'Streets of the Bronx Band" Rockin & a Rollin' Little Italy in the Bronx

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Last night was a classic good old Little Italy in the Bronx night. At my families life long friends Restaurant Ann & Tony's on Arthur Ave, we were entertained by a great oldies band- "Butch Barbella's Streets of the Bronx Band".

Butch (another life long family friend) is the musical director of the trio and does all the arrangements on his keyboards. Butch has been musical director for groups like The Earls, The Duprees, & Dion. He did the musical soundtrack for the movie "A Bronx Tale" starring Chaz Palmintieri & Robert Deniro & the upcoming film "The Dukes". His current band is named after the doo wop song "Streets of the Bronx" from the "Bronx Tale" movie. Jerry Brown is a fantastic singer who handles the lead vocals & Bobby Rustici keeps the beat going on the drums.

The band had the joint rockin as they were literally dancing in the aisles, by the bar, near the bathroom and anywhere else they could fit. They mixed up some great ballads for slow dancing and then some classic 50's/early 60's rock & roll hits, that got everyone moving. In between Butch told some vintage Bronx stories about growing up & hanging out on 187th St & Arthur Ave. Check out their original tunes & their new CD.

The staff had to dodge all the people dancing in order to get the food & drinks to the tables. It all worked out for great night of good fun, good food & good music. My parents have been friends with the Ann & Tony's Restaurant family since childhood, & Butch as well. We've all grown up around the Italian neighborhood & the Restaurant at all stages in our lives. Anthony, Ralph & myself have been life long Met fans since our little league days.
This was a great cozy, friendly atmosphere, and a good fun time for all. Eveyone enjoyed it from those who were experiencing the Restaurant & band for the first time, to those who've been here before. We were there with my parents, the boys, Vera & her staff. It was such a success that they will be doing it again on Friday April 24th, 2009. Go to their website & reserve a table.

Streets of the Bronx Set list:
Where it Went
Up on the Roof
I Don't Want To Cry
Ruby Baby
Barbara Ann
Still of the Night
Sleepwalk
Johnny B. Goode
Long Tall Sally
I Who Have Nothing
Can't Help Myself
Run Around Sue
Shoo Bop
There Goes My Baby
Whiter Shade of Pale
I'll Be Satisfied

(intermission)

The Wanderer
Sea Cruise
Love Came to Me
Donna the Prima Donna
Good Lovin'
I Wonder Why
Streets of the Bronx
King of the New York Streets
I Believe
I Saw Her Standing There
Your Love is Lifting Me Higher
Wonderful Girl
The Bronx Has Been Good To Me


http://www.streetsofthebronx.net/music.html

http://annandtonysonline.com/

Comments

jerry brown said…
Hey Maz..thanks very much for your kind words and great pictures! It was great to meet you & all, and I'm very happy you all enjoyed yourselves! It was a wonderful experience being at Ann & Tonys in our old neighborhood, playing to all who appreciated, and we're looking forward to being back in April! Hope to see you there..all the best..thanks again..Jerry Brown
February 2, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Anonymous said…
Hey Lou...great post. Glad you had a great time. Was nice to have you and your mom and dad there. It was a great night. I had a blast. Butch and the guys were awesome...I thought the roof was going to come off the restaurant....hopeffully, in April it will.
February 5, 2009 at 4:35 PM
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