Published: Aug. 15, 2024, 1:30 p.m.
By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
Vito Picone, left and The Elegants. (Courtesy/Vito Picone) Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Borough President Vito Fossella’s “Sounds of Summer Concert Series,” a series of free musical events that round out each week from July to late August, is all set to unfold on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Midland Beach Splaza at Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue.
The fun and fabulous celebration replete with more variety than ever before, includes the sounds of Vito Picone and the Elegants with special guests Peter Baron and his Tribute to Peter Frampton, Richie Santa and his Tribute to Elvis and the sounds of the Xpressions.
Note, a spectacular fireworks show will follow the musical presentation.
“We are excited to provide Staten Islanders an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful summer evening in a pleasant venue with great music,” said Borough President Fossella. “We invite all to come to the Midland Beach Splaza this Saturday and listen to the ‘Sounds of Summer’ along with a fireworks show to follow. Thank you to Vito Picone and the Elegants, Peter Baron, Richie Santa, and the Xpressions, as well as to all of the talented performers and artists who we have had the pleasure of hosting this summer.”
A LITTLE ABOUT THE ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP
In speaking about the upcoming production, Vito Picone noted, “This year’s show is completely different in that there’s a lot more variety,” said the legendary entertainer. “It will be a lot of fun for folks of all ages.”
Vito Picone and The Elegants formed as a neighborhood group in the community of South Beach back in 1956 and are still based on Staten Island. They will perform as the main act at Saturday’s concert.
Their tune, “Little Star” topped the charts back in 1958 and sold more than 2.5 million records worldwide, went gold, and remained on the charts for 19 weeks. In 1994 it was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Picone is delighted that all of the Elegants’ milestones have been shared right here on Staten Island with local residents.
He recalls vividly that coincidentally it was this time of year — in August of 1958 — when Picone and the Elegants rose to fame with their brand new hit that put Staten Island on the musical map.
The Xpressions are a cover band from Staten Island who will also entertain the exuberant crowed with tunes from the 1950′s, 1960′s, and 1970′s — and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in show business.
The Peter Baron Tribute to friend Peter Frampton will open the show for Vito Picone & the Elegants.
Baron has also played and performed with some of the biggest rock stars in the business.
Elvis tribute artist, Richie Santa, explains that Elvis has had a very positive effect on his life and considers portraying Elvis as a tribute artist a true honor.
“I can truly say that it is a passion for me,” he noted. “I’m always looking forward to the next show and the next Elvis fan I can talk to that shares the love for his music as I do. I have said this many times to anyone who would listen, that even after 47 years since his passing Elvis is still bringing people together that would never have met if it were not for him.”
The “Sounds of Summer Concert Series” is also presented by Councilmembers Kamillah Hanks, David Carr and Joe Borelli.