Buona sera!

As we near our last days in Rome I have seen and learned so many new things.
I know now how to cross a busy street without getting killed. How, you may ask? Cross whenever you want, just walk and they stop, even the police.  Seattle jay walking rules to do not apply here.

The tourist maps suck and it's very easy to get turned around and around some more, bring a compass, thank you iPhone for a great app.

The fresh handmade pasta and Italian cuisine is like no other and needs to be experienced.

The city has so much beauty at every turn, hidden down small alleyways are the most picturesque cobblestoned streets with small family run restaurants, the sounds of neighbors and families dining and laughing together coming from the homes above.  That, along with amazing smells of food being prepared creates a colorful collage of a culture not lost but alive and well.

Remember, the banjo with the case weighs around 8.2 kilos, so I've had a hard time getting my mind around hauling it around Rome.  I'll try for some pictures in the next few days.

Ciao

Our first day in Rome

From Montpellier to Marseille by train did not take long. Then we hopped onto a bus to the airport.  It was very efficient and easy to do. The sun was out and the weather was a very comfortable 60.

Upon arriving in Rome we easily grabbed a cab and we were taken on a exciting ride into the center of Rome, along with a mini guided tour by our driver and a few wild driving experiences, fasten your seat belt!

Our first night in Rome was amazing, this is truly the most beautiful city I have ever been in.  Walking through the cobblestoned streets looking for a place to have dinner, Emma and I felt like we were in a movie, soft music playing, beautiful outdoor cafés romantically lit, couples holding hands and families eating and laughing together.  We were enticed into a quite restaurant called, Antica Trattoria La Scantetia, Degli Artisei.  The wonderful young man that drew us in told us all about the handmade fresh pasta, he brought out a plate of all the different kinds pasta, the fresh produce and fish he bought from the local markets daily.

At his suggestion I had a savory plate of fresh spaghetti with a delicious sea filet fresh tomato basil sauce.  Emma had stuffed ravioli with ricotta cheese tossed in a creamy red pesto tomato sauce with fresh basil on top.  Accompanied with an amazing bottle of red wine, Cantina, Colle Moro.  We experienced our first of many unforgettable days in Rome.

Thank You!!

Wow,
As of today I have over 2,030 hits on my blog coming from the following countries:

United States
United Kingdom
Canada
France
Spain
Australia
Brazil
Mexico

Thank you all so much for sharing my music and my adventure!

Sunny Days!

Today was such a beautiful sunny day in the south. I sat outside, had my beer and experienced a beautiful French day. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

 February 5, 2014 I will be back at The O'livers Pub with the Apple Trees for another great night of music. Then Thursday it's off to Rome with Emma.

 New adventures !!

 Enjoy!

The Robin Hood

Friday night The Transatlantic Bluegrass band performed to a packed house at The Robin Hood
pub in Montpellier.  A great time was had by all and many notes were put out into the universe.  With Simon Guy playing guitar, Jonathan Sarrabia playing a mean bass, Andy Lawson on Mando, Dan Monte Calvo on Banjo and one of the most amazing singers I have had the pleasure to play and sing with, Cristal Sutherland on vocals.

Thank you all for showing up and supporting The Robin Hood Pub, The Transatlantic Bluegrass Band and Bluegrass in France.  Hope to see you this Wednesday at O'livers pub in Montpellier for an other round of live bluegrass with The Apple Trees!

A week in the country

Hi everyone,

I just spent the most beautiful last 5 days in the countryside of the South of France, staying with my friends Andy and Camilla, the most gracious hosts you could ever dream of.  Living in a beautiful converted barn in the peaceful village of Peret, their home overlooks the expansive rolling hills and wine vineyards of the South.  Our days were spent hiking the countryside, playing music and preparing and eating amazing food along with afternoon siestas!  A true piece of heaven on earth!  Thank you my friends.
It was so nice having some peace and quiet and a breath of fresh air away from the busy heart Montpellier

Here's a song I wrote, Just posted on youtube

.http://youtu.be/b_j00bcQvQw

 

Gig at O'livers with "The Apple Trees" Montpellier France

Great night out playing a gig with "TheApple Trees" at O'livers Pub.  The place was packed and I made so many new friends.  Thank you to my good friends, Cristal Senes, Joanathan Sarrabia, Simon Guy and Emma Monte Calvo for filming all night.  Here's a clip of "Hold Whatca Got"

Enjoy

Dan

 http://youtu.be/KHKbcH364V0