ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The School of the Arts in Rochester held a Q&A with keyboardist and vocalist for California-based rock band Dirty Heads, Shawn Gonzalez on Thursday. Gonzalez has a degree in Music Performance with a focus on percussion. Gonzalez is passionate about music and the positive influence it has on people.
In addition to touring, Gonzalez is involved in philanthropy and nonprofit initiatives and serves as President of acclaimed blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s foundation, Keeping The Blues Alive (KTBA.) Bonamassa is a Utica native with ties to Rochester after opening for B. B. King at the Lilac Festival when he was only 12 years old.
Gonzalez and Keeping The Blues Alive partnered with businesses in the Rochester community, including Visions Federal Credit Union and The Distillery Restaurants, to host “Round Up For Music” and raised $10,000 for new musical instruments at Rochester World of Inquiry School in 2018…