Sensational Singing Sam Santiago

Amazing is a word that may be over used at times along with Awesome, Super, and Fantastic. However, when it comes to young singing sensation Sam Santiago, somehow they all just fit.

I recently spent a week in California visiting the Santiago Family and was privileged to follow along with Sam and his family as they went about their daily schedules.  I have to tell you that this family leads an exciting and busy life.  Of course they were not only wonderful hosts to my wife and I but it gave me an inside opportunity to see just what a fine oiled machine their family has become in order to keep up with Sam’s busy entertainment schedule.  Of course this is not even to mention Sam’s school schedule, concerts, and activities that every normal soon to be ten year old has as part of his daily life.

Our first weekend was filled with excitement right off the bat, (Pun intended), as Sam was scheduled once again to sing the National Anthem for the Minor League Storm Baseball Team game that Sunday.

We arrived early for a practice run around 11:00 am.  The field was in the grooming process and looked brilliant and colorful with fresh stripes of white outlining the bases and gorgeous green fields. Sam walked confidently to the front of the bullpen area and took the mic from our host.   What a treat to hear Sam’s young vibrant voice rattle the empty arena with his clear sounding acappella rendition of our National Anthem.  If you would like to hear and see the practice run visit Young Artists Global Facebook where that exclusive is posted. 

Sam belts it out for the opening of the Game!

Sam was greeted with a handshake at the end of his performance by a few of the players who were lined up against the bullpen fence where Sam also received a few autographs on his baseball that was awarded him by the radio announcer from the stadium after his practice run.  I have to tell you, it was an exciting time and a very proud moment for me to share with Sam which will not soon be forgotten.

The days that followed were filled with fun attending Sea World, Disneyland and touring Hollywood admiring some of the famous actor’s stars which are embedded in the sidewalk up and down Hollywood & Vine.  We also were able to meet up with a couple other young actors at the Hard Rock Café on Citywalk later that week.  (See previous post).

Rivenmaster and Sam at Universal Studios Hollywood

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The following weekend we were again back in the excitement as Sam readied himself for his moment to shine singing The Philippine National Anthem at the Kalayaan Independence Day ’12 in Los Angeles at the Marriott Hotel.

It was a Gala Event with everyone dressed in traditional Philippine dress which is beautiful in both color and design.  I was given the honor to also wear a traditional shirt which was beautiful, and made me feel very much a part of this wonderful community of people and celebration.

As I watched with my trusty camera in hand Sam took his place in the center of the room with both the American and Philippine Flag held in respect and honor by the color guards.  I held my breath as Sam began to sing one of the most beautiful Anthems I had ever heard in the Native tongue of this beautiful people.  

Sam sings Philippine National Anthem in Tagalog Dialect .

The following day was the Annual Fountain Valley Festival in which Sam was once again asked to perform.   I was really looking forward to this festival because Sam had prepared over 19 songs to perform for this event.  I knew that it was going to be a time to be able to hear Sam at his best! A full fledged concert with The Sensational Singing Sam at the mic.

Sam and Rivenmaster waiting for the stage crew!

I was not the least bit disappointed.  We gathered early and found our own table with a nice umbrella shielding us from the sun welcoming us into the park.  Taking a seat we watched the flurry of workers getting the stage ready with both sound and video equipment for the 45 min concert.

The seats were empty even though another young band had just finished their segment but I really was not worried because I knew once Sam took the stage the crowd would begin to assemble.

After being given the honor to introduce Sam to the Fairgoers, Sam took the stage.  It wasn’t long before the seats began to fill in front of the stage and the crowd began to swell.   Soon there was standing room only with nearly every seat filled, and people congregating in a huge circle around the stage.  Sam did us all proud and the crowd cheered at the conclusion of every song performed.  To see some of the behind the scenes videos visit:  MY PERSONAL FACEBOOK where you will find them published for your viewing pleasure.

Sam Performing at Fountain Valley Festival

Sam has big things on the horizon before the summer is out!  Sam is currently working in the studio on his debut EP which will also include an original song.

He will have several cover songs which he has been requested to include on this EP, but you will have to wait just a little longer before I can reveal which songs he is thinking about including in this project.  If you have a request for Sam to cover a certain song be sure to visit his YouTube Site and his Brand New Domain Site  where you can contact Sam personally and request a song to include on his new EP!

You will also want to be watching this site for more about Sam. I will be returning to California in August to cover the launching of Sam’s debut EP.  In addition I will be covering Sam’s appearance on Television and his engagement at Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles,where Sam will be making a very special appearance. 

If you want to learn more details about Sam’s event engagements check out SAM SANTIAGO EVENT PAGE on his Domain Site.

On a side note, I’m hoping to meet up with Germany’s prince of a singer, Thilo Berndt during our next trip to LA as he will be visiting that area about the same time.  I also plan to spend some time with Alan Wheeler and company as our last trip did not allow enough time for that visit.

So hang on to your hat this is going to be an exciting summer here at Rivenmaster’s Place and also a very historic time for Sam Santiago’s music career as it gets ready to take on a whole new dimension with the release of his first ever EP. 

Congratulations in advance Sam!  Keep up the great work buddy!

SEE MY LATEST ARTICLE FOR SAM PUBLISHED TO [button_round color=”blue” url=”http://www.theskykid.com/music/sam-santiago/”] THESKYKID.COM [/button_round]