courageous, friendly people.
***
A Brief History…about Project Transition
Our agency was conceived in 1986 by Barbara Davis because of her work with the issues of death and dying in persons with AIDS. (more…)
Update of Ricoco’s
Can I just say, that playing Ricoco’s was more fun than I thought?! Richard & Coco were great & even gave us a pre-performance dinner, on the house. I ended up being the “emcee”, drawing names & announcing winners of floral arrangements and gifts throughout the evening, which added some flavor & spice (as if the Latin food didn’t have enough)!
Santa came & talked to the kiddos while we rocked it out to our most appropriate song on the menu, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, Chuck Berry/Jack Johnson style. My fave part of that song is this part of a little known last verse:
Well, Rudolph he didn’t go for that
He said, “I see through your silly games”
“How could you look me in the face
When only yesterday you called me names?” (Ouch!)
The song set went by pretty quickly – or maybe that was just me…time flies when you’re havin’ fun. Toward the end, we had 4 or 5 people come up to us handing us business cards and such, saying they enjoyed the show, which is such a blessing to hear…but even more so, was how one family (friends of Lee) drove all the way from Dallas to hear us play and stayed the night later, in a hotel. They were the mostly smiley, supportive listeners in the joint. I still feel so honored. And glad that Lee spontaneously had me dedicate the last song to them, a jazzy rendition of ”Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland”.
The Holiday party @ Ricoco’s was a blast, & we were even invited back – which is always a plus. Thanks again, to this family-owned restaurant & all of its amazing patrons that came. Look out, Austin…Taylor, Texas is about to be the new Live Music Capitol of the World!
A Little Bit About Daniel
DANIEL SALDIVAR
{rhythm / drums}
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. I first got a chance to play in a band when I was 13 years old. I played percussion in my Tio’s Tex-Mex band, he was the drummer and every now and then he would let me sit in on a set. Soon thereafter I purchased my first drum set for $120.
I went on to play in the middle school and high school band as well as the high school jazz band. I enjoy playing all types of music, (except perhaps country, lol), and I have tried to pass on the gift of music to all three of my children who all play instruments or sing.
I moved to Austin in 2000 and have been playing at youth retreats, young adult conferences, and the Life Teen Choir at St. William Catholic Church for the past 9 years.
What I Like About Lee…
Lee plays from the heart…”‘Nuff Said!” … OK, OK, I’ll elaborate.
I met Lee (otherwise known as ‘Vincent’) many moons ago in South Austin. He responded to an ad that my buddy and I had posted looking for a lead guitarist. Lee came in for the audition and was immediately on board. That was back in the “heyday” of open mic sessions in Austin. The group was known as ‘Chris Gonzales and the Cool Arrows’. Remember ‘Pato’s Tacos’??
Fast-forward, fast-forward…
Illuminate found itself in its second year, late in the season, with the throws of a full 5-piece band, but as life would have it, in a bind at the last moment. Our lead guitarist was unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts. (What’s up with all these schedules??) Funny how God challenges you from time to time. So here we are – days away from our first show for the season – without a lead player.
Pray, pray, pray (you know the drill)…
We placed an ad. Lee was the second to respond to our desperate plea, and once again, was immediately on board. I was asked: “Can he handle the part?” “YES!” was my response.
So what do I like about Lee? There are times when you hear him coming all the way from left field and you wonder, “How’s he going to make it?” Then he throws in exactly the right notes to resolve your peace of mind – and then you find yourself in a musical bliss. That’s what I like about Lee.
-Rene
A Little Bit About Lee
VINCENT “LEE” FLORES
{lead guitar}
I was born in Austin, TX – 1955 and grew up in South Austin. It brings me a lot of joy to play live. My mother’s side of the family is very musical; grandfather
played accordian, guitar and piano. My mother and her sister were singers.
At age seven, I started playing piano by ear, but got my first guitar from my grandfather at age 13; learned to play guitar from a couple of cousins and from listening to records. At age 13, I saw my first rock concert (Led Zeppelin).
Two years later, I was in my first band, playing covers and a few originals, and started listening to the blues. I listened to BB King, Albert King and John Lee Hooker, but was heavily influenced by British blues players, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Peter Green and Jimmy Page. If resources weren’t an issue, I’d like to record a solo cd.
A Little Bit About Jason
JASON KRAFT
{bass}
I moved to Round Rock twelve years ago from Houston. I really love all the music opportunities Austin has to offer. I’ve been playing bass for about eleven years, and started out playing in a church praise and worship band.
After about ten years of playing at church, I started branching out and playing with Christian musicians outside of church.
To this day, I still play at churches, what I really believe I am called to do.
I’m also happy to be a part of a group of Christian musicians, spreading the Christmas spirit.