Our 2nd and 4th Wednesdays "Local Artist Spotlight" series continues as acclaimed alto saxophonist & composer, Bobby Selvaggio, returns to BLU with a self-titled segment, "A Tune & Conversation with Friends," featuring renowned Akron guitarist & international recording artist, Dan Wilson, as special guest!
Bobby Selvaggio is one of the leading alto saxophone voices on today’s jazz scene. In the words of pianist Kenny Werner, “Bobby is among the best of players out there,” and legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano praises Bobby by calling him “one of the few young saxophonists on the scene today that captures you with his strong presence, focus, and sound.”
Bobby, who grew up in the Cleveland area, earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Kent State University. He eventually moved to New York City and earned a master’s degree in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music. While in New York, Bobby studied with Joe Lovano, Bobby Watson, Dick Oatts, and Maria Schneider.
After living in New York City and gigging around town at places like the Vanguard, Smalls, and Birdland for four years, Bobby decided to move back to Cleveland with his family. Northeast Ohio has become his home base of operations where Bobby has toured extensively throughout the US and Canada with various working ensembles and musicians. He has dedicated himself to keeping jazz alive in Cleveland and his passion for jazz education has led him to serve as Director of Jazz Studies at Kent State University.
Guitarist Dan Wilson has been touring nationally and internationally with three-time Grammy nominated jazz organ legend, Joey DeFrancesco. Dan’s composition, “Who Shot John” was featured on Joey’s 2015 release, “Trip Mode.” Dan can also be heard on the Grammy-nominated “Project Freedom,” by Joey Defrancesco & The People, released in 2017. In April of 2017, Dan joined legendary bassist Christian Mcbride’s “Tip City.”
In addition to touring with Joey DeFrancesco, Wilson has enjoyed the honor of sharing the stage with many jazz greats including Eric Marienthal, Russell Malone, Les Mcann, Christian Mcbride, and Dave Stryker.
Experience our new 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at BLU as we feature some of our wonderful local talent – get your tickets now!