Neighbors

We are renting an air bnb and the son (Christopher) of the lady we are renting from lives my next door - we share a drive way. He is from Costa Rica but spent a few years in the states as a kid and has traveled to Germany extensively. He gives language lessons in German and is a guitarist. His girlfriend (Olla) is from Ukraine. She came here with her grandfather 5 years ago to visit an uncle who lives here and has stayed. They both speak very good English and have been very helpful in giving us directions and telling us about the area. Earlier this week they invited us over for coffee and danish and great conversation. Christopher is converting an area below their house into a practice studio. He opens it up to any bands who need a rehearsal space. It's not soundproof but the bands can practice quietly. There is not a lot of support for music in this town. You mostly have to go to San Jose to play gigs. Christopher practices with a band but he performs by himself. He has done a tour in Germany the last two years. Last night he offered to give us a private concert since his band had to cancel their practice and we were going to listen to them. He brought his guitars and music. At first he did several soft rock, 70's/8O's music where he played and sang. He is not comfortable singing so he was using us as a practice session. We knew most all of the songs and enjoyed listening to him. But then, he got it his other guitar and played what he does when he performs. He plays "percussive guitar" - using his guitar for both the melody and rhythm. It was extremely impressive. We have never heard anything like it. There is a short clip below but if you want to hear more, look him up on Spotify - Chris Montenegro.Meer informatie