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New Yorks singing cop comes to Gainesville
0513Rodriguez
Daniel Rodriguez - photo by For The Times

Daniel Rodriguez
With Marla and Marissa and jazz pianist Jesse Lynch
When: 8 p.m. May 20
Where: The Arts Council’s Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St., Gainesville
How much: $25
More info: 770-534-2787

Former New York City police officer Daniel Rodriguez will sing as part of The Arts Council’s Pearce Series, 8 p.m. May 20 at the Smithgall Arts Center in Gainesville.

Rodriguez will be joined by New Zealand duo Marla and Marissa, and jazz pianist Jesse Lynch.

Rodriguez was known as "New York’s Singing Cop" before the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. But after the tragedy he became part of the city’s healing process, performing the "National Anthem" and "God Bless America" at 150 funerals for firemen and policemen lost in the attacks.

"I was a New York City police officer who studied music most of my life, and I was the official ‘National Anthem’ singer for the NYPD," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez sang the "National Anthem" at Yankee Stadium for the first game played after the attacks, a performance he said ranks among his favorites.

At the concert, Rodriguez said he will sing a lot of songs that are "inspirational, feel-good songs."

"We do a little jazz. It’s all fun stuff," Rodriguez said. "There’s always one or two songs of faith. You know, I’ll always do a song in there that will remind people that faith is what guides us, myself and my family. The shows are everything from classical crossover, jazz to pop."

For tickets or more information, call the Arts Council at 770-534-2787.