Tony Danza Gives Back to Brooklyn Through His Art

December 5, 2016 by Dominique M. Carson

Tony Danza /photo courtesy of Love Productions

On November 20, 2016, the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College welcomed television icon Tony Danza to the stage. Danza, known for his roles on broadcast television sitcoms Taxi and Who’s the Boss, performed his latest project, Standards and Stories.

Standards and Stories was a part of the Brooklyn Center’s 2016-2017 Con Edison Music Masters Series and was a huge success. Danza was honored that Brooklyn natives took the time out to see him perform again in his hometown on a Sunday afternoon.

For 75 minutes, the Brooklyn-born actor, dancer and former boxer performed a selection of his favorite songs from the Great American Songbook , a collection of American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century ; Danza also performed songs from the Broadway play, Honeymoon in Vegas.

The charming Emmy nominated actor captivated the crowd with his storytelling and jokes before he performed each song. Danza’s repertoire included “Me and My Shadow,” “How About You,” “Angel Eyes,” “You Go To My Head,” “Stars and the Moon,” “Please Be Kind ” and “I Love Betsy,” just to name a few.

Danza talked about his upbringing in Brooklyn, his family and his work in show business for over 40 years. He said his mother was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra and told him, “The day you meet Frank Sinatra, that’s when you’re a big shot. “ Danza’s mother’s wish came true when Sinatra guest starred on Who’s the Boss.

The audience was also impressed with the 65 year old’s everlasting stage presence as he tap-danced, played the ukulele and sang with passion and excitement. Danza ended his live performance and thanked his fans once again for their ongoing support throughout the years.

Danza’s presence brightened the room which is why he’s a one of a kind Brooklyn native. The Standards and Stories performance was a great way for him to remind his fans that he will continue to use various platforms to highlight his gifts and talents.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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