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Rob Verdi and Saxophobia

jazz/blues

music education
Social Media Links

Artist Bio

Rob Verdi received his musical training from the Arizona State University School of Music in 1984. After a year of enjoying the excitement of teaching junior high band, Rob relocated to Los Angeles to accept a full time position with the Entertainment Division of the Walt Disney Company. His jazz band, the Side Street Strutters entertained guests at Disneyland for 22 years and also presented formal concerts and symphony pops programs in theaters and performing arts centers throughout the US and Europe. In 2008, Rob introduced audiences to “Saxophobia”, a unique show which offered audiences a glimpse at some of the most unusual saxophones every manufactured and recognized a handful of legendary artists who contributed to the development of jazz and the popularity of the saxophone. With the success of Saxophobia, Rob created a new show entitled “SAXsational” which invites local schools to share the stage with him during formal concert presentations. These talented young students and Rob explore a variety of musical styles including popular jazz standards of the swing era, iconic songs associated with the sax, movie and television theme songs and trendy, contemporary pop hits. Rob continues to perform at the Disneyland Resort and is proud to be celebrating his 40th year of entertaining guests in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square. Over the years Mr Verdi has provided music for a variety of Disney red carpet movie premiers and special events and is a clinician for the Disney Imagination Campus Recording Workshop Program. He has performed in dozens of MT communities since 2013 and served as Artist Rep for MPAC for 3 years.

Outreach programs

Saxsational offers student outreach programs designed for each academic level.

 

All School Assembly Programs: Performances will include a variety of well know jazz songs, pop hits and even children’s songs such as super hero melodies and Disney tunes performed on a variety of saxophones. Topics discussed will include jazz history, saxophone history and improvisation. These programs are entertaining, educational and fun and guaranteed to inspire young talent.

 

Master Classes: These programs are presented specifically to music students. Students will be exposed to different jazz and pop styles. There will be discussions on jazz history and influential artists who contributed to the development of jazz. And, there will also be a focus on improvisation including hands on student participation with their instruments.

 

"Your show and interaction with the students was exceptional. We enjoyed it very much." Corpus Christi Live, TX

"You interact so well with the students and put on an entertaining and educational presentation" Camden, AR

"Your tiny sax sounded like a screaming cat on the stairwell of the sinking Titanic" 2nd grader, Savage, MT

Last MPAC showcase

Have you performed in Montana before?

yes

Notes

I offer three different programs:

1. Saxophobia: A varied mix of popular jazz standards and pop favorites featuring a variety of rare and unusual saxophones. This performance is a solo act accompanied by quality backing tracks.

 

2. Saxophobia Quartet: A varied mix of popular jazz standards and pop favorites featuring a variety of rare and unusual saxophones. This performance includes piano, bass and drums. (additional fee)

 

3. Saxsational: This is a guest artist program where your local talent shares the stage with me. Enesembles can include middle school or high school jazz and concert bands, college groups or community bands and orchestras.

Contact Information

Performer Information

Rob Verdi

714-932-5479

Agent Information

Touring Information

Artist is based in:

Los Angeles

CA

USA

Does anyone in the group live in MT or have origins in MT?

Number of people in artist group

1

Hotel rooms needed

1

Authorized to work in the U.S.:

yes

Fee range for public shows

$1,800-$2700

Fee range for outreach performances

$400

Technical Requirements

Tech Rider
Piano required

no

Piano requirement details

Comments on technical requirements

Saxophobia:

. Two microphones and one monitor

• One (1) 8’ table and Two (2) Chairs positioned stage right

• One (1) Black Music stand for ARTIST

 

Saxophobia quartet:

. Three microphones and two monitors

. One piano

• One (1) 8’ table and 3 Chairs positioned stage right

• Three Black Music stands

 

Saxsational:

• Chairs and Black Music Stands to accommodate the number of concert band members

• One (1) Conductors Podium

• One (1) 8’ table and Two (2) Chairs positioned stage right

• One (1) Small work light

• One (1) Black Music stand for ARTIST

AUDIO REQUIREMENTS: Artist can provide audio for small venues but prefer to use venue audio

system.

TWO (2) Microphones, one on straight stand and One on a gooseneck or boom

stand.

ONE (1) Monitor

REHEARSAL REQUIREMENTS: Auditorium should be available for load-in and rehearsal for approximately

four hours on the day of performance.

 

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