Although I have always respected the talents of Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin, and the golden tones of Nat Cole, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby, they were all pretty much before my time. I truly cut my teeth on the Rock and Roll vocalists of the 60’s and 70’s, including Jim Morrison, David Clayton-Thomas, Tom Jones, and Barry Manilow.

But, in the mid 1970’s, I discovered an Italian-Canadian vocalist and composer named Gino Vannelli, and I have been following his stellar career ever since. This international superstar from Montreal has moved and inspired me more than any vocalist from any era. His completely unique way of singing a song, as well as his exquisitely written lyrics and arrangements are stunning in their beauty and genius in their complexities. Whenever I plan to perform one of his songs for my audience, I study, line by line, how he sings it during my private rehearsals. Gino is a man who sings every one of his songs from R&B to Jazz, even to singing operatically in four different languages, totally from the heart. Although nobody sings like him, I aspire to do the same as I learn from this Maestro and Master Vocalist every day.

When you seek out Gino’s music, listen to “The Last Dance”, “People Gotta Move”, “Wheels of Life”, “Venus Envy”, “Wilderness Road”, “Brother to Brother”, “Parole Per Mio Padre” ,”Canto”, “Measure of a Man”, “Livin Inside Myself ” , “Jojo”, “I Just Wanna Stop”, “Rock Me To Heaven”, “Put the Weight On My Shoulders”. There are way too many more songs to mention immortalized on 14 meticulously produced albums, but these will give you an idea of his incredible range. Thank you Gino, for inspiring me to sing and play my very best every day.

Joe

I am now beginning my fourth year as a full-time entertainer. Thanks to the loyal support of my followers, this is already shaping up to be my busiest year ever. I set a personal record in December, performing 38 shows. You know what they say: ” Do what you like and you won’t work a day in your life”. Well, that is me, enjoying every opportunity to perform my collection of some of the best music ever written for my audiences. Again, heartfelt thanks to all of you who keep me so busy, and as always, it is my honor and privilege to to be there to entertain you!

My new Legacy choir is now 5 weeks old, and we have five songs under our belts already. The gals call themselves the Erie Station Singers and we’re having a ball! We will be having a concert in September, followed up by a Christmas concert in December. I will be posting the dates as we get closer. Such fun for everyone!

Our IDOL contest is getting very exciting! After a few elimination rounds, we’re down to the very best singers, and the remaining contestants brought their “A” game tonight! As a long-standing judge, I am so impressed each year with the calibre of singers we attract, and this year is no exception! We heard some show-stopping performances tonight and we’re getting down to the last of the shows before the August finals. Our next show will be on Saturday, June 2 at the Mount Morris Central School at 7pm. The $5.00 admission charge will be the best you’ll ever spend on an evening of entertainment!

The 5th annual Mount Morris IDOL Contest kicked off Saturday night, and it is my pleasure again to be a judge this year. We will have 4 more elimination nights over the next few months, culminating at the 2-day finale in August at the Mount Morris Italian Festival. We have some incredible contestants from Rochester to Wayland, and every place in-between! You can catch our next show with the top 20 on Saturday, April 21, at 7pm at Mount Morris Central School Auditorium. Admission is only $5.00, and you’ll have a great time if you can make it!