Sat 8/2 @ 7PM & 9:30PM
Cleveland alto sax player Bobby Selvaggio is one of the area’s master musicians, leading several ensembles he’s formed to perform his music in variety of formats, fueled by his rich background and his passion for jazz. After earning his bachelor’s degree at Kent State University, he moved to New York City for his master’s in jazz performance at the Manhattan School of Music. There he had the opportunity to stretch his chops and musical ideas studying and performing with some top jazz artists. When he moved back, he became a major catalyst for the northeast Ohio jazz scene, performing, recording and ensuring jazz’s future in his role as Kent State University’s Director of Jazz Studies.
When he came back to Cleveland in the 90s, he put together an octet called Red Rhinoceros as an outlet for his composing which had a residency at the old BOP STOP location before disbanded. In recent years, he’s revived the concept, which he describes as a “modern jazz chamber ensemble.” He’s gathered seven of his fellow musicians to play his compositions and arrangements in a variety of jazz styles. In addition to himself, it includes AJ Kluth on tenor sax; Betty Jean Quimby on baritone sax and bass clarinet; Tommy Lehman on trumpet; Zack Warren on Trombone; Zakk Jones on electric guitar; Kevin Martinez on electric bass; and Zaire Darden on drums.
The band will be back at the current BOP STOP, where Selvaggio is a frequent performer, to do a live recording to expand his already extensive discography. There will be two separate seatings, although you get a healthy discount for buying tickets to both. Go here to get them.