What do you call a musical group that captivates an audience ranging in age from 8 to 80? "The Perfect Musical Storm?" "A Musical Firestorm?" Yes!!! and Yes! Better known as The Bronx Wanderers, I can assure you, this band is not like any other "oldies" band.
I had heard so much about this group from my friend Johnny B., who grew up with Vinny, the band's founder, on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, and the incredible talent of both Vinny and his two sons, Vinny "the Kid" and Nicky "Stix." But, as I sat in my front row seat (thanks Johnny!!), I was mesmerized from beginning to end! The talent on the stage was more than I ever expected and I was blown away!
I had heard so much about this group from my friend Johnny B., who grew up with Vinny, the band's founder, on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, and the incredible talent of both Vinny and his two sons, Vinny "the Kid" and Nicky "Stix." But, as I sat in my front row seat (thanks Johnny!!), I was mesmerized from beginning to end! The talent on the stage was more than I ever expected and I was blown away!
| The Bronx Wanderers recreate the musical magic of 50′s, 60′s and 70′s Rock N’ Roll, successfully combining this by-gone era with a contemporary flair and inclusion of today's hits. Vinny's talents as a producer of chart toppers is evident through the two-hour live performance that achieves authentic recording studio sound. |  Me with The Bronx Wanderers (c) travelincousins.com |
Although this group has played all around the country, including show capitals of the world like Las Vegas, they made their debut in Westhampton Beach, at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center this Summer.
 (c) travelincousins.com |  (c) travelincousins.com |
Shall I go on?
The Bronx Wanderers' show is really like no other. Part musical performances, part storytelling, I felt like I had made new friends, who just happened to sing and dance throughout our conversation. Sharing a walk down memory lane of Vinny's life from a kid growing up in the Bronx, with the likes of talented mentors such as Chazz Palminteri, Dion and Tony Orlando added a dimension of intimacy to the evening.
Personable and upbeat, Vinny's conversational talking style, coupled with ongoing video montages throughout, takes the show from just another musical concert to an interactive experience containing both entertainment and interpersonal connection.
For me, it was an evening of singing and dancing both in my seat and standing up! Thanks to "mom's" oldies cd collection, my girls (8 and 11) were greatly familiar with the music and sang along as well. They particularly loved the Four Season's medley! And this would be a good time to mention that young Nicky "Stix" was a drummer for the Broadway Show, Jersey Boys!
The Bronx Wanderers' show is really like no other. Part musical performances, part storytelling, I felt like I had made new friends, who just happened to sing and dance throughout our conversation. Sharing a walk down memory lane of Vinny's life from a kid growing up in the Bronx, with the likes of talented mentors such as Chazz Palminteri, Dion and Tony Orlando added a dimension of intimacy to the evening.
Personable and upbeat, Vinny's conversational talking style, coupled with ongoing video montages throughout, takes the show from just another musical concert to an interactive experience containing both entertainment and interpersonal connection.
For me, it was an evening of singing and dancing both in my seat and standing up! Thanks to "mom's" oldies cd collection, my girls (8 and 11) were greatly familiar with the music and sang along as well. They particularly loved the Four Season's medley! And this would be a good time to mention that young Nicky "Stix" was a drummer for the Broadway Show, Jersey Boys!
(c) travelincousins.com
Other musical medleys included a tribute to Tony Orlando and Dawn, Paul Anka, done superbly by Nicky "the Kid" and a cover version of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, that even the most discerning ear would swear was the original recording. There were even a few current hits including Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk.
The stage was filled with the comradery of father and sons, but there was no mistaken the tight bond that the entire band enjoys with one another, not to mention abounding talent and good old fashion fun! These guys LOVE what they do!!
Now, although I'm a Queens girl - born and bred - I was a proud resident of the Belmont Section of the Bronx, right on Arthur Avenue in the late 80's while attending Fordham University. The Arthur Avenue street sign on stage and Vinny's many nostalgic stories about one of the greatest Italian neighborhoods in the country, brought back some very special memories for me of my own youth.
The stage was filled with the comradery of father and sons, but there was no mistaken the tight bond that the entire band enjoys with one another, not to mention abounding talent and good old fashion fun! These guys LOVE what they do!!
Now, although I'm a Queens girl - born and bred - I was a proud resident of the Belmont Section of the Bronx, right on Arthur Avenue in the late 80's while attending Fordham University. The Arthur Avenue street sign on stage and Vinny's many nostalgic stories about one of the greatest Italian neighborhoods in the country, brought back some very special memories for me of my own youth.
The young girls getting ready for a night of oldies!!
I had a chance to meet Vinny and his two sons, after the show and snag a few photos!
My girls truly had a blast and were thrilled to meet Vinny "the Kid," who, in spite of his explosive talent as a singer, dancer and multiple instrument playing musician, is equally down to earth and warm in person.
Folks, this is a not-to-be missed show! The Bronx Wanderers will have you singing and dancing long after the show is over!
-Elisa
Folks, this is a not-to-be missed show! The Bronx Wanderers will have you singing and dancing long after the show is over!
-Elisa
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