Editor’s note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com.
Emil Stucchio and the Classics will be featured during a Valentine's Party at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. (Courtesy/the artists)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — With the groovy sounds of rock n’ roll and tunes from the Great American Songbook still an integral part of American “pop culture,” concert productions continue to pack houses with those who still adore the genre that once dominated radio and TV air waves.
So Staten Islanders will want to check out a captivating performance by Emil Stucchio and the Classics at a Valentine’s Party presentation by JR Productions all set for Saturday, Feb. 8 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn in Rossville.
The really big show that celebrates the most romantic day of the year, will showcase the best of the best dynamic hits and will be comprised of a high energy tribute to the golden oldies — and then some — and highlight the music that once filled dance floors everywhere.
JR Productions presents Emil Stucchio and The Classics Valentine's Party is set for Saturday, Feb. 8 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at The Historic Old Bermuda Inn in Rossville. (Courtesy/JR Productions)Staten Island Advance
On the roster will be selections from the 1960′s and an array of popular Italian love songs.
Note, as always, a portion of the proceeds will benefit a worthy charity.
This year organizers have chosen Rocco Strong Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit named for Rocco Gabriel DiMaggio, a 6 year-old cancer survivor, that’s dedicated to the mission of making childhood cancers a priority through increased funding and awareness.
Tickets, that are priced at $100, include a four-course dinner with cash bar. Tax and tip are included.
For reservations and/or additional information phone Robert at 917 669-4640 or Jack at 732 598-1949.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Emil Stucchio and The Classics received their recording contract in 1959 and later their first release, “Cinderella,” hit the national Top 100.
In 1963 The Classics released “Till Then” which sold more than 5 1/2 million records and was voted No. 6 on the all-time Top 100 records on CBS FM. Their follow-up “P.S. I Love You” in 1964 also was a top 40 record.
They have also received national acclaim for their top-selling CDs. “Intimate Reflections” is a collection of heart warming standards, featuring “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”' and “Somewhere.” Their Gold Dust CD includes their own songs, along with “Cara Mia” and “You’ll Never Know.”
Embracing the rich music of their grandparents, “La Musica D’Italia” offers great Italian favorites like “Statte Vicino Amme,” “Solo Mio” and “Mala Femmina.”
In speaking of upcoming musical production, Stucchio notes that organizers Robert and Jack are two great guys who have coordinated the evening to help young Rocco.
“We love Staten Island and the people are great,” Stucchio noted. “We have played there so many times. The people receive us so well. I grew up in Brooklyn and the group got together in 1960. I recorded my first record ‘Cinderella’ in 1963. And we recorded ‘Till Then’ that went national and international. It was a top seller in the country and we were fortunate the doors opened up for us to appear all over the country. And that was the start of everything. It was such a thrill for us. I can’t believe it’s been a success all of these years. When the English groups came in, we all thought it might go away. We were fortunate to make good with records that we recorded. I thank God we were that we’re still maintaining a very busy schedule.”
Their latest CD, “Club Illusion,” is a collection of all-time favorites, including “Old Songs,” “Hungry Years.” “For Your Love,” “Hurt” and “Wildflower.”
Stucchio is the foundation of The Classics and the original lead voice.
Completing the circle of style and blend are Al Contrera (featured on “When You’re Smiling” from “Club Illusion”) and Teresa McClean, lead voice on “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me.”
McClean and Stucchio are featured in “You’ve Got What It Takes” and “Since I Don’t Have You/Only Make Believe,” both found on “Club Illusion.”
The group’s popularity has continued to grow inasmuch as they were voted No. 6 most popular out of 500.
With more than 50 years of entertainment experience and skilled vocal talents, The Classics continue to receive rave reviews from audiences and producers from coast to coast.
Recent performances include Radio City Music Hall, The Metropolitan Museum, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall,,The Tropicana Hotel, The PNC Bank Arts Center and The IZOD Center in New Jersey, The Convention Center Arena in Nevada, Mohegan Sun Casino and Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut, The Philharmonic Performing Arts Center and The Kravis Center for The Performing Arts in Florida, The Capitol One Theater in Westbury, N.Y., The American Music Theater in Lancaster, Pa.), Crystal Gateway Hotel in Virginia, The Paramount Theater in Kentucky, The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Long Island NY’s Nassau Coliseum, a number of luxury cruise lines and TV appearances.
CELEBRATIONS – JAN. 12 TO JAN. 18
JAN. 12
Sunday is birthday time for former Borough President James Oddo, Jean Cuccurullo, John Paul Giordanella who turns 41, Sophia Selletti, Jennifer McDonald and John Gaugh.
JAN. 13
Birthday greetings on Monday go to Ken Filmer and his sister Jean Delile, Jessica Pulizzano, Brian Kraker, and twins Sean and Brian Meade.
JAN. 14
Happy birthday Tuesday to retired New York State Supreme Court Justice Charles A. Kuffner Jr., Richard Guarasci, former president of Wagner College, Dominick Rinaldi, Teresa Colvil of West Brighton, Alyssa Costa, Marge Sorge, Ann Quinlan, twins Ashley and Nicole Vera and twins Joseph and Amber Larsen. ¶
Tuesday is also wedding anniversary time for Bonnie and Richie Nielsen.
JAN. 15
Birthday best Wednesday to Dawn Cangro, Andrew Oefelein, Vincent Priolo, Tracey Acevedo and Mallory Reiss.
JAN.16:
Happy birthday Thursday to Annie DelMaestro, Bea DeRoss, Michael Allocco, Lauren Seton, Annie DelMaestro, Marissa Schwab, John Crawford, Rich LaGrotta, Sherry Passante and Katlyn Nicole Rabold.
JAN. 17
Friday is birthday time for Tony Palumbo, Bob DeSantis Jr., Mary Jane Carr, Linda Marone, Kathy Motola, Joanne Mahoney, Joseph Thompson and Taylor Riccardi.
Happy wedding anniversary Friday to Elizabeth and Robert McDonald.
JAN. 18
The happiest of birthdays on Saturday to Peter Lanza, Megan Lanigan, Alexa Spieler and Matthew Buono.
Happy wedding anniversary Saturday to Mary and Richard O’Connor.
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