Geoff Gary, known to most by his stage name, Mr Free, has lived everywhere from Cairo to Tokyo and held many diverse jobs along the way—one valet job at a Kauai hotel even led him to freestyle rap for the rock band Creed. “They came to stay at the hotel and we ended up kickin’ it,” remembers Free. “One thing led to another, and I rhymed for them.” Free, who first began dabbling in hip-hop during his time at the University of Maine, was moved by the band’s response to his lyrics. “I never really took it too seriously until I met Creed,” he says. “They even said to me, before they even heard my music, ‘Do you do anything musical? Because you have the presence of a star.’ … That’s what got me started—kind of this belief in me that transcended my own belief.” Following their serendipitous meeting, Creed’s lead vocalist/lyricist, Scott Stapp, took Free under his wing—a mentorship that would eventually lead to Free opening for Creed and rapper Common on tour. Currently based in Santa Cruz, Free’s energetic reggae-infused tracks are reminiscent of the boom bap-style prevalent in East Coast hip-hop, which is characterized by a hard bass drum and snapping snare. Thought-provoking lyrical content is the foundation for his danceable hits, like “Not Guilty” off his latest album, Edge. In the song, Free puts the planet on trial, and everyone—from Bob Marley to Gandhi—comes to testify. While he acknowledges that dirty club bangers are often the big money-makers, Free favors quality over quantity. “As a writer, there’s times when I’m listening to a beat and I’m like, I could easily make a raunchy song to this,” he explains, “but no, let me choose a different path and really stand firm and say something.”

Jasper Andrew

From the day we showed up and got a glance at what we were working with we knew we had our work cut out for us. Taking over a program which graduated all but 1 player, and a JV team that lost every game the previous year was a pretty good indication that we were in for it.  One of the areas most touted incoming freshman made a last minute decision to enroll at Harbor once news of the change got out.  This, at the very least, gave us some hope for the future.

Joseph Scalcini

Well things have taken shape.  And yes…we are 0-8.  If I could capitalize numbers..I would 0-8!!!! I’ve never lost like this in anything I’ve been affiliated with.  It’s been quite a challenge finding how much emphasis to put on winning, when every game we enter into we are outmatched at every position.  But the spirit in me is careful to not allow a ‘losers mentality’ to accumulate on our roster.  And so far the kids have truly battled.

After our 1st tournament here in the Santa Cruz area, many parents and local hoops fans went out of their way to express how much they enjoy watching our guys compete.  Ragtag as they are, the boys have heart.  Even down a bunch in the 4th, they keep fighting and that’s where I’ve been striving to pat guys on their backs. However, I will say, after making great strides in that tourney, we came out and laid an egg, losing by 47 in the opening round of the next tournament.

Needless to say, that was a looong ride home.  I now understand why so many of these coaches end up with some sort of heart issues later in their careers. This business is certainly not for the faint of heart.

After a sound talking to, they came out and played their best two games of the season so far.

Travis Langley

In the peripheral, many folks in my community rallied to make strong contributions to our program so we could kick off the new campaign with new uniforms.  That alone, showed not only the players, but the people in the community that something new and (hopefully) exciting is taking place over here.  Couple that with the (at least) weekly yoga sessions we’ve been practicing, and some forthcoming pilates as well, it’s been a nice balance of athletics and spirit.

I can only hope the ripple effect will be tangible in the next few years to come, as this losing shit is for the birds! Stay tuned ya’ll…and those who pray…put one in the air for your boy!! Go Pirates!

COACH Free

All photos compliments of Paul Firenzi at MVP Photography

The beauty of vacation was, I really didn’t have ANY decisions to make for the last 10 days.  However, the backlash to that is, the decision making part of my brain has by grossly malnourished.  I’ve had more than a few laughs at myself as some of the more simple crossroads have given rise to extended deliberation.

Its not all bad though, the island vibrations are still very much at the core of my movements, as a few last second monkey-wrenches have thrown onto my coaching plate, yet my mentality has been “Deep breath”..”And so it is.”  A few weeks ago, I may have lost a lock or two stressing over these matters.

That being said, it is now time to gear up for the upcoming season.  As my 1st at the helm, there are more question marks than exclamations.  Especially when it comes to talent on our roster.  Regardless, in a matter of one week, all of the ideas will now be given the opportunity to take shape.  As a firm believer in the creative trinity Thought-Word-Action.  I am chomping at the bit to begin intertwining mindfulness with sport.  I remember being absolutely astonished at my body’s capabilities after 1week of yoga.  Yet equally disappointed that I was 21 years old and finished with my playing career.

Of course I enter this affair with extreme optimism, but a good part of the journey will be witnessing what works…and what doesn’t.  Ideas are beautiful, and I have no shortage to those.  But execution, that remains to be seen.

In all these areas…Only Time Will Tell.  I am certainly excited, anxious, and a myriad of other emotions about these forthcoming days.  Yet here, in the present, I am thankful as can be for the spiritual tune up I just received in St. Thomas.  The time for talk is now subsiding.  Action is now upon us!

Bless

As previously stated, I managed to make my way out to the island of St. Thomas.  Little did I know, that my friend whom I was visiting happened to be living in his own private resort!

His spot was gorgeous.  Nestled into a hillside, it overlooked the ocean and provided panoramic views from his poolside deck.  Toss in the “pool room” complete with pool table and flat screen tv, conveniently located at the shallow end of the pool, and you’ve got all the fixings of paradise!

View from the Deck

My primary motivation was to be WARM for the duration of my stay.  St. Thomas accommodated just right.  Every day was a pleasant 85 with a cool sea breeze.  According to my host, my timing was perfect, as it was apparently humid and muggy just before I arrived.  Needless to say, this made for ideal beach weather, and when in search of white sand beaches one doesn’t have to look far to be dazzled in ST.

Of the 7 beaches I went to..Yes 7!!, not one of them disappointed in any way shape or form.  The sand alone was the stuff vacations are made of.  Not to mention there are random, different sized islands sprinkled off the coasts.  So depending on which side of the island you’re on, your view changes drastically when gazing out at the ocean.  My initial intent was to take some time and work on a few songs, as nature continues to not only inspire me, but also give a bit of clarity and space to create from the core.  However, this go round, I think I put my headphones on twice during my entire stay, as I purposefully chose to simply listen.  Listen to the water, the wind…the laughter of the children…and the bickering of the parents!  It was all a part in the sensational experience of the island.

It took me a day or two to realize, contrary to my initial beliefs, St. Thomas is very much America.  Although the culture has strong Caribbean influences, from Puerto Rico to India, at the core of the surroundings are all the familiar sights one would come across back home.  Foot-Locker, Wendy’s, Hooters , etc.  At 1st I was a bit put off by this, as I’d been hoping for a ‘wholly other’ experience.  But it didn’t take long to grow on me.

Island Eats

The one cultural element that I was openly anticipating to engage in was EATING.  From my trips to Jamaica, I had very high expectations of what was to come in the food category.  Once again, it took a few days to find the spots, but once I did, the possibilities seemed endless, and my belly was the only obstacle between me and taste heaven, as I simply couldn’t fit all the goods in in such a short stay. Pictured here, was my plate from G&G aka ‘The Black Truck.’  This was the exact dish I’d envisioned from back in Cali; Ox Tail, DUMPLIN, Mac n Cheese, Cabbage, some Yam, & Rice n Peas.. words do no justice to the pleasure I experienced when eating this.  Nor the ‘itis’ I had after!  As much as I wanted to eat, it didn’t take me long to realize I was best off, eating something light for breakfast, and then having 1 solid meal around 2/3 o’clock that would last me the day.  The food was so hearty and proportions so large, this was all I could stomach.  Aside from G&G which was the best on the island, I also indulged in a lil Texas BBQ Pit and a Puerto Rican spot that had fried plantains! Heaven ya’ll…heaven!

Trunk Bay, St John

Oddly enough, as much of a traveler that I am, I’d somehow forgotten about that initial acclimation period.  The 1st 2 days or so, I felt extremely out of place, as if an outsider trying to learn the secret codes of communication.  I probably talked to all of 3 people other than my boys friends.  However, something clicked on that 3rd day, where the island began to have its’ way with me.  I not only felt a little more comfortable in my own skin, but also adept to my surroundings and more “me” so to speak.  That was when the magic of traveling, and doing so there in St. Thomas, all started to take shape.

The people are absolutely beautiful.  Engaging on a whim.  Witty as all get out.  And insightful beyond words.  Interacting with them brought out the best of me.  As much as I love me some Santa Cruz, there were dynamics that I was expressing from the pit of my being that seem to be overlooked in my day to day living in Cali.  And above all, the people are much more friendly and considerate.  To not say “Good Afternoon” to someone when passing by or entering a room is considered extremely rude.  Of course, it’s easier to be friendly when you LIVE in the tropics, but still, the folks truly brought my island experience to life.

Squitooos

Just when you thought I was basking in utopia…allow me to inject a piece of reality.  Mosquitos love foreign blood.  I woke after my 2nd day with no less than 75 bites scattered about on my legs, arms, shoulders..NECK?!?!  Ridiculous.  From that day forward I slept, dowsed in Off, with a bug zapper disguised as a tennis racket at my bedside.  I’d imagine by the end of my stay, we were about even.  Me, in a vengeful rage…and they in their night stalkings.  So yes, even in my most peaceful state, I was at war.

Although my motivations were primarily basketball and mind/body/soul alignment, I’d be a fool to not capitalize on the opportunity to spread the word about my music.  A little hustle supplied me with the opportunity to rock the mic at the islands’ most prominent night club, Fat Turtle on a Friday night. Although my presence came as a surprise to most, it didn’t take long for the folks to shift gears from that top 40 listening, to my material and still keep it moving.  That was a beautiful sight to behold, watching people look up at the stage, go through their own mental evaluations and then decide, “Hell Yes, this is hot…I”m dancing!”

After rocking, the rest of the night took on new life, as we were VIP.  Kicking it backstage, then allowed into the next club after it was “closed.” We ended up kicking it with a whole bunch a jewelers and their lil lady friends for the night.  Turned out, the owners of the club were from Tel Aviv. A place I spent a couple weeks in.  Needless to say, the night lit up from the moment we made that connection!

As my vacation was winding down, I had one last hurrah before setting sail for the mainland.  A guest appearance on the islands’ most prominent radio station, 105 Jamz.  The interview went well to say the least.  And once the DJ (Tony T) got a listen to my music, he was all about the cause.  Made mention of putting me in rotation, which is always lovely for an up and comer like myself.  After banging a couple of my tunes, I made sure to thank the people of the island for playing their part in assisting in my alignment and sharing the good spirits that they have.  And on that note….I exited stage left!

Full of life, light and purpose, I now return to Santa Cruz ready to shape the lives of a handful of young men. Thank You St. Thomas for the energetic enhancement!

Last Sunset

DJ Sarasa, Shux Wun, A Homey, Mr Free

Well, following the biggest natural disaster in world history a few months ago here, things got pretty difficult. I lost a lot of students (not perished, just stopped taking lessons) and lost video clients. People were not focused on the extras, just their immediate needs and watching their pockets closely. Aside from losing over 20,000 people to the tsunami there are tons of people who survived but now have no home. Then to add to that, so many people who were unaffected by the quake and tsunami but forced to evacuate their cities due to the radiation in their areas… so needless to say, it’s a bad situation for a lot of people here still.

Tokyo was virtually unaffected, however, the initial fear of radiation affected everyone here. I left Tokyo for awhile and stayed in Osaka, as did thousands of others who were unsure about the actual reach of the radiation. The government here did a very good job of keeping their people in the dark about everything, so a lot of people decided to either leave the country or go farther south until further notice…
I left because within the first two days after the quake I found out that all the foreign embassy offices here had moved their locations to Osaka… so what’s good for them is good for me I figured. Also, all the convenience stores and supermarkets in my area got completely wiped clean of dried foods, because we were facing electrical blackouts and our refrigerated foods became a problem. People panicked, hording and whatnot, although in a much more peaceful manner than what would have happened stateside… nobody was robbing and stealing to get theirs here, from what I know of. However, the greed was blatant although more polite.  I bounced south and Osaka was perfectly fine, no problem finding food and nobody seemed concerned about radiation.

After a bit of research it was realized that the radiation levels were very minimal in Tokyo (but that doesn’t include the thousands of gallons of contaminated water dumped into the ocean and potentially affecting our seafood). I returned to Tokyo and things back in the neighborhood were better at the supermarkets and whatnot, but still a very tense feeling in the air about what we all are really facing concerning the radiation. Upon more research I realized that even if there were radiation affecting us, it wouldn’t be a health risk for another 15 or so years as something like cancer may develop, but that would be the extreme case in being exposed to a high level on a daily basis. As of now, even American and other foreign experts are reporting a “no health risk” situation for this region. So, I feel a bit better but not completely at ease… but enough to keep me here I guess.


If you’re interested in seeing more…Shux put together a few videos as well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5kX6Ifu0sc  (March 14th 2011)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-aH4zfXLYY (April 3rd 2011)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EvR7qU9MYo (April 23rd 2011)


Keep Japan in your prayers!