Sarah and I like to joke that we met when we were 'groupies' for a band in the early 2000s. The real story is, we were actually WITH the band! My friends from Atown were her friends from Cuesta Theater and they had a band that I was helping manage locally. We'd hang out at their shows and I watched their theater productions and it was all so very loud and dramatic in the best possible ways. Sarah's flare for the arts and sense of fashion are to die for. Her friendship is a safe haven for my soul, she's helped me come out of my shell in so many ways. We're just two Taureans bonded over mutual love for comfort, reliability and the finer things in life (bougie on a budget). It's 22 years and counting for me and Sarah! Fun Fact: Sarah is a woman of many talents! She just helped Forrestt with Art Direction on some videos for his Gypsy Jazz Quartet, The Big Sirs of Swing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRPUkrpeeJ0&t=2s

When Jon first moved to the Central Coast in the year 2000 we ended up as roommates due to having a mutual friend. What followed was a friendship that lasted for 26 years and counting. Some early memories include speaking to Jon on the phone while I was away on tour and he was water-hosing down the building's roof because the next door duplex was on fire. Mayhem and foolishness when we were both younger of course - and believe me there were some world class shenanigans - but also helping each other through the years; life changes, big events, moves, family matters and more. A mutual love of music is always at the core of solid friendships, this being no exception. A twisted sense of humor also helps. I am grateful and extremely lucky to call on him as my best man. Jon is an exceptional person, who is known to some as either a skilled masseur, incredible hair stylist, or simply friend to all.

I met Marissa in PE class at Atascadero Junior High. We had actually started out having beef for whatever reason but the next year, she moved in across the way and that didn't matter anymore. We were fast friends and started hanging out every day listening to The Beatles and The Doors, playing Sonic The Hedgehog and Ecco The Dolphin until our fingers hurt. We've been through a lot of life firsts together and I wouldn't be me without her. Marissa is my longest standing friendship and has been a grounding force in my life, always listening with reason in her heart, and I'm better for it. In fact, we've been friends so long, the pictures were black and white! J/K - that was at the fair when we were in high school and you can't see it but she's wearing a Stüssy shirt and mine is Mossimo. Very late 1900s California. We've just rolled into our 35th year! IDK how we're that old but it's true. Fun Fact: Marissa has the largest collection of games that I've ever seen and she's an expert at directing and explaining the rules for any good game night.

Although Reese and I have been friends for just over 15 years, it feels like much longer (in a good way!). Initially, I was just a fan of her music and stage presence. Imagine my surprise when I discovered she was also a fan of mine! Our friendship grew quickly once we began making music together. She joined the Tipsy Gypsies to create sweet, sweet harmonies with Hilary, and I was honored to play guitar on "My Love" from her solo album, Unraveled. Now, with the Hot 45, we’re having the most fun yet making music together. I am so happy to count her and her wife Lauren among my favorite people on the planet. Reese is also an incredibly inspirational figure in my life. Whether through her activism, music, cooking, humor, or fashion, I find myself learning and growing as a person thanks to her shining light.

Dora is the latest edition to my life long entourage! We met either on the Bus of Fun (local legend) or when Dora walked into my studio to promote the New Times Music Awards event that she was running for our local free paper (also a local legend). Either way, we were both working in media and bonded over that and our love of Halloween (and themed dress of any kind), rock concerts, movies and everything else. Dora's sense of curiosity and thoughtfulness in the details in life have pushed me into much more creativity and creation and I'm so grateful for it. Dora is always on trend and I know she's down to hit the show and toss a wig on with me at the drop of a hat! We're currently rockin' our lucky 13th year! Fun Fact: She's a super cool graphic artist! She designed the latest logo for the Elk's Lodge 322 in SLO (check it out at the bottom of the pool sometime) AND is the mind behind our "The 'I DO' World Tour" logo.

My brother Jacob! We have taken turns throughout our lives inspiring each other to become better men. I was 15 years old when he was born, so our 'formative' years were not spent together, but we still managed to find a way to connect. A great example of our early ties would be our musical connection. During Jake's teenage years, every time I came home for Christmas we would orchestrate a performance with the entire family involved. I recall Dad playing the cowbell one year, with Jake on baritone sax, and Charlotte on flute, me on guitar, as we performed 'Oye Como Va'! Early on I saw Jake's inner strength as a person and watched him grow to focus his powers on three primary areas: music, martial arts, and spirituality. While I influenced him musically early on, now that we're a little older I find myself being more inspired by him. As a wise man once said, "Brothers inspire one another toward greatness."

We want to say a very special thank you to Tim & Sue Rueda, our hosts at their beautiful "Rancho Rueda" home in Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo. We met the Ruedas via Reese and Lauren! Reese and Forrestt are in all the bands together and her lovely wife Lauren just so happens to have thee coolest, most generous and welcoming parents. Over the past handful of years, we've had the honor of being their back up dog and house sitters. A few times a year, we come to Rancho Rueda to hang with the resident good boy, Rocky. We love our furry nephew and are so stoked to be a part of the family. This home is really part of our story too. We actually decided to move in together while enjoying a warm Summer afternoon in their amazing infinity pool as Rocky was lounging near by. We can't wait for you to meet them (if you haven't already) and enjoy their amazing space. Thank you Ruedas! We love you!