By ROBERT LEBZELTER - Special Sections Editor
Star Beacon
July 02, 2008 06:29 pm
—
Ted Chubb’s dream job is to work somewhere, performing only his own music.
But right now he’s having fun playing trumpet with the 10-member orchestra for the musical “Jersey Boys.”
What’s even better, it’s playing at Playhouse Square in Cleveland until mid-July.
“It’s been great,” he said this past week. “I haven’t spent this much time in Ashtabula since I was 18.”
These days, home for Chubb, 27, is New York City.
He started playing trumpet as a child but really got hooked when he discovered jazz at 15.
He’s played with jazz greats like Gene Walker and Bobby Floyd. He’s participated in jazz festivals in Austria, Switzerland and France and has a new CD, “New Tricks.”
“I’m a jazz musician but when it comes to making a living, you have to do all sorts of things, but I enjoy doing all sorts of music,” he said.
Plenty of friends and family have trekked to Cleveland to see the show already. Sunday, his aunt, Cheryl Buck, who Chubb calls his “personal ‘Jersey Boys’ press agent,” will get 85 friends and family to the show.
“Jersey Boys” is the story of 60s rock band The Four Seasons.
“The show is 60s rock ‘n’ roll. So many people love it so much. On any night, I look out and see a couple of thousand people having a great time,” Chubb said.
After Cleveland, Chubb will spend a month in Dallas and then four months in Toronto.
“This is my first major show. I hope to take this opportunity and maybe sub in some bands on some shows in New York. I’m not guaranteed anything by any means, though,” he said.
Chubb was offered the job by a music contractor, John Miller, in New York.
He quickly realized it would be a big commitment. He’ll be on the road a year.
“I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew it would be a great experience. I learned a lot. I learned how to stay healthy on the road. I learned to be consistent. Everything in my life goes into that.”
Playing in “Jersey Boys” isn’t just a job or even a learning experience.
“I’m very proud of what I’m doing,” he says.
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Photos
TED CHUBB