Musician includes students during concert

Local band students will get the opportunity to share the stage with Rob Verdi who brings his talent and show of Saxophobia to the Memorial Center on Monday, Jan. 20.

In 2006, Verdi launched Saxophobia, which offers audiences a glimpse at some of the most unusual saxophones ever manufactured. During the show, Verdi pays tribute to legendary artists who contributed to the development of jazz and the popularity of the saxophone.

Some of Verdi’s instruments include a tiny curved soprano sax, straight tenor, C melody, connosax, slide sax, Grafton plastic alto, and a 6-1/2-foot-tall contrabass.

Saxophobia has given high school bands the opportunity to share the stage with Verdi and his rare collection of saxophones. 

This guest-artist program includes custom arrangements and puts students on center stage.

Together, Verdi and talented local musicians will explore a repertoire covering a half-century of musical styles including toe tapping songs of the Roaring ’20s, hits from the swing era, and popular jazz standards. 

Throw in a little Pink Panther, tequila, and yakety sax just for fun, and there will be an educational, historical and entertaining presentation.

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 across the country.

Verdi performs regularly at the Disneyland Resort, 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.

The presentation is made possible through the Heritage Council and local high schools and their band directors.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for Heritage Council members and $5 for students.