Fun Facts

FAVORITE MEMORY: When I was three years-old, my Grandpa Nino Pinto used to pretend his hand was a spider across the table! I looked at him and said, “You’re gonna be a sorry kid!!” I treasure that memory with all my heart especially since he passed away when I was five years-old.

FAVORITE INSTRUMENT: Well, even though I have played the piano for 20 years (YIKES!!) my favorite instrument is the cello!

WORST SUBJECT IN HIGH SCHOOL: Hands down….anything above pre-algebra!! (Geometry & Algebra II) Even my tutor knew that as hard as I tried, math would never be my calling.

TO CHEERLEAD OR NOT TO CHEERLEAD: Yes, I must admit. I was a cheerleader in Junior High and for one year in High school! Our school football team won the championship that year!! I decided not to continue because singing was #1 in this girl’s heart.

BROKEN BONES? OH yes, I have broken my thumb…doing a CARTWHEEL!!! And I have broken my leg falling off a chairlift at Mammoth Mountain. Goodness…I should really stick with music.

BEST SPORT: My best sport by far is boxing and kickboxing. However I am determined to bring out the inner-athlete in me!

MOST MEMORABLE SINGING MOMENT: My very first concert for the album release of “Angel Eyes” back in 1993. I remember working so hard that when the actual event occured, it flew by. I will never forget the rush I had when performing and thinking that I could do this for the rest of my life.

FIRST BOYFRIEND: Oh dear…I was about 15 years-old and the only “date” we could have was sitting in front of the TV with my parents!

80’s TRENDS: I had HUGE bangs, wore the double socks (two different colors of course), jeans that zipped up on the bottom sides (only Guess Jeans of course), Scrunchies! Oh, Wet Seal was my favorite store because everything matched! And let’s not forget nylons with everything!

FIRST SONG PERFORMED: I wrote a song when I ran for Junior High Activities Director! I re-wrote “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” with words encouraging students to vote for Mandie! I even had back up singers who did hand motions…those were the days!

MEETING MY HUBBY: We actually met a long time ago but reunited at my home church. Our first date was on January 16th, 2002!!

FAVORITE ICE CREAM: Cookie and Cream

DANCE FLOOR ANYONE? Only songs like “Play That Funky Music White Boy” and “Brick House” get me on the dance floor! And let’s not forget “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

STAGE FRIGHT? Yes, I had stage fright. In fact, I was incredibly boring on stage. My parents used to tease me about how often I would say “REALLY” & “ACTUALLY”. Ugh! It wasn’t until I worked with Tom Jackson from World Vision that I was able to kick that habit and learn to communicate. I officially got over stage fright when I sang the National Anthem at Dodger Stadium in 1993. (I was 15!!) Looking at thousands of people shook that habit REAL quick!!

VISION BLUES: Oh my, I have horrible vision! These baby blues are real, but if I didn’t have contacts I would kill myself either by driving or running into things (which I most recently did a few weeks ago in the middle of the night leaving a bump on my head for a few days!)

KIDS? The famous question…do we want kids and when? Of course my husband and I want kids all in God’s timing. When? I have no clue but it will be sooner than later!

BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUCENCE: My biggest musical influences by far are three men that God placed in my life. Steve Siler, Robby Robinson and Mark Vogel. Each person carried strengths that I have now incorporated into my life. I am a blessed woman to know the talents and minds of these men.

DESERTED ISLAND: What would I take with me?? Well, considering God is everywhere…My husband!!!

MOST EMBARSSING STAGE MOMENT: I had just been announced as the guest singer at my church (I was about 16 years-old) and I entered from the pew up the stairs. I was borrowing my mom’s shoes (which were a little big for me) and as I walked up the stairs to the piano, one of my shoes completely fell off my foot! I looked back at the congregation, smiled, shrugged my shoulders and made an “oops!” face as I slipped back into my shoe. At that moment, I realized how an audience can get nervous when an artist has one of those “moments”. It’s up to an artist to make the audience feel comfortable knowing that even when something embarrassing or awkward happens, you can laugh and relax about it!

MY ADVICE FOR OTHER ARTISTS/PERFORMERS: Be tenacious about everything…but be patient and open-minded to what the Lord has in store. His timing is pertfect and every second of your career is in His hands. Trusting God and being self-motivated go hand-in-hand. If God is calling you to a lifetime of artistry, then be prepared for the ups and downs. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. PLAN ahead and try to remember that you are the privileged one. Never, EVER consider yourself better than anyone else. Take the time to know your audience (talk with them, make conversation, show that you are only “human” just like them). Walk in grace and be humble. Have accountability and ask those who know you best to challenge and edify you. PRAY for God’s instruction and promptings in your life. And lastly, if you truly believe God has spoken to you directly and desires for you to pursue this journey, stay the course and choose your paths wisely. He will never fail you!!!