Johnny Rodgers Band headlines School of Music’s centennial Gala

Contact: Meredith Bradford
September 19, 2013
Photo of Johnny Rodgers Band.
Rodgers was a member of vocal jazz ensemble Gold Company as a WMU student.

KALAMAZOO—The Johnny Rodgers Band, led by Western Michigan University alumnus Johnny Rodgers, will headline the School of Music’s Centennial Gala at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. on Kohrman Lawn with a repeat performance of "Fractures of Echos," a new work by Assistant Professor of Electronic Composition Christopher Biggs, commissioned by the School of Music in honor of its centennial. A dessert reception follows Rodgers' performance. All events are free and open to the public.

Johnny Rodgers Band

The Johnny Rodgers Band was formed in New York City in 2003, and its mission is to bring musical depth to new, original songs. They are masters of an array of styles ranging from pop to jazz to classic rock. Music from the Johnny Rodgers Band provides a guided tour of Americana pop, from the piano-driven energy of rock-and-roll to the sophistication of jazz. The ensemble cultivates connections with audiences through performances, discussions, demonstrations and exchange.

The Johnny Rodgers Band has performed and recorded with artists such as Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein, Randy Brecker and Tom Harrell. Besides their own award-winning recordings, this ensemble has been featured on recordings that celebrate Maury Yeston and Jule Styne. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers selected the Johnny Rodgers Band to interpret and perform the music of Billy Joel in a command performance for the "Piano Man" himself in the Allen Room at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. They have also been selected as music ambassadors for the U.S. Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rhythm Road international music tour and other cultural exchange programs.

Members of the band include Rodgers, piano and vocals; Joe Ravo, guitar; Brian Glassman, bass; and Danny Mallon, drums.