Exclusive Interview with Sarah Santiago: A Star Performer on Florida’s Music Scene
I had the opportunity to interview the incredibly talented performer, Sarah Santiago. She has been performing for many years with musicians all over the Florida Suncoast working with the best of the best from the area. She has worked at venues such as Longboat Key Club Sarasota, Hard Rock Cafe Tampa, Hyatt Sarasota, Ritz Carlton Sarasota, Sarasota Yacht Club, Selby Gardens Sarasota, Ringling Museum Sarasota, Weston Diplomat Miami, The Fox Tampa, & Sarasota Opera House. She has performed local restaurants such as Cassariano’s Lakewood Ranch, Chazz 51 Venice, Sofias Lakewood Ranch, River Strand, Café L’Europe, Mattison’s City Grille, Sarasota Ritz Carlton Beach Club, Michaels on East, Melograno North Port and more.
Here is the interview. I hope you enjoy it.
Early Inspirations: What first sparked your interest in music, and who were your early musical influences?
Growing up, my mother would play the guitar, and I would sing along with her, fostering a lifelong passion for singing that my parents have always enthusiastically supported as a career path. I had the opportunity to listen to a variety of music genres. As a little girl, I was introduced to contemporary Christian music, with artists like Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace, Debbie Gibson, Amy Grant, CC Winans, & Crystal Lewis . However, through my friendships, I was exposed to a broader range of music, including Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Madonna, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, and Olivia Newton-John. Mariah Carey’s music resonated with me the most, and I even performed one of her songs at a middle school talent show. Although my friends enjoyed 80s and 90s music, I mostly stuck to contemporary Christian music. It wasn’t until college that I discovered blues and jazz, which opened my eyes to a wide range of musical genres and ultimately led me to explore music in a way I never thought I would.
Musical Journey: Can you share the story of how you began your singing career?
Musical Journey
After coming back from college, I always knew I wanted to be in some sort of band. I used to hang around the bands at the time in Sarasota and Bradenton, like Jennifer & the Ventura’s, Twinkle, Men from Mars. I had this crazy opportunity to kind of sit in with a duo in Palmetto at a little coffee shop, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. So, then I started trying to write my own music, and at the same time, I met a group of guys who loved to play. I ended up singing at small country clubs in Palmetto with a band called Longboat Sound. We had a blast. Then, as life was happening, I joined a band called Vertigo, a whole different style of music. I learned a bunch of songs, more like blues and rock. From there on, I’ve always been involved in one way or another with bands.
Instrumental Talents: Besides singing, do you play any musical instruments? If so, how have they influenced your performances?
I had a wonderful experience in middle school with our wheel class program, where I got to explore different arts classes, including acting, band, and choir. By the end of the semester, I chose to join the band and play the flute, which turned out to be an incredible experience. In addition to the band, my parents also supported my musical development by providing me with piano lessons for five years, where I received classical training. I played the flute from ninth grade to eleventh grade and was part of the marching band for three years, participating in competitions and traveling with the team. It was an absolute blast. Although I didn’t think I’d pick up the flute again, I eventually started playing jazz flute by ear, which was a great way to reignite my passion for the flute.
Educational Background: Did you pursue formal education in music or are you self-taught?
I’m grateful for my musical journey, which began in middle school with band class, where I learned to read music while playing the flute. I also started taking piano lessons one-on-one, which was a unique experience throughout my middle and some high school years. High school had a profound impact on my musical growth, thanks to the amazing professors who taught band, marching band, and choir classes. It was like having a college-level music education. Later, at Greenville College in Illinois, I had a professor who introduced me to blues and jazz, which greatly expanded my musical repertoire and sparked a love for jazz. From then on, I felt like I was on my own, navigating the world of music.
Genre Exploration: You’ve covered a wide range of genres. How do you decide which genre to explore next?
I had the incredible opportunity to sing with the renowned producer David Foster, who I believe is the most profoundly talented producer of all time. A couple of years ago, my friends Bruce and Candy told me about the tickets to the David Foster concert. So, we decided to purchase tickets. So, during the performance, David Foster asked the audience if anyone thought they could sing. My boyfriend has always been super supportive of my singing, and one time he suggested I sing a Whitney Houston song, which ended up being a huge hit with the crowd. I’m so grateful for his encouragement and insight, and I love that he’s always thinking of ways for me to grow as a performer. My boyfriend encouraged me to stand up, and I did. To my surprise, they brought me the microphone, and I found myself in conversation with David Foster. He asked me what I wanted to sing, and I chose ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Whitney Houston. The crowd was initially taken aback, but as soon as I started singing, the applause began and continued until David Foster counted down to the big note, which earned me a standing ovation. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and I’m grateful that my boyfriend’s boss’s wife captured the moment on film, which my son later helped me post on TikTok. My friend Bruce told WSRZ
107.9 David Jones and Marideth in the morning about the performance and they interviewed me on the radio.
Collaborations: You’ve performed with various musicians. Which collaborations have been the most impactful for you?
I feel extremely fortunate to have collaborated with numerous talented musicians in this area, who have all contributed to my growth as a musician. Through my experiences with various bands, including Vertigo, Serenade of Souls, and Big Z Band, as well as my work with Joe Thayer, Michael Royal, Eddy Tobin, Robby Rose, Randy Stevens, Janine, Fawny, James Dodge, and now the Jack’d up Band, I’ve had the opportunity to refine my craft and develop my style. Each group I’ve performed with has helped shape my understanding of what music works best in different venues and settings, and I’m grateful for the experiences that have led me to where I am today.
Local Scene: How has the Sarasota music scene influenced your career?
Growing up in Bradenton and Sarasota, I’ve always appreciated how music is deeply ingrained in the local culture. The diverse restaurants and bars in Sarasota bring people together from all walks of life, and over the years, these venues have helped shape my musical style. From one restaurant to another, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at various events, including a special performance for Tom Cruise’s producer Paula Wagner. Although the circumstances were bittersweet, I was grateful for the experience. Paula Wagner’s advice to reinvent myself has stuck with me, and I’ve been striving to do just that in the vibrant music scene of Sarasota, continually seeking new ways to express myself and share my passion for music. Locally, Jay Goodley has been a huge support of me in Sarasota, as well as Vivian Kehrer aka Sarasota Sally, she is currently also a huge support for the local scene as my promoter. Actress Davena McFadden has been an incredible supporter of my music, and we’ve collaborated on numerous projects to inspire students and the younger generation. I’ve also received outstanding recognition from renowned industry professionals, including Don Davenport, who worked with Whitney Houston, and Shawn from Boys 2 Men, who graciously attended my performance at a local dinner venue. Additionally, the mothers of Pink and Gretchen Wilson have shown their appreciation for my music at local venues.
Notable Venues: You’ve performed at venues like the Ritz Carlton Sarasota and the Sarasota Opera House. How do these settings enhance your performances?
The most notable venues I’ve performed at are those that have left a lasting impact on people’s lives through music. Of course, Van Wezel with David Foster tops the cake. Looking back, I feel fortunate to have had opportunities to perform with my band, Vertigo, on Channel 7. The Ritz Carlton has been a fun musical Journey with Joe Thayer. We were booked every weekend for 3 or 4 years together and from that we got booked in Las Vegas at the Ritz Carlton before it was torn down. I’ve also had the privilege of performing at the Ringling Museum and other notable venues in Sarasota, which have all contributed to my passion for different styles of music and shaped the trajectory of where my career led me. Ultimately pushing me to up my game even more.
Original Works: Can you tell us about your original song “Lightning” and the inspiration behind it?
Lightning was actually a song that Roberto Cerini brought in. He and I rearranged the song to fit my style, and I told him we should try to pitch it to the Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s a song that has gained a lot of popularity at venues that I perform at, it was also featured on WSRZ 107.9 David Jones and Meredith in the morning. My friend Bruce donated blood so that they could play the original song “lightning” you’ll hear Bruce pretty much every Friday on WSRZ as he’s the guy who rewrites popular tunes to Champagne Friday, I guess you could say he also has originals.
I’ve been passionate about writing since my early 20s, and I’ve had the opportunity to work on several projects, including my most recent one “Drinking to Forget”. I was thrilled to collect and perform my original songs at the Ringling Museum, thanks to my cousin James Dodge introducing me to a friend who organizes incredible concerts in the courtyard. I assembled a band, and we performed a mix of original songs and cover tunes. The feedback has always been overwhelmingly positive, and I’ve continued to perform my originals at various venues. You can find more of my rock music under Shards of Glass on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. My latest songs, including Drinking to Forget, The Way We Were, Space Within, Goodbye, and Burn Me Down, were collaborations with Roberto Cerini, and I’m grateful to be working with him.
Viral Moments: How did it feel to have your performance with David Foster at the Van Wezel gain significant attention on TikTok?
It’s truly an incredible feeling to be recognized for singing a song that many people consider one of the most challenging to sing. The overwhelming response has been amazing, from gaining nearly 1,000,000 views on TikTok to being featured on the radio show David Jones and Meredith in the Morning on WSRZ 107.9. Since then, I’ve received attention at all of my performances, with that song being the number one request, which I sing about 3 to 4 times a week.
Community Engagement: You’ve been involved in various charitable events. How do these experiences shape your perspective as an artist?
Singing for the community and donating my time is not only a huge passion of mine but a vital contribution to the community. Helping with the holidays I was able to team up with Actress Davenia McFadden at the Sarasota Opera house and we both donated our time to perform for “Celtic Christmas” at the Sarasota Opera House. The emotional impact for me as an Artist helped me connect with the audience. I believe music can be healing and as an artist the reason for donating my voice should come through each performance and through my voice evoke an impactful emotion to the audience that ultimately creates a want to help others as a source of inspiration through the musical performance.
Band Dynamics: What led to your recent debut with the band Jack’D Up, and how has the experience been so far?
How did I end up with Jack’d Up? A booking agent, Todd Kuhl, discovered me and booked me at a couple of country clubs. I was thrilled to accept, and after a few gigs, I was introduced to Jack’d Up through Todd. They were looking for a new singer, and I was hesitant at first due to prior commitments. However, they were persistent and shared my vision for the band. We met, clicked, and decided to join forces. I’m incredibly grateful to have found such a supportive and talented group of musicians. Our rehearsals are productive, and our communication is open. I’m excited to see where this journey takes us, performing at incredible venues and pushing our limits together.
Audience Connection: How do you approach connecting with diverse audiences during your performances?
How do I even begin to describe the diverse range of restaurants I perform at, from high-end establishments and country clubs to clubs and bars, each requiring a unique style of music to create the perfect atmosphere for the audience, whether it’s a sophisticated jazz feel or an energetic dance vibe, and how I’ve developed the ability to read the room and adapt my performance to ensure a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Challenges: What challenges have you faced in your musical career, and how have you overcome them?
I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow and learn over the years, and I believe that the experiences I’ve had, including going through two divorces and raising two kids, have been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. I’m proud of the determination and perseverance I’ve shown in pursuing my passions, and I’m grateful for the joy and fulfillment that my journey has brought me. Looking back, I realize that finding a balance between work and fun was crucial, and I’m proud of the fact that I was able to prioritize my work as a teacher while also pursuing my love of singing and furthering my education. Obtaining my degree while raising my kids and working full-time was a significant accomplishment, and I hope that it will serve as an inspiration to my children to pursue their own goals and dreams, no matter what challenges they may face.
Evolution: How has your musical style evolved over the years?
My musical style has taken many exciting directions, from Contemporary Christian in my younger years to exploring jazz, blues, country, R&B, yacht rock, and dance music. This diverse background has shaped my unique sound, which I bring to each venue. I’ve drawn inspiration from a range of talented artists, including Etta James, Diana Krall, Eva Cassidy, Sade, Esperanza Spalding, Tori Kelly, HER, Evanescence, Susan Tedeschi, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Melissa Ethridge, Whitney Houston, and Gloria Gaynor. Those are just a few of the many vast genres that I perform on a regular basis.
Future Projects: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Jack’d Up band is my exciting new project that combines Rock and Dance music, and I’m looking forward to performing original songs very soon. I’m thrilled to announce that we’ll be opening for one of the greatest Bon Jovi tribute bands of all time ”Slippery when Wet,” and we’re also booked for several festivals and fairs. This band is an amazing opportunity for me as an artist, and I’m grateful to be working with producer Roberto Cerini, with whom I co-write music for our collaboration, Shards of Glass. We’re currently working on new songs. Country Rock and James Bond-inspired music, which I’d love to pitch for the next James Bond movie. Our music can be found on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more.
Advice: What advice would you give to aspiring singers looking to break into the industry?
To succeed in the music industry, it’s essential to have original music that showcases your unique style and talent. As a music teacher, I always encouraged my students to discover their vocal range and find music that fits their key, whether that means adjusting the key to make it easier to sing. It’s crucial to be cautious when seeking guidance from others, and to research their credentials thoroughly to avoid being taken advantage of. By being mindful of these factors, you can protect your gift and achieve your goals in the music industry.
Personal Interests: Outside of music, what hobbies or interests do you pursue?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have supportive friends who not only encourage my career but also bring a sense of peace and stability to my life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to create lasting memories with my kids through fun activities like concerts, beach trips, and visits to Bush Gardens and festivals, and I appreciate the wonderful staff at my favorite sushi restaurants. I also enjoy unwinding with relaxing activities such as listening to soothing music, lounging by the pool, and taking spa days, as well as spending quality time with my boyfriend on vacation.
Legacy: What message or impact do you hope to leave through your music?
My faith has been a guiding light in my life, and I strive to put God at the center of every decision. I believe that life’s unexpected twists and turns are opportunities for growth, and I try to surround myself with loving and supportive people. As a music teacher and artist in Sarasota, I aim to leave a lasting legacy of kindness and authenticity. I’m not perfect, but I’m committed to following through on my promises and encouraging others to pursue their passions. I hope to inspire young people and raise my kids to be compassionate, driven, and productive individuals. As a role model, I recognize the importance of perseverance and hard work, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to share my story with others, including speaking at Career Day at Myakka Elementary, and being a Judge for talent shows.
Photos from Sarah Santiago & The Suncoast Post