The "Whatever Show" hosted by David Laks. This segment featured vibraphonist Bob Emry

You can watch the "Whatever Show" live on Woodstock Public Access TV channel 23 Monday Nights at 8 p.m. or on the web by going to:

ustream.tv/channel/woodstocktv

Monday nights at 8 p.m.

Bob has has sadly passed away:

Robert ‘Bob’ Joseph Emry, active performing drummer, composer, and arranger peacfully died March 24, 2010 at 12:20 A.M. Bob played internationally with noted bands and performers including: Tiny Grimes, The Harlem Reinassance Jazz Orchestra, Broadway’s Chorus Line at the Shubert Theater, and clubs like Birdland, Cleopatra’s Needle, the Shomberg Center in Harlem, the Red Blazer Too, the Knitting Factory, the Angry Squire, the Villiage Gate, and endless others. He made his entire living performing, recording, and teaching music.

Bob’s drumming was passionate, and showed exemplary technical expertise. He was sought out and admired by respected musicians, students, and music lovers. People adored him and were touched by his kindness.

Born in 1951 and raised in Davenport, Iowa, he then traveled to Texas to graduate from the University of North Texas. He, then, moved to New York City and lived in the Bronx and Harlem for many years until he relocated to Ulster County in 1996.

He formed his own group; The Good Groove Band, co-founded by Melissa Lovaglio. This band also included Michael Howell, Alan Givens, and jazz legend Leonard Gaskin. The group incorporated Bob’s passion for swing rhythms, rhythms from the African Diaspora as well as jazz. The band not only played clubs, libraries, and bookstores, but they also appeared extensively for school programs throughout New York State.

He played regularly at the Villa Roma Resort. He was also an accomplished pianist and vibraphonist. Bob played for the the inauguration of David Dinkins in New York City with Lionel Hampton.

Bob was a professor who taught music for many years at Five Towns College on Long Island, New York. He was an encyclopedia of musical knowledge.

Bob’s most recent endeavor was with the newly formed band Zumbi Zumbi, comprised of Bob on drums, Melissa Lovaglio on percussion, Mike Colletti on bass, David Heinlein on guitar, Dave Laks on horns, Bobby Lovaglio-Emry on extra percussion, and Iyanla Lovaglio as the dancer. Many of Mr. Emry’s original compositions and arrangements have been used in all of his endeavors.

Bob has been substituting as a music teacher in Onteora and Ellenville School districts.

Bob was a devoted father to his son Bobby Lovaglio-Emry and his sister Iyanla. He enjoyed taking the kids fishing and he loved to make them tacos since he was such a great cook. He loved camping with Bobby and taught him to play the drums. Bobby accompanied him on many gigs. Bob also traveled to Bahia, Brazil with the children. Brazil meant very much to him. Bob had a gift of being completely present with the children, giving them all of his focus and attention, and never ending playfulnes when they needed him.

His other living relatives include his mother, Rose Emry, his brother Bill Emry, his sister-in-law Verles, and his former wife, Melissa Lovaglio.

A music memorial event in honor of Bob is being planned for April in Woodstock, New York. For forthcoming information, please contact mlovaglio@hvc.rr.com.