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My Time with Sergio Mendes
When Sergio appeared at the Circle Star Theatre, I was the
Artist Relations person for the theatre. Had a great time with him and his band
members; they all enjoyed a good time.
Don Lewis, the sound man
for the Circle Star Theatre, left the theatre to work for Sergio on his world
tour. When I was working at the Valley Music Theatre in Woodland Hills, I
frequently visited Don and Sergio at Sergio's home. Brought a couple of
singers to his studio when Sergio was looking for some new talent. 
When Sergio was
playing at the Troubadour in Hollywood, I went to his rehearsal to visit
them. Heard that Stevie Wonder had just returned off tour; Sergio and
Stevie had a record together. I called
Stevie and invited him to the Troubadour to come to the club to visit Sergio.
I first met Stevie at the Circle Star
Theatre. One day I took him to San Francisco which was about 25 minutes North of
the Circle Star. He attended a gathering at a theatre, can't remember the exact
area, but I do remember the delicious Soul food we ate afterwards.
Stevie was always accompanied
by some one from his staff, except for one time during that day, when I
was the only one with him. We were sitting in the theatre and people were asking
for his autograph. He told me to sign them for him. I held the pen and he put
his hand on mine and we signed autographs. I guess they are as authentic as you
can get. Of course I signed his name.
That evening, before Sergio's show, I met Sergio and
his band in the back of the Troubadour, told him about Stevie and asked him to
get us some good seats, since he had more clout than I had. He said, "Sam,
I should make you my promoter."
The above photos
were taken upstairs in the dressing rooms after the show. Needless to say, we had
the best seats in the house.
A link to a
great site about Sergio Mendes |
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