VIENNA — The second concert of "A Little Summer Music in Vienna" series at 3 p.m. Sunday offers Jazz featuring Rick Montalbano, John Rohde and Jimmy Johns.
The Historical Association of Vienna event is in the Vienna Methodist Church, 2089 State Route 49. Donations to the Historical Association are "always thankfully appreciated." A reception follows the concert.
Series coordinator Stephen Carpenter said the trio of Montalbano on piano, Rohde on alto saxophone, and Johns on vibraphone has been performing in Central New York for about 10 years, including Wednesday’s at Pastabilities in Syracuse, and Turning Stone casino.
"These professionals at the top of their form will present the second concert in our series. They bring a wealth of experience," he said.
Montalbano is a pianist, organist, composer and arranger working with a long list of Jazz greats from Doc Cheatham, Churck Mangione to Phil Woods, Jaco Pastorius, and Clark Terry. Rick toured for many years with Lou Rawls. Besides appearing at various jazz venues and operating the "Music Factory" recording studio, Rick teaches jazz piano at Colgate University, Hamilton College, and Syracuse University. He is the assistant director of the Central New York, Jazz Orchestra and has played and recorded with the Syracuse Symphony.
Rohde, was born in Little Rock, Ark., and moved to Syracuse as a toddler. Music lessons started early and continued into his years in Syracuse Schools. He received a BM in MuEd from the Crane School in Potsdam. While teaching in Syracuse City Schools he began playing and studying with Central New York performers Joe Magnarelli, Sal Amico, Jimmy Johns, Joel Weiskopf and Rick Montalbano. Moving to New York City, he studied at Queens College with Jimmy Heath and Donald Byrd receiving an MA in performance. He was employed as an instructor and administrator for a Catholic school music program. Once back in Syracuse, John teamed with Joe Carello to create "The Band Bus", a music program that provides private schools in the area with band programs.
Rohde’s performance credits include the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Central New York Jazz Orchestra, and guest soloists Clark Terry, Bob Mintzer, Slide Hampton, and touring shows such as Don Rickles, The Manhattan Transfer, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Clay Aiken and Frank Sinatra Jr. Rohde studied at Berklee College with Joe Hunt and is Adjunct Instructor in Drumset at Colgate University, Hamilton College and LeMoyne College Instructor of Percussion at Signature Music. He performs at Syracuse Jazzfest, Rochester Jazzfest, Turning Stone Casino, Foxwoods, and Syracuse Stage.
Johns, vibraphonist and drummer is a free-lance Central New York musician. His performance credits include Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, Slam Stewart, J.R. Monterose, Sal Amico, Joe Pazzarelli.
Part of the Vienna Historical Association’s charter objectives is to provide cultural and educational as well as historical opportunities for the people of Vienna and the immediate region.
