Roderick Chambers is in music for a good time.
And the alum of “The Voice” season 18 provides the same for his audiences, including those at the Jazz Concert from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Mary Vagle Nature Center.
“Guests can expect really good vocals and some nostalgic songs from back in the day, a little bit old and a little bit new. I mostly play covers.”
Growing up in Florida, Chambers’ two loves were music and his brother, Rich, who saved him from drowning in a pool. They sang together in the school chorus and at family events. For the next 14 years, their trio, R-Styl, played corporate events and weddings.
“I was singing since I was very young,” he said. “I didn’t think I would be a musician. My brother put that idea in my head. That probably happened around high school. Before then, I thought I had to go to school and choose a major like everyone else. I truly didn’t know what the hell I was going to do.”
In 2015, Chambers went solo and has served as a full-time musician. Chosen by Team Nick, he tried out for “The Voice” to “build a comfortable life for his son.”
For his blind audition, he sang Brian McKnight’s 1999 single “Back at One” and Nick Jonas turned his chair. He was eliminated midway through, but he knew music was his calling. Now he’s performing in Fontana, sharing his love of reggae, pop, rock and soul. His influences range from Ne-Yo to Bob Marley and John Legend to Robin Thicke and Sam Smith.
Marley has deep meaning for Chambers.
“My first concert was Bob Marley Fest in Florida,” he said. “All of Bob Marley’s children were there, Lauryn Hill. I’m not a big concert-goer. I’ve been to maybe three in my entire life. I don’t like to be around a lot of people. I did go to another Usher show and that was more interesting. It was an auditorium show where you sit down. I thought, ‘I’m good.’”
He craves the energy at his own shows, and loves the attention.
“When I’m on break, I go hide,” he said with a laugh.
Jazz Concert featuring Roderick Chambers w/Jurupa Hills High School Jazz Ensemble
WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 3
WHERE: Mary Vagle Nature Center, 11501 Cypress Avenue, Fontana
COST: Free
INFO: 949-349-6979, events.fontanaca.gov