WE WANT THE FUNK

Panelists

Scott Wallace, Host of Rejuvenation with Scott Wallace Fridays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on The Route, WRUR 88.5 FM Scott Wallace shares his vast personal collection of R&B, Soul and Funk every Friday night. This love of music started for Scott when he was just a toddler.  Scott’s Grandfather was a pianist and his Grandmother’s employer also owned a record store in Elmira, NY.  They would allow Scott and his cousin to listen to records for hours at a time, without making any purchases. Over the next two decades Scott grew an intense love of music. All he wanted as gifts for his birthdays and holidays were records. Scott’s radio career began in 1982 as a fill-in DJ on WRUR. In February of 1983, an opportunity opened to take over an Oldie’s show.  Scott changed the name to Rejuvenation and the last 42 years is history.  Rejuvenation provides an introduction to a significant American musical genre and Scott takes listeners on the journey every week.

James “Jimmie” E. Highsmith Jr. is a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and a native of Rochester, NY. With a career spanning over 25 years, he is renowned for his work in the smooth jazz genre and has shared the stage with notable artists such as Najee, Alicia Keys, and Wynton Marsalis. His discography includes 11 top-selling smooth jazz albums, including the Grammy-nominated “The Anthology of Sound.”James “Jimmie” E. Highsmith Jr. is a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and a native of Rochester, NY. With a career spanning over 25 years, he is renowned for his work in the smooth jazz genre and has shared the stage with notable artists such as Najee, Alicia Keys, and Wynton Marsalis. His discography includes 11 top-selling smooth jazz albums, including the Grammy-nominated “The Anthology of Sound.”

Tricia Gonzalez is a vibrant force in the Rochester community, seamlessly blending her passion for music and social justice. As a dynamic two-tone ska singer, Tricia’s music pulses with the same rhythmic energy and rebellious spirit that defined the funk era. Beyond the stage, she’s a dedicated advocate for antiracism and local civil rights, bringing her unwavering commitment to equity into every aspect of her life. For 20 years, Tricia has been a dedicated educator within the Rochester City School District, specializing in literacy, the science of reading, and project-based learning. She expertly embeds these areas into any curriculum she develops. She actively brings in and supports educational projects, such as VSW’s CHAPBOOKS and CCSI’s “Our Local History” units, and supports projects like Junior Achievement’s BizTown, empowering both students and fellow teachers. Tricia’s dedication to education extends beyond the classroom; she served on the Blue Ribbon Commission for Graduation Measures and is the newsletter editor for AMTNYS. Tricia’s unique perspective, informed by her musical background, dedication to community empowerment, and extensive teaching experience, makes her a compelling voice in discussions about the cultural impact of music and its role in shaping social change.