Boardman High jazz musicians shine tonight with Buddy Rich Big Band

YOUNGSTOWN

If a band can shine, then that is what the Boardman High School Jazz Ensemble 1 did in opening for the Buddy Rich Big Band Saturday at Edward W. Powers Auditorium.

And appropriately, given Buddy Rich was one of the greatest drummers of the “big band” era, great drummers abounded.

The Buddy Rich Big Band features Emmy Award-winning drummer Gregg Potters, and a couple of BHS Ensemble drummers – senior Nico Ruggieri and junior Jamie Vitullo – set the tone for the group.

Also featured was singer Cathy Rich, Buddy Rich’s daughter, who opened the show with “The Beat Goes On” – which she performed with her father when she was 12, with renowned actress Judy Garland in the audience.

Nico Ruggieri, son of Boardman schools Band Director Thomas M. Ruggieri, had several rousing drum solos and sang in front of the band for two or three tunes, including “Ain’t that a Kick in the Head.”

Jamie played percussion and took over on the drums when Nico was on vocal.

Nearly all of the 23 Ensemble members were featured at some point during their 45-minute set opening for the Buddy Rich band.

Read more about the performance and anothr chance to see the local jazz musicians in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.