Before departing Florida, I had the great honor of interviewing the boys from Magnificent Applesauce (“MagSauce” as they call themselves).....
Tuesday, January 12, the whole world was informed and quickly learned about a horrendous event, which has now claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, leaving hundreds of thousand more injured and/or homeless. A 7.1 earthquake leveled the majority of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital. Wednesday, January 20, a second quake shook the already destroyed country creating even [...]
Lakeland, Fla. - "There are 1.02 billion undernourished people in the world today," according to the World Food Programme (WFP) organization. Today-together-we will be able to help some of these unfortunate persons from all over the world.
Central Florida band Juniper RED contacted Lakeland photographer Tom Hagerty about shooting a few photos for the band. Saturday morning Tom and the band wandered around Lakeland's Starry Way and the Polk Theater shooting a few dozen shots. Check the full article for more shots...
Since Alex Santiago is on vacation this week we're offering up a street video: Michael Jackson's Thriller performed in the streets of Lakeland...
This week, I am sharing a very personal poem, which later turned into a song, I wrote for my son while he was in the St. Joseph’s Women Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (St. Joe’s NICU). My son, Li Alexius Santiago, was born at 24 weeks, and he only had a 30 percent chance of survival.
This week Alex Santiago looks into the second annual Banned Books “Read Out” event at USF Polytechnic
Alex Santiago shares some of the Central Florida events for Hispanic Heritage Month...
Today, I am sharing my most meaningful and personal work. After writing this piece, my life officially shifted and my views and intentions for living changed.
Night of Joy at Disney and Rock the Universe at Universal Studios just happen to be tonight and tomorrow. The only hard part will be choosing which park and what bands to see. There are even a few morning concerts at Universal Sunday morning. Can't make it to Orlando? Cypress Gardens has an admission special for $5 bucks on Saturday and Sunday. Stay tuned for a recap of Rock the Universe and live tweets while at the park tomorrow night.
Every amateur musician has a “real job” while following their dream of sharing their music with the masses - and perhaps “make it” in the music industry - and I was no different. For many years, I worked for a very respected business and some may even think that I had reached the pinnacle of the (863). Unfortunately, I had a different experience and vision of what a pinnacle looks and feels like.
In today's Staccato, Alex Santiago remembers where it all started...
In addition to covering the local music scene, Alex Santiago is a member of the band 48 States Away. In today's Staccato, he writes about, well, writing.
New contributor Alex Santiago understands the Central Florida music scene. A member of 48StatesAway, Santiago has played, promoted, or attended shows in most of the independent venues in the region. Each Saturday, Santiago will bring you the past, present, or future of the local music scene.
Last week we featured Central Florida photographer Tom Hagerty's black and white work from the 1970s. This week, he moves his camera into the 1980s. Take a look inside to see three of our favorites from the decade, and then rush to see his full collection from the 80s.
Bio: I am a byproduct of two rebelling children whom sought adulthood without understanding its actual meaning. I was raised in a 100 by 35 mile beautiful piece of land in the middle of the Caribbean by two of the greatest souls that have ever walked this planet. Now, I belong to the planet, I pray for balance, and my path is of awareness. After years of shifting parents, interests, countries, and journeys, I made the decision of buying my first home and settling in Lakeland, Florida. And here I am: A friend, father, husband, student, singer, writer, baker, decorator, event planner, promoter, advertiser, and trash picker; living my life in the middle of Florida always seeking answers and trying to make a difference one day at a time either with my music, my writing, or my friends. I have been told that I am one of those “rare breeds,” that I do not fit the mold of my generation, and I guess most people are right. I am not a liberal and I am not a conservative. Left and right is an illusion and all I seek is balance and rationality. I guess some call me an idealist--but I like it that way. In the upcoming weeks, months, and even perhaps years, I will be sharing my world and my life the way that I see it and the way I perceive it. I will share my writings, my songs, and my stories; but most importantly, I will be sharing the people that influence these creations; how these creations come about; and what all of this does for me and this town, county, region, state, country, and world. I invite you to come along and enjoy my world in the (863) and to recognize the people that are constantly working hard to make this town a more enjoyable place.