Carmel Magazine

M y greatest holiday memor y is waking up on Christmas morning as a 6-year-old to find a gold metal flake snare drum under the Christmas tree. This was a huge upgrade from the pots and pans I was constantly beating on. That snare drum was the beginning of what has been the greatest gift I could have ever received: music. In my teens, I switched from drums to gui- tar, a shift that my parents really appreciated, as they were no longer subjected to the constant pounding. Playing music has been the gift that keeps on giving. I owe my parents a huge dose of gratitude and love for both encouraging me and providing me with musical exposure, as it has remained a positive and constant part of my life for more than 50 years. My older brother also had the same support and he too played music at a young age and is as into it now as much as ever. The fact that the education system has pulled back from music programs in school is a crime as it's something that can enrich the lives of so many and as recent studies have shown, actually enhances a child's abili- ty to learn in all areas. If you have the ability as a relative or friend to help another this year, I suggest the gift of music to someone who has an interest. It's never too late to start and can be life changing. There are great support systems in the area to help people learn, including Dennis Murphy's Music Academy and many private teachers throughout the area. It's never too late. Speaking of music, it thrills me to have recently met up with the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar. Sammy was born here on the Peninsula and later returned in the '90s to a house he owned in the Carmel Highlands. As a teenager in the '70s, it was the hard rockin' Montrose band with songs like "Rock Candy" and "Bad Motor Scooter" where Hagar was getting noticed. That would be the beginning of a career as an international rock star, which has spanned more than five decades. This includes an 11-year stint as the lead singer and front man for the hugely successful Van Halen band, and a great career as a solo artist, as well as recent work with his band Chickenfoot and other projects. In this issue we get to tell his story. In addition to being a rock star, he also penned a NY Times #1 best selling book, published in 2012, owns several restaurants, launched his own tequila brand and recently a rum company. Sammy just cel- ebrated his 67th birthday and is still going strong. What an inspiration! I hope you check out our cover story (see pg. 94) and enjoy the recipes for some of Sammy's favorite holiday drinks (pg. 96). 'Tis the season for giving, and please do what you can to help support those who are less fortunate. Your support doesn't have to be financial; it can be emotional. Just being there to lift someone's spirits can do wonders. 34 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 4 PUBLISHER'S NOTE S T E V E S N I D E R 'Tis the season for giving, and please do what you can to help support those who are less fortunate. The Gift of Music EVENTS NOVEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 Thanksgiving Dining Specials Pebble Beach Resorts Gingerbread Wonderland & Christmas Carolers The Inn at Spanish Bay Christmas Day Brunch Stillwater Bar & Grill The Lodge at Pebble Beach An Elegant A air New Year's Eve Party The Inn at Spanish Bay The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Holidays & Parties Pebble Beach Market will make your next o ce party or family gathering delicious, easy and stress-free. Ask about holiday catering specials throughout the season. Pebble Beach Market (831) 625-8528 Located at The Inn at Spanish Bay, the Tuscan Room features an intimate setting with stunning views of the Pacifi c Ocean, ideal for any holiday celebration. Pèppoli at Pebble Beach (831) 647-7433 Call (866) 993-6926 for more information Passione Dining Experience Pèppoli at Pebble Beach The Inn at Spanish Bay Let Pebble Beach cater to you! We can come to you... You can come to us... THE TRADITION CONTINUES... AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am February 9-15, 2015

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