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Turlock Concert Association brings renowned vocalists to town
concert pic
Tenor Daniel Rodriguez will be performing with his wife Soprano Marla Kavanaugh for a special one night show sponsored by the Turlock Concert Association on Monday. - photo by Photo Contributed

Tenor Daniel Rodriguez, whose rise to musical stardom began in the shadow of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, will be performing with his wife Soprano Marla Kavanaugh for a special one night show sponsored by the Turlock Concert Association.

The duo will be taking the stage at the Turlock Community Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Born into a musical family, Rodriguez started a serious course of study in music at age 10. But his path to stardom took an unusual course when at age 19 he married, had a son and soon began a career with the New York Police Department.

His musical talents didn’t go unnoticed however in the police department and he was assigned to the department’s Ceremonial unit where he became the designated National Anthem singer.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Rodriguez was two blocks away from the World Trade Center when the towers came down. He spent the next several months at Ground Zero and the experience had a profound effect on his music.

Twelve days after the terrorist attacks Rodriguez sang the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium for a performance that was televised across the country. His stirring and uplifting rendition resonated with the country and he was embraced by a grateful nation, which dubbed him “The Singing Policeman.”

That performance led to appearances on talk shows and more performances and also earned him a spot under the tutelage of world renowned tenor Placido Domingo.

In 2002 Rodriguez sane “God Bless America” at the 2002 winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and became known as “America’s Beloved Tenor.”

He eventually left his job with the NYPD to pursue a career in music. He has released several albums, toured the world and along the way met Kavanaugh, who became his wife.

A native of New Zealand, Kavanaugh began her career on stage at age 5. She grew up performing on New Zealand daytime shows and concert venues. She moved to the United States and found success in the operatic scenes. She has performed with Domingo and the Los Angeles Opera.

Rodriguez and Kavanaugh’s show will feature musical styles from opera to popular songs. The show also will include a salute to local first responders.

Season tickets to the Turlock Community Concerts’ five-concert series are $60 for adults, $70 for a one-adult family, and $130 for a two-adult family.  Season subscription includes reciprocal tickets at eight affiliated associations in the region.  Single tickets for this event are $25 and $15 for students.  For tickets please visit www.turlockconcert.org or by telephone call Linda Posegate at 668-1456 or Sue Bonander at 668-3627.