social studies

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PRESS RELEASE Link for Video on YouTube.com: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: "Man On A Wire" - Captivating Tribute Music Video for Nik Wallenda by Sarasota Songwriter Rob Satori. Sarasota, Florida - June 19, 2013 -- Long time local musician, vocalist, and songwriter Rob Satori, has released a new music video tribute to Nik and Karl Wallenda. Satori was inspired by Nik's prayerful walk over Niagra Falls that showed his faith so unabashedly on live network television. "It astounded me in these times of political correctness that Nik felt so connected with his maker that he talked to God many times during the treacherous crossing. It was so refreshing. I could feel the network executives cringing with each word he spoke to Jesus, so eloquently and determined, that it made me smile that this young man could actually do this in front of millions and get away with it. I still smile when I think about the innocence and the significance for our time." Rob continued..."I think that is a genuine feat that deserves an ode to his bold success -- both in crossing the falls and making a statement about his belief while no one in the media could do anything about it." It was mind-blowing to see him do this stunt while paying such reverence. I also found his words: "Never Give Up, Never Give In," to be not only powerful, but a wonderful musical phrase. Satori met Nik's legendary Great Grandfather Karl Wallenda in June of 1976 when he was directing the Sarasota High School Admirals Jazz Stage Band. Rob tells of the experience this way: "The Admirals were playing at the Shriner's auditorium that afternoon and I was conducting at the tender age of 17 in place of my music teacher Andy Wright, who had named me music director in his absence. After finishing one of the stage band's standards, I pivoted to face the audience. It was then I noticed Karl Wallenda, this recognizable yet diminutive man approach me from across the dance floor...I knew instantly who HE was, and then he extended his hand to me...ME!...'Oh my gosh, Karl Wallenda is approaching me and wants to shake my hand?' - I thought to myself, and in a heavy German accent Karl said, "I would like to shake your hand for the fine music you are making!" I quickly summoned my composure and blurted out, "You're Karl Wallenda! I should be shaking YOUR hand!" And so I did. It was an experience Satori will never forget. Rob went on to say that "Nik Wallenda is a neighbor of mine and such a nice man. When I presented him the song the other day, he was so gracious." Nik said, "I was listening to the CD in my car on the way to training at Benderson Park." "...as a songwriter, I can't tell you what that means to me. To be in the presence of this famous family I grew up with in Sarasota -- once was taught social studies by Gunther Wallenda at Sarasota Middle School; and at the same time, knowing the tremendous feats of the family...it's a connection that is humbling and yet, 'just plain folks' too." Rob finished by saying, "The only thing that I have in common with Nik - besides living in the same community, is that in a remote way, we are both "men on wires," the vast difference is...that my wires are contained within a piano and perhaps I might stub my finger...not risk my life!"