Clearwater Florida’s Coachman Park Saturday 4-19-08 - For “having the most fun” during Bobby G. Summers’ performance on day two of the Lexus 13th Annual WSJT Smooth Jazz Fest, Rudolph Talbert won a special seating pass awarded by Summers.
Talbert danced his way on to the stage, sang, interacted with the band and nearly stole the show. Especially when he whispered to Summers “I’m Rick James …..” Hearing this, Summers briefly played Rick James’ “Super Freak”.
According to Talbert and his sister(not shown), he has been compared to Rick James for years. Most notable was a band playing Rick James songs as he approached the stage to solute his wife during her birthday celebration. Thus began his career as a Rick James impersonator, including occasionally performances at the Hard Rock Cafe in Tampa, Florida.
Talbert proudly informed me he was “24 years military and 27 years married, raised my children and never been locked up”. Yes, he signed a few autographs.
Posing with Talbert to capture the moment is Neta Swanson, who created a little buzz and lasting memory herself. She and her guest brought with them a small table, table cloth, candles and color coordinated chairs to enhance their evening of jazz in the park.
