SAL GONZALEZ HAS A PASSION FOR MUSIC

By Vicki Wilson

“I am passionate about music and believe it has no boundaries,” says Sal Gonzales.  That’s why retirement might hold more interest for him than many others who contemplate life after work.  Employed by the Normandy Square Barbershop and a men’s hairstylist for 50 years, this 67-year-old looks forward to devoting more time to his avocation post-retirement.  “Singing and playing the guitar have always been hobbies but I try to get better and better.  You never know what might happen after I retire….right?”

Sal likes listening to and performing just about any kind of music, but the singers he most enjoys are Frank Sinatra, George Strait and Elvis Presley.  “I grew up listening to these legendary stars and still like to hear them sing,” he says.  “And when I’m performing Sinatra, Strait and Presley, I sometimes feel like a star myself.”

Sal credits his uncles, Anesto, Miguel and Pablo, with influencing his decision to be a singer, and his godfather for teaching him to play the guitar.  “My uncles formed a trio in the 1950s,” he says, “and I remember spending a lot of time watching them perform.”  In his twenties, Sal decided to follow in the steps of his uncles and began singing in front of audiences. In addition to singing, he plays the Spanish, Acoustic and Electric guitars.

Sal’s love for music has been passed along to his children.  Son Jonathan, plays with a band in New York City and daughter, Melissa, teaches music at Columbia University.  She also sings at some of the local spots.

            Sal has performed Karaoke on public access television and considered entering some of the local competitions.  He has also cut a CD.  To keep his voice and act in tiptop shape, Sal depends on Karaoke.  “It gives me the background I need to sing my very best,” he says.

For his practice CDs, Sal visits Roadhouse Karaoke and DJ at 3810 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek, Ohio.  Roadhouse is open noon to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; noon to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.  You can call Roadhouse at 937.431.5535, send an email to roadhousekjdj@aol.com or visit the website at www.roadhousekjdj.com.