Bio's
Ben Abruzzo: Vocals
Ben’s first introduction to music performance was at age 5, when he would sing along with his sister Lena’s Doo-Wap bands when they rehearsed. Ben’s interest in music developed as he grew old enough to become involved in bands as well. In high school, then sang in the chorus. This experience exposed him to opera and theatrical music, in addition to the popular styles.
Ben’s vocal style is reflected in the thousands of hours he’s spent listening to everyone from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to the Beatles, Stones, Joe Cocker, Hendrix, and many other artists. Ben both speaks and sings in Italian. An enthusiastic Joe Refano of the Liverpool Shuffle and Media Mechanix tells us, “My father was from Sicily. Someday I’m going to write a song, and have a Ben translate and sing it in Italian. That would be amazing!" Adds Refano, “Few artists have the versatility and diverse range that Ben has. It makes it that much more fun to write for him." Paul Brokaw of Media Mechanix adds, “Check him out, I Think you’ll find it’s an enjoyable, and very surprising experience.“
Ben has shared the stage with the likes of Jimmy Roselli, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Gloria Gaynor, Rich, Little, The Platters, The Ronettes, Phil Grande, Mike Cerrati, the Climax Blues Band, Danny Miranda, Lionell Cordew, Nick Lazarev, Bob Gallo, George Panos, Richie Cannata, Steve Holley, Ada Dyer, Joe Carbone, Mark Mancini, Shawn Murray, Matt Miller, Steve Finkelstein, Linda DeMilta, Caroline Purr, Jim Cutrone, Manny Focarazzo, Stu Watarz, Jerry Nobile, Jeff, Finkelstein, Dan Ehlrich, and Dr. Dave Beyers of Steelin' Dan, and many others in clubs and cabarets throughout the tri-state area.
Performing in dozens of regional theater shows on Long Island has given been a deeper insight and appreciation of the lyrics to a song. In Ben’s words, “There is always a great importance in the melodic notes, but I find a special connection to the lyrics…, The story that I am telling every time I sing a song. If you don’t feel what I am trying to convey, then I haven’t done my job.”
Richard Miranda: Keys
Richard Miranda is a premier keyboardist who has performed with Gloria Gaynor and has accompanied numerous vocalists throughout the Tri-State area. He has also played with the Columbia All Star Jazz ensemble and has been featured as a soloist under the direction of Bert Konowitz. He is currently featured as a soloist with the Swing time Band under the direction of Steve Shaiman. Also to his credit are performances with the Denice Given Band for the past 10 years. And for the past 20 years he has also managed "New Image Music", a 9 piece band who played thousands of weddings and were a tremendous success.
Mr. Miranda has also played pipe organ at Radio City Music Hall and St. John's Divine in NYC. He is currently a retired music teacher from HHH school district for 38 years. He has received numerous accolades and has received the New York State finest teacher award 3 times in a row in Who's WHO in NYS teachers. He is revered by students. Mr. Miranda has 2 Masters (Music education and technology). He was awarded team player of the year by C.W. Post college and Half Hollow Hills. He majors in performance, pipe organ, piano, theory, composition and sight singing. He has brought 25 choral groups over the years to compete at Music in the Parks and has received Superior ratings with all of his groups. Mr. Miranda taught choral music, jazz band and directed numerous musicals and talent shows over his 38 year career. Many of his students have gone on to be teachers and professional performers.
Danny Miranda: Bass
631.374.0444 Dmiranda1@mac.com
ELECTRIC BASS , ELECTRIC UPRIGHT BASS
ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRIC GUITARS , KEYS , BACKGROUND VOCALS
Danny’s influences and musical palette range from Roots, Americana , Jazz, Pop, Heavy Rock , and everything in between .
Danny’s touring experience began in the early 80’s in and around the New York City club scene and has become the choice player for the likes of Brian May, Paul Rodgers, and many other top tier performers and musicians.
Whether playing arena rock or an intimate folk or jazz club, Danny fits the bill. A true student of the game and a masterful musician.
TOURING EXPERIENCE :
BLUE OYSTER CULT 1995 - 2004 BASS , VOCALS
QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS 2004-2009 BASS, UPRIGHT BASS , ACOUSTIC GUITAR , VOCALS
MEAT LOAF 2010 - PRESENT ELECTRIC AND UPRIGHT BASS , VOCALS
BLUE OYSTER CULT 2017-
THEATRE :
WE WILL ROCK YOU - LAS VEGAS - 2004- 2006
MAMMY MIA - LAS VEGAS - 2006- 2009
JERRY SPRINGER , THE MUSICAL 2016
SYMPHONIES :
THE MUSIC OF THE EAGLES - MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN - MUSIC OF WHITNEY HOUSTON MUSIC OF MICHAEL JACKSON- MUSIC OF DAVID BOWIE 2010 - PRESENT
Lou Gioia: Drums
Started playing drums at the age of 5. Born in Astoria Queens to parents who both loved and supported music. Lou’s first formal studying started in elementary school in drum corp, where he began learning rudiments and reading rhythms. During his high schools years he studied privately to continue to Improve on his reading skills and study all styles of music, ranging from contemporary jazz, to pop, rock and R&B. Lou has been very busy playing and recording in the NYC music scene for the past 30 years. Through his
association with drum legend Dave Weckl, Lou was introduced to former New York Yankee - turned contemporary jazz guitarist-Bernie Williams, which has led to him performing regularly with Bernie’s band over the past 13 years. As part of that band, Lou has also shared the stage with music icon Paul Simon.