On Sunday evening, May 11, countless hundreds of musicians and loving friends from around the world gathered at Saint Peter's Church (The Jazz Church) to pay tribute Robert Blumenthal. Rob cast a very wide net, and his loss will be felt by many people for a very long time.

Robert Blumenthal 1949-2008

Robert Blumenthal (Great Neck North 1967) was in a tragic car accident and suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage. Rob passed away May 7, 2008. He was surrounded by family and close friends throughout his ordeal.

Rob Blumenthal began a professional music career while still in grade school. He later studied classical percussion with Morris Goldberg of the New York Philharmonic, African drumming with Milford Graves, and jazz drumming with Elvin Jones, Sam Ulano and Jim Blackley. He has recorded and/or performed with Richie Havens, Eddie Daniels, Jeremy Steig, Michael Urbaniak, Gustavo Casenave, Rodolfo Alchourron, Harold Ousley, and others. During his tenure as the director of The Jazz School at Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts he developed a full range of programming, making it possible for young musicians to develop their skills as improvising musicians. Through his work at "The Harbor" he provided invaluable guidance and mentorship for young aspiring musicians, providing them with professional performance opportunities often featuring many of the top Jazz artists in the city making guest appearances at their workshops or performances. After attaining a masters degree in jazz performance from Queens College, he served as an adjunct lecturer and evaluator for Empire State College of the New York State University system. He has also served as an auditor for major arts organizations, including National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and others.

A respected educator, sideman and bandleader, Blumenthal established Blue Rabbit Productions in 1990. For the past 15 years he was the artistic director of the popular Harlem Meer Performance Festival where his creative programming thrilled audiences with an array of musical talent as diverse as the city itself.

Through his work at the Harbor, the Harlem Meer and his role as director of the community garden, La Plaza Cultural, Rob touched and enriched the lives of countless people with his generosity, great humor and love of life.

Rob Blumenthal is survived by his loving wife Antje Rickel; his sister Janet Jamieson (Stephen, Josh, Zach, Dani), Robert's stepmother, Carol Blumenthal. Robert was predeceased by his parents Adelle and Samuel Blumenthal. He leaves behind countless friends whose lives he touched. To know him was to love him.

Donations in Rob's memory can be made to The Third Street Music School Settlement. Please indicate that the donation is in Robert Blumenthal's memory. For more information: WWW.THIRDSTREETMUSICSCHOOL.ORG.