‘Rhythm of Life’ keeps memory of student alive

‘Rhythm of Life’ keeps
memory of student alive
By josh davidson
Staff Writer

FARRAH MAFFAI Uriel Rodriguez honored his deceased daughter Ashlea by organizing the “Rhythm of Life” concert, held at Matawan Regional High School, Atlantic Avenue, Aberdeen, on Friday.

ABERDEEN — In her tragically shortened life, former Matawan Regional High School student Ashlea Rodriguez made her mark through her school music program.

After losing their daughter, who suddenly died at age 17 from arrhythmia, Ashlea’s parents, Joann and Uriel Rodriguez, went to great lengths to organize a concert in her honor, with the proceeds earmarked for Matawan Regional High School’s band and chorus departments.

The "Rhythm of Life" concert was held at the high school, Atlantic Avenue, on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m.

"My daughter was full of life and full of spirit," Joann said. "I know that if she were here, she would be cheering us on. Basically, we’re doing this for her love of music and to contribute something to the school."

Ashlea was always present at Matawan Regional High School soccer games to cheer on her brother Andrew, 18.

Andrew returned the favor by playing bass at the concert with his band Grounded ’Til Tuesday, which has appeared at Asbury Park’s legendary club The Stone Pony.

The band members include J.P. Favara on drums, also an alumni of Matawan Regional, and Jon Cabrera (guitar and vocals), Justin Gallo (guitar and vocals), and Anna Dillulio (lead vocals), all from Raritan High School in Hazlet.

"Ashlea loved music since the moment she was born," Uriel said. "I’ve been wanting to do this for two years. I wanted to leave something behind of hers that already wasn’t left behind. In honoring Ashlea, I honor the high school, and this is a set of parents that, instead of being bitter, chose to do something positive."

The first half of the show was dedicated to high school performers and the second half to adult musicians.

Also appearing was the Latin Ensemble, which has played in Asia, the Middle East and New York City; members of Matawan Regional’s choir; a school spirit group called The Pep Club; and Lloyd Road School’s first-grade choir, led by teacher Janet Breslin.

Ashlea was the first high school student to help out the first-grade choir.

"They’ve been rehearsing since before Christmas," Uriel said.

The Latin Ensemble included Yomo Toro, who plays the 16-string Puerto Rican guitar.

Beatles songs were also performed by Matt Donovan on guitar and Larry Johnson on keyboard.

Board of Education member Janice Gallo sang.

"We’re fortunate to have Mr. Jerry Wells, the Matawan Avenue Middle School band teacher," Uriel said. "He plays trumpet and trombone."

Mitch Brodsky, a trumpet player and former student of the high school who now majors in music at Rider University, Lawrence, played with Wells.

Lou Kady performed the works of Frank Sinatra.

"This is going to be a labor of love," Uriel said before the concert. "I put a lot of hours into this. That my friends in the music business are going to take a night off means a lot to me and Joann."

Uriel himself professionally sang what he called Latin love songs for 15 years.

His music has been aired on New York radio stations, and he has performed in a traveling band. He now sings lead with a vocal trio backed by guitar and bass.

Uriel hosted the event with his friend John Favara and his son Andrew.

Matawan Regional’s auditorium was nearly full the night of the event.

"The wide range of music that we are bringing is not the typical high school band concert," Uriel said.

"We want to have students set an example for the school," he said.

All the money raised will be used to help the school’s band and chorus buy sheet music and pay for trips, Uriel said.

The Rodriguezes said they were hoping to raise $4,000 to $6,000 with the show.

"The music programs throughout the state have suffered from budget cuts and we have the opportunity to alleviate this," Uriel said.

Schools Superintendent Bruce Quinn said the district appreciates the Rodriguezes’ efforts to help the music program.

"We in the district have been looking to make improvements in the music program, too," he said.

The district provided Rodriguez with use of the school’s facilities and assistance in publicizing the event, Quinn said.

"Obviously, it was a tragedy involving his daughter, and we certainly understand his request to do something in her honor," he said.

"Mr. [Robert] Rodgers and Mr. Quinn at the school have been behind me, and I appreciate it," Uriel said.

Rodgers is the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

The idea for the concert arose after Uriel made a compact disc in tribute to Ashlea.

The CD did not sell as well as planned, so he decided to organize the concert.

"They were jumping hurdles to do this," he said. "This is just as good, if not better."

Toward the end of the night, Uriel expressed his feelings on Ashlea’s loss to the audience.

"[Parents] are not supposed to lose a child," he said.

"Our children are supposed to bury us."

While honoring Ashlea’s spirit, the show celebrated her life, avoiding negative feelings.

"We came here to party. My daughter loved to party," Uriel said.