sunset salsa quartet at el cerro 29

Celebrating 6 Months in Myrtle Beach

A couple days ago marked six months since my wife and I officially moved to the Myrtle Beach area, and I found myself reflecting on how much has changed during that relatively short period of time. In some ways, it feels like we just arrived. In other ways, it feels like I’ve lived an entirely […]

building facade at American Theatre

Why The American Theater in Charleston Is a Great Choice for a Rehearsal Dinner

When couples start planning their wedding weekend in Charleston, one of the first questions that comes up is where to host the rehearsal dinner.  It’s easy to treat that night as a formality. A quick dinner, a few toasts, and then on to the main event the next day. But the truth is, the rehearsal […]

caricature of the movie Whiplash teacher and drum student

The Movie “Whiplash” and the Wrong Conversation about Music

When I first sat down to watch Whiplash, I was expecting an intense drama about the pursuit of musical excellence. What I didn’t expect was how strongly I would react as a professional musician who has spent decades practicing, performing, and teaching. The film has been widely praised for its acting, tension, and storytelling. It […]

guitarist playing at North Myrtle Beach wedding

Rough Guide to Planning a Beach Wedding in North Myrtle Beach

On paper, a beach wedding in North Myrtle Beach sounds almost too good to be true. For a small permit fee, you get waves crashing in the background, open sky, and a naturally beautiful setting that doesn’t need much decoration. It feels simple, affordable, and romantic in the best possible way. And in many ways, […]

front sign at Maritime Museum in Georgetown SC

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner at South Carolina Maritime Museum

Last Friday, I played a rehearsal dinner at the South Carolina Maritime Museum, and it ended up being one of those gigs that reveals something important—not just about the venue, but about what actually makes an event work. On paper, it’s a relatively simple space. It’s not a ballroom, it’s not a high-end resort, and […]

a drawing of the 2 main characters of the movie Pleasantville

What the Movie Pleasantville Teaches Us About the Artist’s Journey

Some films are entertaining. Others are clever. A rare few rise above those categories entirely—they touch something deep, something universal, something about what it means to be human. For me, Pleasantville falls firmly in that last category. I don’t use the word “masterpiece” lightly, but this film earns it. I often find myself more deeply […]

Dennis Winge of Sunset Salsa

My Sound: A Modern Guitarist’s Tonal Balancing Act

Every now and then, a conversation with another musician opens a window into your own artistic identity. Not long ago, a drummer from Myrtle Beach reached out, saying he and his bassist friend really wanted to meet me and perhaps start a new band together. He sounded enthusiastic, but in his message he cited Spyro […]

Dennis Winge, guitarist for Sunset Salsa

Patience, Basics, and the Long Road to Musical Mastery

Sometimes I feel I’m at an interesting age: old enough to have some wisdom, but not so old that I sound like the stereotypical elder saying, “Back in my day, we walked uphill both ways in the snow in July.” I’m 55, and I often find myself straddling two worlds—the eagerness of youth that wants […]

illustration showing how live musician playing is so much better than one singing to backing tracks

Why I Don’t Use Backing Tracks—and Why That Makes Events More Fun

When you’re planning an event—whether it’s a wedding, party, or corporate celebration—you want the music to do more than just fill the air. You want it to create atmosphere, spark joy, and leave your guests with memories that last. That’s why the question of backing tracks is more important than you might think. On the […]

depiction of year of the fire horse for musicians

What the “Year of The Fire Horse” Means for Musicians

The Year of the Fire Horse has officially begun. In the traditional Chinese 60-year cycle, the Fire Horse is known for intensity, forward motion, independence, and bold action. The Horse already represents speed, charisma, and momentum. Add the Fire element, and the symbolism becomes amplified: heat, visibility, courage, volatility. Whether you believe in astrology or […]