Mike Hamilton

Ruben Gutierrez

Mike and friends!

This audience was treated to jazz and r&b classics from artists such as Stevie Wonder, David Sanborn, Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, Michael and Janet Jackson to name a few.

Featured artist was saxophonist extraordinaire Mike Hamilton. Mike is an internationally known artist who has appeared on “The David Letterman s Show”, “The Today Show”, “Boston Globe”, and was on the “Live from L.A.” television show band. Mike’s high energy style always brings the audience to it’s feet yelling for more. He can make that sax purr soft as a kitten, or wail like Aretha Franklin off on a vocal flight of fantasy. His covers are performed better, in some cases, than the original artists. Mike is in such demand, that, even as this article is being written he is performing in Brazil, S.A. It’s great to have someone of his talent here in El Paso.

Also with Mike was another El Paso Super-star, keyboardist Ruben Gutierrez. Ruben is a well known piano man and composer as well as the director of Commercial Music, Composition, and Music Technology for the University of Texas at El Paso. Ruben’s solos sometimes border on genius. This was the case on this particular evening, as Ruben played like a man possessed, his fingers nimbly flying across the keys producing some of the most intricate rifts and masterful improvisations. It defies description when these two masters of their respective crafts, Mike and Ruben, walk onto the stage together. I hope we see more collaboration like this in the future.

Those in attendance were treated to the fine vocal talents of Perla Cruz. Perla is a past winner of the El Paso “American Idol” contest. Perla has a fine vocal range, and great stage persona. Perla’s performances on “Don’t Know Why” (Norah Jones), “Smooth Operator”(Sade), and “Sweet Love” (Anita Baker) were great.

Joining this group on stage was a truly great bass soloist, Eric Unsworth. I witnessed Eric perform a solo at this event that made people in the audience ooh and ahh. He is a true virtuoso of the electric and stand-up bass guitars with an outstanding technique.

Across the stage from Eric was another player of stringed instruments, Arath Corral. Arath is a young up and coming guitarist who has a real talent and passion. The sounds he persuades from his guitar are pure ear candy. Kudos to Arath for some fine work during this performance.

Providing the percussion for this event was Eric Boseman on drums. He did some fine work and helped to hold it all together. Great job!

This thrilling performance resulted in a prolonged standing ovation for this fine group of artists.

For more super events like these be sure to check out our website’s Calendar of Events and for more pics, check out our Photo Gallery.

Ken Vaughan