The main stage for some of the most talented jazz performers in the country is a venue called Jazz at Lincoln Center. So, it is fitting that Julius Rodriguez, a 16-year-old junior, performed on Oct. 4 in Julius Rodriguez & Friends.  Although Rodriguez has played frequently at Lincoln Center, it was most often as a background player. But tonight, this young jazz musician took on his very own show.

The opportunity for Rodriguez to debut his own band presented itself last December, through his piano teacher and good friend, Johnson Senakwami. Rodriguez said he feels grateful towards Senakwami for believing in him. Rodriguez spoke about his mentor several times during his performance. “I knew this day would come, John told me that one day I would have my very own concert,” Rodriguez said.

While backstage, the dressing rooms buzzed with excited musicians as they conducted last minute warm-ups. His band for the night’s performance was a blend of the five members of Rodriguez’s’ band of two years and five finalists from Young Arts 2014 in Berkley, CA.

In addition to this group of artists, Rodriguez invited tenor saxophonist Sean Nowell to join him on stage for several songs.  Nowell met Rodriguez through Senakwami and has kept in touch with the young performer since he was nine years old.

Rodriguez asked Nowell to perform at the concert and Nowell said, “I’m really excited to participate in the further adventures of Rodriguez.” Nowell added, “I believe in him, I think he’s destined for great things.”

In a backstage interview, Nowell pointed out what an achievement it is to perform at a location like Lincoln Center. “When I was 16, I had just joined the jazz band and learned what the blues scale was and here’s Julius, 16, having his own concert at arguably the greatest venue for jazz in the world,” Nowell said.

Senakwami opened the concert with kind words about Rodriguez. He spoke about the young musician’s character and said, “It wasn’t his talent that I noticed first, it was how hard he worked.”

The crowd included Rodriguez ‘ family, teachers and peers, including at least ten members of the Masters community.  In addition, the drum instructor from Julliard was sitting in the front row. Even before the show started, Australian director, Alan Hicks, director of the jazz film, “Keep on Keepin’ On,” stopped by to meet Rodriguez.

Rodriguez played both the piano and the drums, performing his own original compositions as well as original work of some of the musicians with whom he shared the stage. Transitioning between the drummer’s throne and the piano keyboard with ease, he introduced his performers with brief biographical details and his compositions with their inspirational motivation. Throughout, his enthusiasm for jazz shined through.

A full hall did not phase Rodriguez, rather he beamed throughout his entire concert. It was not only his talent, but his natural composure, that kept the audience entertained and filled the room with good music and good vibes.