Cody Lovaas - Bill Silva Calls Him Jason Mraz’s “Protege"

I have written several times of 15-year old musical talent Cody Lovaas, whom I have called “the next Jack Johnson.”  I was fortunate to host a showcase at my home in San Diego a couple months back -- and he killed it.  Click here to watch him sing a Jack Johnson cover at this event.

Bill Silva Management obviously feels the same, and signed him onto its roster several months ago.  In a press release just last week, Silva called Cody a “protege” of Jazon Mraz -- high praise for the fellow San Diegan.

And, Silva announced that Cody is slated to release new music in 2014 -- great news for all of us who are absolute believers that this kid has it all -- most importantly, great musical talent.

Jason Mraz & Rob Machado - A Benefit Concert That Only “Works” in San Diego

Two nights back, my wife, Luisa, and I attended yet another concert.  But, this one was quintessential San Diego -- and only could have “worked” in San Diego.  LA could try, but would fail.  New York?  No way.  Luisa and I said that over and over again as we watched the show with hundreds of others, most of whom had strapped on their flip-flops, perhaps the most San Diego of fashion accessories.

The event?  The Rob Machado 2nd Annual Benefit Concert -- a “cause” that is ocean/water-focused.  A cause that is simply ingrained in the San Diego surf culture.  Machado, in fact, is a surfing legend.

The headliner?  Jason Mraz.  A local San Diego boy.  We stumbled into him as we walked into the venue -- and Luisa gave him a hug.  That’s the San Diego spirit/vibe -- and what San Diego is all about.  No pretension whatsoever.  (The photo shows Jason on the far right in the red beanie -- another staple of San Diego fashion -- and Rob Machado to his left, of course grasping a surf board).

The venue?  The famous Belly Up.  Classic San Diego bar.  A “must play” 600-person venue for rock and roll and reggae.  Many of the “greats” have played here.  Check it out.  For any music lover, this is a place you must experience.  We joined friends Steve and Georgia Goldberg, fellow Minnesotans who also escaped down to San Diego and who own the Belly Up -- as well as the Belly Up in Aspen, as well as the Pacific Coast Grill on the Ocean up the 101 in Cardiff (one of the few “on the ocean” restaurants worth checking out when you head down this way ... wearing your flip-flops of course).

Cody Lovaas - A Huge Musical Talent - It’s Only the Beginning for This Young Man ...

Attention music lovers!

Cody Lovaas.  

You may not know the name now.  But, you should.  And, you will.  An incredible young talent.  Great singer.  Great songs.  Great presence.  Great kid ... yes, he’s only 15!

I previously wrote about Cody (calling him the next Jack Johnson) when my family and I first saw him perform in August at a private showcase in San Diego prior to the Taylor Swift concert.  We were impressed then.  But, “impressed" is not a big enough word now.  This kid is on his way ... and fast ... and deservedly.  He is the real deal.  So much so that Jason Mraz has taken him under his wing, and Bill Silva Management has signed him.  Most importantly, he is a great kid.  And, he comes from a great family, whom we have come to know.

Last night, Cody played a private showcase for friends and family at our home in Rancho Santa Fe.  It was a magical night.  Full moon.  Not a cloud in the sky.  68 degrees.  We gathered around the fire.  Cody picked up his guitar.  He sang.  We all sang with him.  (He and the Rancho Santa Fe girls even played “Stingpong” -- check out the picture below).

Magical.  Everyone was moved by Cody and his performance (including the girls from Rancho Santa Fe -- mine included!).  Such poise.  Such presence.  Unbelievable the way he can read the crowd ... and play off the crowd’s energy.  That is not learned.  That is just the way he is.

This is just the beginning for this young man.  Just watch.  And, listen.  Check out his site.

Cody Lovaas -- The Next Jack Johnson? (He Just Turned 15!)

Remarkable new talent alert!  Pre-Taylor Swift concert last night (a father's duty after all), just-turned-15 year old (YES 15!) Cody Lovaas performed a set in the VIP lounge of the San Diego Sports Arena.  Here's a taste of it -- Jack Johnson meets Jason Mraz (in fact, he works with Mraz and was just recently signed by Bill Silva Management).  Hails from San Diego beach community Carlsbad, California -- he has the whole package -- and also a really nice and authentic beach/surfing guy.  One to watch!