From the iconic first four notes of the wedding march, to Bach’s quintessential “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” music makes weddings complete. Every couple has “their song” that plays during the first dance, cementing a lifetime of memories whenever the familiar melody sounds. Many couples take the musical aspect of their special day so seriously that the care of an experienced professional is required. That’s why they call Manny Mestas.
“My first real gig was a wedding in 1973,” Mestas said. “After I learned to play the guitar, people recognized that they wanted it at their wedding, and I’ll never forget it.”
Mestas has been performing at weddings ever since, so much so that he has lost count of the number of days he has helped make special. But each one held the same thing in common: He played his custom-made nylon string guitar.
“The traditional songs, you know, ‘Here Comes the Bride’ and the wedding chorus, of course, were in demand 30 years ago, and then I would say the last 20 years or so, ‘Canon in D’ has been a favorite,” he said, “but with today’s bride, it could be anything.”
Mestas welcomes a challenge when it comes to an eclectic selection. He can learn just about anything and make an arrangement on his guitar.
“That Walt Disney movie, Up—I did a wedding for somebody who was involved with the production of it, and they wanted the theme of that movie on ukulele,” Mestas said. “I play ukulele, so I made an arrangement for that wedding.”
In addition to the guitar and ukulele, Mestas can also play mandolin and banjo. But he has even more abilities to offer couples looking to wed, including presiding over the union.
“I was originally planning to be a concert classical guitarist, but through my religious background I just found myself becoming a pastor, and I was ordained as a nondenominational Christian pastor,” he said. “Within moments I can put down the guitar and be ready, doing the ceremony, and when they are kissing I pick up the guitar and hit the first chord as they finish.”
Though not currently a vocational minister, Mestas has married many couples. He’s also led congregations and volunteered in healing rooms. He loves being able to provide not just the music, but the ceremony as well. As far as receptions go, Mestas often performs for hours, but even then, he’s not just limited to playing an instrument.
“I got the opportunity two years ago to buy a turnkey full-service DJ business,” he said. “So now I truly am a full-service wedding professional. I have all the modern equipment, dance lights, computer system, and state-of-the-art playback systems.”
The concerted skills and efforts Mestas provides are tailored for one thing: a special experience. It goes without saying, but a wedding is an event to be cherished and remembered, and music is the perfect art to accentuate the experience.
“Music is the key element to it all,” Mestas said. “I love providing that energy.”
Live at the casino
The Chumash Casino Resort presents live music in its Samala Showroom, including country music star Clint Black on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino Resort, 2400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Cost is $25, $35, and $45. More info: 1-800-CHUMASH or chumashcasino.com.
Valentine jams
The Anything’s Possible Band presents a special Valentine’s Day concert featuring live jazz, R&B, and soul on Feb. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Santa Maria Brewing Co., 115 Cuyama Lane, Nipomo. Free. More info: 264-5971 or jenbrodes@aol.com.
Masterful voices
The Santa Ynez Valley Master Chorale presents the third annual “Mardi Gras” benefit event featuring food, drink, auctions, and live music on Feb. 15 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Solvang Veterans’ Memorial Building, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. More info: 350-4241 or syvchorale.org.
Singing sweet songs
The Tri City Sound Chorus of the Sweet Adelines International presents “Singing Valentines” with chorus members performing in Lompoc, Vandenberg Village, and Santa Maria on Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations can be made through Feb. 13 by 7 p.m. Cost is $25. More info: 736-1874, trcitysound@comcast.net, or tricitysound.org.
Live at the Radisson
The Radisson Hotel offers live music Fridays and Saturdays, including Juan Marquez performing Feb. 14 and 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. More info: 928-8000.
D’Vine jams
The D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro features Mike Shelton live Feb. 14, Eclecticon Feb. 15, Andrew Beal on Feb. 18, and Jerry Stickell on Feb. 19 with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. Karaoke nights are Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More info: 430-8356 or facebook.com.
Get flowing
Creative Juices Lounge presents Los Tres Amigos performing live on Feb. 14, with dinner at 5 p.m. and music at 6 p.m. at the lounge, 874 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. More info: 219-0518 or creativejuiceslounge.com.
Pairing wine and music
Ca’ Del Grevino Café and Wine Bar features live music in the tasting room and café on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nataly Lola performs Feb. 14. Manny Mestas performs Feb. 19. Ca’ Del GreVino Café and Wine Bar is located at 400 E. Clark Ave., Suite A, Orcutt. More info: 937-6400, dcp@grevino.com, or grevino.com.
Maverick music
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including a “Valentine’s Dance Party” featuring a DJ Rock Party on Feb. 14 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Steve and Guy is Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. The Fourcasters perform on Feb. 15 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. Tales from the Tavern present “An Evening with Bill Carter and John Corbett” on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 13-20, 2014.
