By Joanie Cox-Henry
During an electric night that felt like a neon-lit '80s pop culture party, South Florida's own Fernando Santomaggio performed his first show with the cover band Mixtape at Throw Social in Delray Beach on Sept. 6th. The seasoned bassist, whose resume reads like a who's who of the local music scene, has essentially covered his Bingo card for performing in local bands. Through the years, he has appeared in The JD Danner Band, The Fenians, The Jessie Thompson Project, The Crush, Big Rock Band, The Solution, Green Means Go, and Spektora. And he’s done an infinite number of gigs filling in on bass for other fun bands such as Friday At Five and Miss Dympsey’s Class.
Santomaggio's addition to the band brings a palpable energy to Mixtape's stage. With his larger-than-life presence, enviable jet-black rock locks, and rich ability to funkify any song he puts his bass beats to, Fernando Santomaggio is finally coming into his own as a solo vocalist, too. While Santomaggio has been celebrated for many years as a bass player and guitarist, he is also a brilliant drummer and singer. His range is diverse, and he navigates melodies and harmonies with effortless control. It's not just technique – it's how he flawlessly infuses each phrase with genuine feeling, turning songs into experiences that stick to your soul.
One of the standout moments of the evening came just two songs into the setlist when Santomaggio performed “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” for the first time as the lead vocalist. The Simple Minds’ anthem that defined the Brat Pack generation had long been on this musician’s wishlist to take the lead on live and he covered it with great “Ferness.”
“It’s timeless,” Santomaggio says. “It’s the quintessential ‘high school’ anthem. Breakfast Club, of course.”
The song also evokes memories of his own high school days growing up in Davie, Fla.
“I was in high school band, and we would play at the commencement ceremony each year,” he recalls. “The year before I graduated, 1992, the ‘cool bass player guy,’ our school’s John Bender, played and sang that song on the stage of the Sunrise Musical Theater with his band, prior to him walking across the stage. That moment, that level of ‘cool’ is indelibly etched in my memory. Singing that song makes me feel just a small fraction of that ‘coolness.’”
Mixtape is, no doubt, a traveling party. With vibrant, vivacious singer Lindsay Giova at the helm, and the talented team of Paco Camara on drums and vocals, Steve Kaminer on guitar, keyboard, and vocals, and Mike Elmore on guitar and vocals, the members of this band bring decades of combined experience to the stage with a setlist that includes tunes by Madonna, ZZ Top, Blondie, Billy Idol, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and many more iconic artists.
When Santomaggio took the lead vocals on Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over," his tender rendition is a refreshing reflection of the enduring power of the song, which he confesses he has long appreciated.
“I’ve always loved that song. Like, since childhood. It always makes it onto my 80’s playlists,” Santomaggio says. “The opening chord/riff is instantly recognizable. Lyrically, it’s a masterpiece. I mean, who uses the word ‘deluge?’ It’s a poignant, yet, hopeful message.”
The bassist's enthusiasm for the material was evident throughout the night as he delivered each song with passionate precision and a supernatural style. He was asked to bring the funk during "Play That Funky Music" and Santomaggio dynamically delivered.
Visually, Fernando Santomaggio fits right in with Mixtape's aesthetic, too. His self-described "eccentric wardrobe" adds plenty of panache to the band's vibrant stage presence. "Best of all, my eccentric wardrobe doesn't look the least bit out of place!" he quips, highlighting the band's embrace of individuality and flair.
As the night progressed, it became clear that Santomaggio's integration into Mixtape was more than just a new member joining a band. It was the culmination of a musical journey that has seen him play with so many different groups, each experience contributing to the skilled and versatile performer he is today. With his debut at Throw Social, Fernando Santomaggio is already demonstrating his journey to Mixtape was meant to be.
South Florida music lovers can look forward to many more nights of pitch-perfect '80s revival, delivered with heart, skill, and a bass groove that just won't quit. It’s leaving this showgoer greedy for the basslines and the verse!
“It’s definitely fun,” Santomaggio says. “Their audience is very engaged.”
For the latest on the Mixtape and where to check out their upcoming shows, visit https://mixtapebandsfl.com/
Here are some videos from the night!
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