Justo Almario, Joe Rotondi, Chris Blondal + Eric Sittner @ The Harmony Room

Saturdays at The Harmony Room are where the good times live. Justo Almario, Joe Rotondi, Chris Blondal and Eric Sittner are performing live jazz at The Harmony Room on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 7PM. Come enjoy a good time with us! 

Justo Almario: A native of Colombia, Justo Almario was only 19 years old when he was awarded a full scholarship to study at the prestigious Berklee School of Music.  While a student, he was discovered by Mongo Santamaria, who subsequently sought him out to work as the band’s musical director.  

During the making of one of Mongo’s records, Roy Ayers was present, and offered him the opportunity to tour internationally, which led to several recordings together over the years. These opportunities launched a long and prestigious career that now define him, and would prove formidable in his future success.

Justo has worked with the biggest names in music, including Freddie Hubbard, Patrice Rushen, Herb Alpert, Dave Grusin, Abraham Laborial, George Duke, and Gospel music stars Andre Crouch, and Bebe Winans. He continues to be a much sought after recording artist both in the US and internationally.

His musical presence can also be heard on numerous Grammy awarded records in multiple Genres, and Almario is equally respected as a producer, having consulted with Charles Mingus on a Cumbia Jazz Fusion record in 78, which is considered to be one on Mingus’ best works.  He most recently co-produced Jose Rizo’s  Jazz and the Latin Side All Stars Vol 1.

A multi-instrumentalist of the highest caliber, Mr. Almario has mastered the soprano and tenor saxophones, clarinet and flute, and has taught in clinics throughout the United States, as well as in Sweden, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

In 2009 Justo performed and recorded with Master Jazz Guitarist Kenny Burrell, who initiated the UCLA Jazz Studies Program and in 2009, Justo was asked to join him, which began his career as Professor of the Jazz Saxophone Studies where he still teaches, and personally mentors his students in both performance and jazz improvisation.

Justo’s own recordings are still in high demand, and he is currently working on a Folk record that will be reminiscent of his younger years in his home country – Colombia

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Joe Rotondi: Joe began at an early age studying piano with his father, Joe Rotondi Sr., and continued his musical studies at Los Angeles Community College. He has performed and recorded with many Latin and Latin Jazz greats in his musical career, including Vikki Carr, Linda Ronstadt, Herb Alpert, Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Tito Nieves, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, Sheila E., and Michael Bublè, among others. He was also the keyboardist on the Paul Rodriguez TV show, and played on the "Dirty Dancing" and "Mambo Kings" soundtracks.

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Chris Blondal: Originally from Vancouver, Chris is an active member of the Los Angeles music community working in many different genres. He has performed, recorded and toured with a wide variety of artists, such as: The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Pete Christlieb, Chris Standring, Brad Rabuchin, Bob Sheppard, Cathy Segal-Garcia’s nonet, Katisse Buckingham, film composer/trumpeter Mark Isham, The Soul of John Black, David Garfield, Ann King, (film composer) Bobby Johnson, (film composer) Rolf Kent, 15 years with Rhapsody in Tap, Joe Rotondi, Tamir Hendleman, Chuck Manning, Justo Almario, Lee Secard. Chris also played with 50’s rock and roll legends Bo Diddley, the Diamonds and the Coasters. As a studio artist, he has recorded on a variety soundtracks for major motion pictures, including: Fight Club, Nurse Betty, Gun Shy, The Slums of Beverly Hills, Wild Wild West, and appeared recently in the opening credits for Monday Night Football with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Hank Williams Jr., Peter Cetera, and Bootsy Collins.

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Eric Sittner: Eric Sittner originally hails from Chicago, and has lived in Los Angeles for the last 16 years. He has traveled around the world and played with numerous artists locally and abroad. He is equally adept at both upright and electric bass, dedicated to taking great care and consideration to the musical moment with each note he plays. He currently tours with vocalist Patti Austin, and plays with composer/jazz pianist Vardan Ovsepian and his jazz chamber ensemble, and many other amazing musicians around the LA area.

Admission is $15. Ticket purchase options are now expanded- Feel free to purchase tickets online at our Eventbrite page here between now until August 12 5PM PST, or purchase tickets at the door via cash or card on the date of the performance. Light refreshments will be available. Feel free to bring a beverage or snack of your own to enjoy. See you there! Bring a friend!

📸: Justo Almario Photography by Angela Torres Photography

2109 Chickasaw Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90041

The Harmony Room @ St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Eagle Rock

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