After four decades of traveling the world with their respective bands, Organist Fred Costello and Multi-Reedist Roger Eckers, have joined forces to form the most exciting jazz duo in the area. Fred & Roger played together in the 1970’s when both ended up in Rochester after years of traveling. They then formed their own bands and didn’t perform together until a recent night club engagement where they decided to pool their talents and form this unique duo. The new affiliation has proved very successful and in demand throughout the Rochester area. Their unique sound and unlimited repertoire impress fans and fellow musicians alike.
Fred Costello, a Syracuse native, is best known as the longtime organist for the Rochester Red Wings, but has a storied jazz career including eleven years on the road with appearances in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Hollywood, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.
Fred has written and recorded for Alexander Film Studios, and has been featured in Newsweek, USA Today, NY Times and TV Guide. He has been awarded the Critics Choice Award, the Press-Radio Award, The Spirit of the International League Award and was elected to the Rochester Walk Of Fame. His autobiography, “A Lifetime Of Nightclubs & Ballparks” was released in 2010. His latest CD “Anthology”, was released last year.
Roger Eckers, a Minneapolis native, received his Master’s and PhD from Eastman School of Music and has performed with numerous jazz greats including Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Monty Alexander, Junior Mance and Urbie Green. He has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, NBC Ice Capades and Diana Ross & the Supremes.
Roger has recorded three albums and his quartet and big band have appeared in just about every venue in Rochester. He is an artistic clinician for UMI and each year is a featured performer at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival in the Caribbean. He has performed there with Chick Corea, Herbie Mann and Grover Washington.
Website: http://www.FredCostello.com
Location: The School of Rock Stage at 27 Atkinson Street
Time: Saturday, 12:10 pm – 1:40 pm
