You will be returning to the Bay Area and performing at the newly remodeled Sweetwater in Mill Valley, CA on June 2nd.  How does performing in your hometown differ from other venues?

It’s always good to come home! I feel like the home shows are more like a family gathering. It’s always a plus for me to see family, friends and familiar faces in the audience. I always look forward to that.
I am really excited about my upcoming tour in June. It will be my 4th time playing in Marin. All of the previous shows have been a success, so I hope to keep that consistent. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to perform at the new Sweetwater venue.

Do you make different set lists for different venues?

I usually like to perform my recent work, but I also am known to switch things up a bit. I like change, and I aim the set list towards the vibe and reactions I get from the audience.

Do you have any pre show rituals?

It’s different every night. When my family is around, I hang out with them before the show and it calms my nerves. If I am in an unfamiliar place, I listen to different songs and play lists I’ve created. My most recent favorite: The Sun is Shinning by Bob Marley. It helps me get into my comfort zone before I take the stage.
Once I go on stage, my focus shifts. I used to just play my keyboards on stage. Now I am rapping as well as playing the keyboards and I feel like my brain is a Rolodex. I run through the first couple lines of the lyrics for each song to confirm that they are imbedded in my brain before I open my mouth. From there, if the audience is happy, then so am I. To me, that’s all that matters.

What is your dream venue to perform at?

I would say the Hollywood Bowl, not just because of its history. To have my name added to the long list of amazing performers who have played there over the years, would be a true honor. Any performer would tell you that to sell out the Bowl on my own it would be the ultimate achievement.
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Catch Salvador at several Bay Area venues starting June 1st!

Click here for tour dates and venues.