A Rochester native, Michael F. Rotondo, MD, started playing drums at the age of 6. Recognized early on for his musical potential, he received a scholarship to Hochstein, where he studied under the great jazz drummer Vinnie Ruggiero for nearly 10 years. He pursued a career as a surgeon, professor, and administrator, but the Hochstein alum is still playing drums – now as the drummer for the Andy Calabrese Trio, which will be performing with Nancy Kelly on Saturday, March 16, 7:00-9:00 pm, at Faircraft Brauhaus. Read on to find out how he got there…
In his early years, Mike was schooled in in the ways of Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Max Roach, and others while studying music history and theory at Hochstein. He was also heavily influenced by Ray Shahin, then the Director of Music at Bishop Kearney High School. Over his years in Rochester, he was active on the local music scene playing percussion in pit orchestras, jazz, and a wide range of commercial gigs.
But Mike was not destined for a career in music. After high school, he left Rochester for Georgetown University where he received an undergraduate degree in chemistry and graduated from medical school. He went on to train in general surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and trauma and surgical critical care at the University of Pennsylvania – all the while squeezing music into a busy schedule whenever possible.
Over the next 25 years, Mike became a widely published and internationally known Professor of Surgery with numerous honors and accolades in his field. On his return to Rochester to become Vice Dean of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and CEO of the Medical Faculty Group, he reconnected with his longtime friend Andy Calabrese. Doing so, he returned to his musical roots and his first love – jazz. He also returned to Hochstein, now as a member of the Hochstein Advisory Board.
The concert on March 16 will be straight-ahead swinging jazz with the dynamic Nancy Kelly, who is a legendary jazz artist, and also a Rochester native. It promises to be a great show with this incredible vocalist, musician, and entertainer. The Andy Calabrese Trio features Andy Calabrese, piano; Mike Rotondo, drums; and Peter Chwazik, bass.
Faircraft Brauhaus is located at 25 Parce Ave., Fairport, NY 14450. There is no cover charge, but you can order food and drinks on site. For more information and to view their menu, visit https://faircraftbrauhaus.com.