THE BIG BAND SOUND OF THE RICHMOND JAZZ BAND WAS SCHEDULED TO PLAY ON THE VILLAGE GREEN BUT HAD TO BE MOVED INSIDE THE LIBRARY because of inclement WEATHER.
The Richmond Jazz Band was in rare form Saturday during their latest big band presentation at the Chester Library under the banner “Spring into Music.”
It was an important concert for the band as their Music Director Gilberto (Bam Bam) Rodriguez led his last concert. He and his fellow musician, wife Bertha Rodriguez, will be leaving the band to return to their home in Puerto Rico. It made for a very bittersweet last performance for the pair.
With thumping RJB and glad cheers, the audience of over 100 jazz admirers enjoyed many favorites such as
TINA QUINONES
LORI AND JAY GRANDIN ATTENDED THE CONCERT WITH FRIENDS RITA AND DAVID SEVERIN.
“Mack the Knife,” “Orange-Colored Sky,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Janet Hazelgrove and Reggie Henderson joined for vocals on some of the pieces.
The band performed for more than two hours to a very enthusiastic audience inside the open area of the library. The Chesterfield County Public Library, Friends of the Library, and the Chesterfield Cultural Arts Foundation presented this performance to the public. Charla Armstead attended the performance and commented about how much she and her family have enjoyed these events. “They have wonderful programs here at the library; we’ve enjoyed so many of them,” she said.
The 20-piece band is made up entirely of volunteer musicians and music enthusiasts. The band covers everything from standard jazz and big band to Latin, rock, and contemporary styles. To contact the band, search for Richmond Jazz Band on Facebook.
MARY BELCHER AND MARGARET
WELLEFORD.
