You’ve seen the awesome drummer at Rockbox, right? He’s the one keeping time, slappin’ the skins, and “hiding” behind his plexiglas wall of safety. And yes, his great big grin is for real -- he really is a happy dude -- the kind of guy you meet and immediately want to hang out with. But there’s more to this guy than a drum set and a smile. And your bloggin’ dee-jay, Johnny Hits, chatted with Jacob Longoria about what really makes him “tick.”
JH: Jacob, tell us a bit about where you grew up and how you got started in the wonderful world of percussion.
Jacob: Well, I grew up in the small town of Kingsville, TX. Drums, percussion, and music have been a passion of mine since I was young. I don't know why, but while everyone was trying to figure out the guitar licks, I was trying to figure out what the drummer was doing. I wish I could say that when I started playing drums, everything just started clicking and fell into place but that wasn't the case. I was horrible at first. I had an opportunity one summer to march in a Drum Corps called Sky Ryders. From then on, I was hooked and just kept chipping away at becoming a better drummer.
JH: So let's fast forward to 2007. How did you discover that Rockbox was looking for a new drummer and what was it like to audition for such a top-notch band?
Jacob: I had just come off of a tour commitment and was searching for another opportunity that would allow me to play drums and still see my family as much as possible. I saw an advertisement online for a job at a theater in Frederickburg, TX and I thought "hmm, that might be something." So, I emailed Russ and asked for more information.
The audition was nerve racking. I had no idea what to expect so I prepared as much as possible. I was shaking in my boots, but I got through it and felt good about my audition. Since then it has been non-stop learning new music, rehearsing, and performing -- and I'm lovin' every minute of it!
JH: Speaking of new music -- I'm no drummer, but the sheer volume of material you guys blow through seems intimidating. Is it hard to keep up with all of the new songs you guys are learning from week to week?
Jacob: Well, let me say this. You never become who God wants you to become if you don't allow your comfort zone to be stretched a little. That being said, imagine a deflated balloon, and then imagine 500 cubic feet of helium going into that balloon. That's what it felt like at first. I had to learn well over 50 pieces of music to begin the first week or two -- and since then I have learned hundreds and hundreds of tunes. But it is so worth it.
JH: Now, one doesn't have to spend much time with you to discover that you are a family man. Tell us a little about your wife and "young-uns."
Jacob: Well, my wife's name is Mary. We dated briefly in school, but it took us both attending the University of Texas-San Antonio really “find each other.” Our daughter Gloria is a bundle of joy. She'll be 3 years-old in May. Our son Israel is a crawling smile. He'll be one in March. They both LOVE Rockbox, but not because daddy plays drums. No, no, no. All Gloria can talk about is how Mr. Carey was a deer in our rendition of Doe-Hemian Rhapsody (a parody on Bohemian Rhapsody and the Hill country deer problem), or how Mr. TJ has funny hair during his Willie impression, or how Mrs. Wendy wears funny glasses (during our 50's drive in scene). She loves the shows! They usually put Israel to sleep, though. I don't know, he may be trying to tell us something.
JH: You are a blessed man, indeed. What have been some of the most rewarding, fun, or inspiring parts about working at Rockbox Theater?
Jacob: The camaraderie is great. When others come to sit-in with the band or appear as a guest artist, the one comment I always hear is how nice everyone is to each other backstage. Everyone that works at Rockbox is a true professional. Also, I know the worry every parent feels at a live show of whether or not their kids will be exposed to something inappropriate. Nothing like that at Rockbox. We share a common goal to make family-friendly, “G-rated” entertainment.
JH: Okay, on a lighter note, three words: "Giants win Superbowl." Talk to me.
Jacob: Wow. Is that who was playing? I'm still mourning the Dallas Cowboys loss to the Giants a few weeks ago. To be honest, I was more pumped about the half-time show than anything else. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers put on one of the best half-time shows I think I've ever seen.
JH: Thanks for your time, Jacob. Any parting words for our bloggin' friends?
Jacob: Love God as He loves you, live life to its fullest, dream big like you were a kid again, and Go Cowboys!
I guess that’s all for now, folks. Keep checkin’ in with “Rock Around the Blog” for all of the latest goodies from your favorite rockin’ music venue. This is your bloggin’ dee-jay, Johnny Hits, saying keep your toes tappin’ and your face smilin’. . .
