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The family section:
Many artists have stories of broken homes and adversity that turned them to music as an escape and refuge. This is something that I admire and respect greatly, yet I am not that artist. There is a reason why my music is considered “feel good” music. This is because, as rare as it seems, I grew up in a nurturing home filled with unconditional love. Thus, the first member of the Tiamo “Hall of Fame” is the one always at the top of my list, my Mother, France Barringer. Throughout my entire life, my Mom has constantly reinforced me by telling me how much I am loved, how great I am, and how much she believes in me. It is no accident that because of this, I love myself and glow with confidence. If everyone had a Mom like mine, the world would be in harmony and peace.
Thank you to my Father, Franco De Vettori, who has always stayed connected to me despite his worldwide travels and has a way of making me feel like a champion. Your love for life and childlike spirit has found itÂ’s way into my essence and of course, the entertainer in me. Thanks for the genes and nudging me on stage when I was child. Because of this encouragement, the stage has become my home.
Thank you to my dear big brother, Kirby. You have made me feel like the only brother in the world and care for me so much. I am so happy that we have remained very close despite the distance. I know you would do anything for me and that is the most comforting feeling anyone could have.
Thank you to my “Dad”, Jerry Barringer, for coming into my life and being such an incredible gift. You are the kindest person I know and have been a shining example of what a dedicated and loving family man is all about. I could not imagine anyone better to be by my Mom’s side. Thank you for treating me like your own and always expecting the best out of me.
Thank you to my wonderful auntÂ’s Yvanne Le Fever, Lidia De Vettori, and Regine Rooney for your hugs, kisses (though I always wiped them away), caring, and constant loving interest in my life. Yvanne, though you are not physically here, I know youÂ’re watching and believing all the way.
To everyone else in my family, know that you are often in my thoughts and have contributed significantly to who I am.
The “Unrelated Siblings” section:
Thank you to one of my best friends of all time, Ray Garrett. Because of you, I picked up a guitar and started writing songs. You saw the talent in me that I didnÂ’t know was there. Thanks for getting me started at open mics and at times, being the only one in the crowd. You and your wife Michelle have given me an army of support and encouragement.
Thank you to another best friend, Debra Weissman, for just being you. I feel so alive when IÂ’m around you and have cherished our walks and talks at 3 AM. Your family and sister, Tamara Weissman, have been a joy in my life.
To Gretchen, thank you for your wonderful spirit and friendship that has been so treasured since the day we started a conversation about dolphins. You were there for every show in Arizona and I will never forget that. Your family (the Keihlbaughs) and sisters, Melissa and Kasi, have been a blessing to me.
Thank you to the “fearsome foursome” of Christian Mikelson, Mark Kaufman, and Kevin Mitchell. Christian, you have been such a great friend, fan, and rock for me. My shows are not the same without you. Mark, ever since our Camp Wildcat days at the University of Arizona, you have been a big part of my evolution as a performer and person. Kevin, thanks for your initial involvement with Live Out Loud Music and being such a loyal and great friend.
Thank you to my good friend and "My Space Consultant", Aurora Velasco, for always recruiting people to my shows and contributing so much time and effort to the cause.
Thank you to Juanita for our soul connection and celebrating the power of the unseen with me. We are always on another plane together.
Laurie, Bonnie, Drew, and Geneva, you have remarkable energy and I don’t know if I’ve ever been around such evolved and loving people as you. We make an amazing team and I am looking forward to the “Love Tour”.
Thank you to Donna Dawn for being a part of the original “Team Tiamo”. You helped me so much to get the ball rolling.
Thank you to Elizabeth Compiseno and Wendy Robinson. Some of my favorite memories are about us in our pajamas, talking about members of the opposite sex until at least one of us falls asleep (usually me).
Thank you to Sean Stephenson whose friendship is so valuable and cherished. You have such an empowering and memorable gift to give to the world and IÂ’m blessed to be a part of it.
Thank you to Alma at the Hot Monkey Love Caf in San Diego who has backed aspiring artists like me unlike any other venue owner around.
Thank you to Kelly Martin for listening to all of my songs and being there for the first ones.
Thank you to the very first “fan club” I have ever had, Mark Stephens, Brooke Bagwell, and Russ Versteg. While there were times when the room was empty, you made it feel like a sell out crowd.
Thank you to Keli Geckler, for being such a great fan and always sitting in the front row at my shows. When I forget my lyrics, you are always there to help me with my lip reading skills.
Ally Ortiz, I can always count on your wonderful support and spirit at my shows.
Barbara Leuin, you have always told me that I was going to be a star and I thank you for all the work, advice, and friendship that you have offered. Together, we will make the world better and I hope to open for you at your magnificent arena-filled speeches.
Thank you to Heidi Stephenson for our new friendship and sharing in the joy of great music and poetry.
Thank you Erin Nelson for being in my life and staying in contact with me despite being on opposite ends of the country.
Thank you to Stephanie Martel for all your support and encouragement.
To those that I have lost touch with over the years such as Jennifer Seabring, Chad Landgraf, Larry Johnson, Robert Gonzalez, and Chaz Smith, know that I still think of you often and hope that our paths will again cross. To anyone else not mentioned here, know that I could go on forever mentioning people special to me, but space is limited- except for the space in my heart.
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