LOWER LAKE — High school students will share the stage with Rob Verdi on Feb. 24, for a guest artist program that will include custom arrangements that put students center stage.
The performance will be held at the Lower Lake High School (LLHS) Gym at 7 p.m.
Verdi launched the show entitled Saxophobia in 2006, which offered audiences a glimpse at some of the most unusual saxophones manufactured and pays tribute to legendary artists who contributed to the development of jazz and the popularity of the saxophone, according to music teacher Cydney Dixon.
Some of the instruments featured include a tiny curved soprano saxophone, straight tenor, C melody, connosax, slide saxophone, Grafton plastic alto and a 6-?-feet-tall contrabass, which Verdi is featured playing on the soundtrack of “Horton Hears A Who.”
Together, Verdi and the school”s musicians will explore a repertoire covering a half of a century of musical styles including songs of the Roaring 20s, hits from the swing era and popular jazz standards, Dixon stated.
“Throw in a little Pink Panther, Tequila and Yakety Sax just for fun and you”ve got an educational, historical and entertaining presentation,” Dixon stated.
Verdi holds a music education degree from Arizona State University. In 1983, he helped form the Side Street Strutters Jazz Band, which continues to present formal concerts throughout the country.
Verdi performs regularly at the Disneyland Resort. He is active in a variety of Los Angeles area musical projects and conducts clinics and workshops for the Disney Magic Music Days Guest Talent program.
Tickets for the concert cost $10 and will also include a performance by the LLHS concert band and jazz band. A spaghetti dinner will be served prior to the concert at 5:30 p.m. for people who purchase a $15 ticket.
For information on tickets, call Dixon at 994-6471 ext. 2779. To use a credit card, call Holly Ingalls at 994-6471 ext. 2702.
