Sharel Cassity Quartet feat. Michael Rodriguez at Offbeat Roadhouse
By WTJU
Date: 04/03/2026
Time: 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
On April 3rd, Offbeat Roadhouse welcomes an electrifying collaboration as the Sharel Cassity Quartet takes the stage with special guest Michael Rodriguez, one of today’s most dynamic voices on trumpet. Cassity—an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, DownBeat’s 2023 Rising Star Alto Saxophonist, and the Director of Jazz Performance at UVA—brings her signature blend of fiery improvisation, soulful lyricism, and deep-rooted swing. A celebrated bandleader and Yamaha/Vandoren Performing Artist, Cassity has toured the world, recorded six chart-topping albums, and collaborated with icons ranging from Herbie Hancock to Aretha Franklin.
This is a free event, open to all. You can also listen to Offbeat Roadhouse on the radio (91.1 FM) or on our web player, and even video stream it at WTJU’s YouTube channel. But concerts always sound better with you as part of the studio audience. WTJU is located at 2244 Ivy Rd in Charlottesville, right next door to Vivace. There is plenty of parking, both in our lot as well as the Sentara lot next door. Do please note that you should not park in the lower lot by Shenandoah Joe and Pico Wraps as they enforce towing. You can check out the Offbeat Roadhouse schedule to see concerts past, present, and future.
Offbeat Roadhouse is supported by Plan 9 Music, now in their new expanded location at 188 Zan Road, in Charlottesville’s Seminole Square Shopping Center, and in Carytown, Richmond, or online at plan9music.com. Plan 9 – supporting the independent music community for over 40 years.
On April 3rd, WTJU’s Offbeat Roadhouse welcomes an electrifying collaboration as the Sharel Cassity Quartet takes the stage with special guest Michael Rodriguez, one of today’s most dynamic voices on trumpet. Cassity—an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, DownBeat’s 2023 Rising Star Alto Saxophonist, and the Director of Jazz Performance at UVA—brings her signature blend of fiery improvisation, soulful lyricism, and deep-rooted swing. A celebrated bandleader and Yamaha/Vandoren Performing Artist, Cassity has toured the world, recorded six chart-topping albums, and collaborated with icons ranging from Herbie Hancock to Aretha Franklin.
Joining her for this special Charlottesville appearance is GRAMMY® Award–winning trumpeter and composer Michael Rodriguez, whose remarkable career spans performances with Chick Corea, Joe Lovano, the SFJAZZ Collective, the Gonzalo Rubalcaba Quintet, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and the Lincoln Center Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. A renowned educator on faculty at Juilliard and NYU, Rodriguez will also spend the week working with UVA’s jazz students and ensembles.
Together, Cassity, Rodriguez, and the Sharel Cassity Quartet promise an evening of world-class improvisation, masterful interplay, and vibrant modern jazz. This Offbeat Roadhouse performance offers Charlottesville audiences a rare chance to experience two of today’s most compelling jazz voices in an intimate, live-broadcast setting.
