by Jean Hadley,
photos by Irene Cowern
and Ed Ohr
 

Vince Giordano with Peter Yarin, piano     I. Cowern photo

Randy Reinhart, Trumpet Michael Ponella, Trumpet Jon-Erik Kellso, Trumpet Jim Fryer, Trombone Chuck Wilson, clarinet and sax Andy Stein Violin, Baritone Sax, Mark Lopeman, Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Soprano Sax Dan Levinson, Alto Sax, Clarinet, Soprano Sax Peter Yarin, Piano Ken Salvo, Banjo, Guitar Arnie Kinsella, Drums Vince Giordano, string bass, tuba, bass sax Born in Brooklyn and raised in Long Island, Vince Giordano began his long and illustrious music career at age five. At age 14, Vince joined the musicians union.  As the years passed, he became enamored with every instrument available to him. As a result, he has become a music virtuoso and mastering the art of playing many instruments.    This afternoon was a wonderful example of his talent as a leader, musician, historian, crowd pleaser and friend to his fellow musicians and audience.   The beautiful auditorium was filled to capacity. The band looked strikingly handsome in their black tuxedos.  Lights lowered, the music began.  Music of the 1920's filled the air and  it was difficult to sit still.  One could imagine floating around a dance floor doing or watching the movement of the "Quick Step."  Those were the days when people danced together and often times in competition. Ponella, Wilson. Lopeman, Stein           I. Cowern photo  Here is a list of  some beautifully arranged and familiar songs I am certain everyone in the audience knew. Dipper Mouth Blues Limehouse Blues Deep Harlem She's a Great, Great Girl The Mooch Rhapsody in Blue I Found a New Baby Midnight, the Stars and You East of the Sun Maple Leaf Rag Chinatown Avalon I Would Do Anything for You Medley from "Little Rascals" Okay Baby Beautiful Changes Tiger Rag These Foolish Things Nagasaki (Encore) Good Old Days                                                        Ed Ohr photo Jim Fryer entertained us several times with his Euphonium expertise.....as did Andy Stein with his Violin and Baritone Sax. Andy Stein Arnie Kinsella       Ed Ohr photos Adding to the delight of everyone, Dan Levinson, Mark Lopeman and Chuck Wilson wowed us with their Megaphones (missing was Rudy Vallee);  Peter Yarin (piano) and Arnie Kinsella (with his vintage drums) portraying unique artistic technique, playing with the band versus against it. Megaphones          Ed Ohr photo And who could not appreciate the three guys "quietly" waiting for their turn to be heard.  Our dear, Jim Fryer, Michael Ponella and Randy Reinhart.   To the delight of those who love the Banjo, we were entertained by Ken Salvo. Reinhart, Levinson, Ponella, Wilson, Fryer, Lopeman     I. Cowern photo Always, front and center, we had our dear leader, Vince, on his ever famous "Silver Bass," Tuba, Bass Saxophone and vocals.  Adding to his already endless talent, Vince gave us the history (with charm and wit) of each and every song played.  He never seems to tire entertaining his audience.  When the audience returned after the break, Vince asked the audience for questions and requests.  Some of the songs are listed here.  Avalon is one....A bit of trivia about Avalon (1920) .... by Jolson, DeSylva and Rose.  The Opening melody was taken from Puccini's aria Elucevan le stella from the opera Tosca.    Levinson, Wilson, Lopeman            I. Cowern photo Levinson, Wilson, Lopeman, Stein      Ed Ohr photo   For your music pleasure,  the Nighthawks will always  please you and never disappoint you.   Consultants: Sharon and Ed Ohr

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