Dr. Bobby Rodriguez at the Luckman 2008

~by Dena Burroughs

A Latin Jazz Christmas at the Luckman Theater with Dr. Bobby Rodriguez - Dec 6, 2008

Behind music stands wrapped like presents, musicians wearing Santa hats, and on a freshly holiday decorated Luckman Theater, the Latin Jazz Salsa Big Band of Dr. Bobby Rodriguez welcomed concert attendees to their 11^th consecutive Latin Jazz Christmas concert.

Wearing bright, festive colors, Dr. Rodriguez and his wife Yvonne welcomed singer Niki Haris to share the stage with them for another year, as well as long time friends of Rodriguez, and equally talented musicians, saxophonists Justo Almario and Joe Perez, and arranger Jose Arellano.

Between Salsa and Latin Jazz infused holiday classics, like “Winter Wonderland” and “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,” Rodriguez interacted with the audience and encouraged them to keep the clave by clapping in a 3:2 pattern while staying on beat with the orchestra. At one point, Rodriguez stopped the music momentarily to have the audience pass a candle-adorned cupcake from the stage, and from one row of seats to another, back to his sister in celebration of her birthday.

Because he always makes education a topic during his performances, Rodriguez introduced several of the musicians on stage who are either his present or past pupils. Saxophonist Ricky Hopkins, trumpeter Elliot Deutsch, conga player Remi Spiro, and trombonist Otto Granillo were on that list, as was “second generation” Ermulito Navarro, once a High School music student of Granillo’s. Rodriguez message was that the passion for music and the ability of creating it are passed down from one generation to the next, and that it is the responsibility and the privilege of the elders to keep the chain going.

“Snow” fell on the orchestra during a Joe Perez tenor solo, and bongo player Roberto Belloso got the crowd to giggle with his “piernas locas” dance moves. Niki Haris was certainly a highlight with her strong, soulful vocals in songs such as “Oh Holy Night.”

After wishing the audience a wonderful holiday season, Rodriguez concluded the concert with a flavorful song that made it hard for the audience to keep still. The accomplished trumpet player, his wife, his band, and even Santa waved good bye to a crowd left already in the Christmas spirit.

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