Children’s Heart Foundation brings birthday celebrations to children with heart defects

by: John Langeler

Posted: Apr 22, 2020 / 07:47 AM PDT / Updated: Apr 22, 2020 / 08:38 AM PDT

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — It’s tough right now to celebrate special life events when quarantines keep people in their homes. Families with children battling health conditions have an even tougher time finding ways to enjoy brighter moments. But one local non-profit is trying to fill the gap.

When you’re 10-years-old and can’t go to school, this is how you spend most of the day — playing a game of Rocket League with your brother after your homework is done. Artyom Pyatin is used to being homebound. For a long time, there was little he could do because of a congenital heart defect. He had a tiny hole is in heart.

“I got tired a lot easier,” he said. “He could not keep up with other kids, despite him being a pretty high-end athlete,” said Rebeka Acosta, his mother. Quarantining and making extra sure their house is clean is something the family has done for years because not only does Artyom have a heart condition, his brother also has one.

“Our lifeline to the rest of the world has essentially been cut off,” Acosta said. But it’s Artyom’s birthday Thursday and he will turn 11. “I asked for a few things, but I don’t know what most of them are,” he said. “The rest of the stuff is going to be a surprise.” Recently, Artyom’s heart was fixed by doctors. Now, Children’s Heart Foundation is making sure it’s also filled with love. “We wanted to spread some joy to our April birthday kiddos,” said Melissa Cipriano, Children’s Heart Foundation.

Cipriano is executive director of the foundation which helps families struggling with medical needs find help, support and even birthday parties. A car arrives in front of Artyom’s home with balloons and gifts.“Surprise Artyom! Happy Birthday!” Cipriano recently started this effort to recognize the foundation’s clients having birthdays during the “Stay Home” orders. It’s a way to celebrate strong kids who have fought through so much, but right now, can’t really celebrate big days like this. The gifts are donated from local businesses.

The surprise also included a Facetime song from local singer Vin A. from the Bronx wanderers. “So, apparently you don’t have any school and I don’t have any work, so I guess you got your birthday wish,” Vin said. “It is very meaningful to our parents,” Cipriano said. “A lot of them fit into the vulnerable category, so they have to quarantine. They have to lock it down.” Often, families like this can miss these special days. But not this time. It takes more than a quarantine to keep one strong boy from having a very big day.

The Bronx Wanderers now performing at Harrah's

By Fox5 MORE

Las Vegas band The Bronx Wanderers are now performing at their new home at Harrah's Las Vegas. Here's what they say to expect at their show.

Vegas Music Legends

By: Joe D'Amico

The Bronx Wanderers

You don’t have to travel to New York City to experience it. There’s a bit of the Bronx right here in the middle of the desert.

Launched in 2006, basically as a whim by gold-record producer and label executive Vinny Adinolfi, the Bronx Wanderers have become something of a sensation.

Touring the world with some incredible musicians, including his sons, the patriarch of the family takes you on a flashback experience of the greatest music throughout the 1950’s, ‘60s, and ‘70s right up to present day.

Not only are these guys talented, but they have a charm and charisma that brings a feeling of intimacy to the audience, the likes of which are unrivaled today. From Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to Dion and the Belmonts, no one does it better than the Bronx Wanderers.

Sharing a stage with sons Vinny Jr. and Nicky gives Vinny Sr. tons of memories and material to keep the crowd feeling nostalgic and in stitches. Afterwards, they come out to chat and take photos with all their fans.

Go see the show that famed musician Tony Orlando says,” I honestly feel part of their family and you will too. One of my favorite shows of all time.”

Having just inked a new residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas, there are dates available in February, March, April, and June. I can’t get enough of the Bronx Wanderers and you won’t either. A must see.

The Bronx Wanderers Move To Harrah’s With New Schedule Starting 2/3/20

By Sam Novak

A classic venue for a class act…Bronx Wanderers at Harrah’s Showroom…

There’s something about the music and culture of late 1950’s/early 1960’s Bronx New York that strikes a chord in music fans. The 1979 cult film The Wanderers and songs by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons continue to entertain audiences as a new generation discovers that special time and place.

The Bronx Wanderers are a part of that timeless legacy. This Italian family band has its roots in the Jersey Boys era but with their feet firmly planted in contemporary Las Vegas. A veritable living jukebox of legendary hits, this handsome and talented collection of musicians and singers brings down the house with every performance.

Patriarch Vinny Adinolf worked behind the scenes in the music industry for decades. A successful record producer and label executive, he was instrumental in the careers of Dion and the Belmonts, Jim Croce, Alabama, Reba McEntire and many more. Despite his enormous success spearheading other artists, Adinolfi had always wanted to have his own act.

By the mid-2000’s, Vinny’s two sons had mastered several instruments and exhibited an enormous amount of musical talent. So the time was right to form a family band and take that “Jersey Boys” sound out on the road. That’s how The Bronx Wanderers was born.

The Bronx Wanderers move to Harrah's Las Vegas

By Casino City Times

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Buckle your seat belts because The Bronx Wanderers are moving to Harrah's Las Vegas Casino & Hotel. Beginning Monday, 3 February, don’t miss this up close and personal, yet larger than life show that takes audiences on a journey through Rock N’ Roll’s great American songbook. Guests will have the time of their lives as this father-and-sons trio, flanked by their top-notch band, deliver a passionate, exciting mix of the greatest music of our time, from Doo-Wop and Golden Oldies, right through to today’s current hit-makers. Featuring numbers from Dion, Queen, Bruno Mars, The Beatles, Neil Diamond and so many more, this show is like nothing you’ve ever seen before and will leave you speechless.

Since opening at Bally's - Las Vegas more than three years ago and The LINQ Hotel + Experience last year, The Bronx Wanderers have performed more than 1,000 shows for over 200,000 guests. A fan favorite on The Strip since it first opened, the show consistently receives five-star reviews and was voted by the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas Awards the Bronze Winner of the “Best New Act/Show” in 2017 and Silver Winner of “Best Tribute Show”and “Best Value Show” in 2018.

“After opening at Bally’s three years ago and moving to The LINQ last year, we are thrilled to be moving to the Harrah’s Showroom,” said the band and show’s founder, Vinny Adinolfi. “Playing in Las Vegas truly is a dream come true for me, as well as Alan and Kathi Glist, who have also produced ‘Menopause The Musical’ at Harrah’s Las Vegas for the past five years.”

“Since their debut in 2016, The Bronx Wanderers have created the magic of rock and roll and connected with audiences from all over,” said Damian Costa, vice president of entertainment operations at Caesars Entertainment. “Their showmanship will be a fantastic addition to Harrah’s Las Vegas.”

United by their passion for great music, Las Vegas’ hottest family band is helmed to perfection by charismatic master entertainer Vinny Adinolfi, who is a former chart-topping record producer. He is joined on stage by his two sons - Vinny “Vin. A” Adinolfi III, an Italian Brian Wilson who sings, arranges and plays several different instruments, and drummer extraordinaire Nicky Adinolfi – as well as a killer hand-picked backup band, including Joe Bari, Fernando Tort and David Braun.

The show is produced by Glist Entertainment and the creative team is made up of Director Jonathan Tessero, Lighting Designer Ryan Patridge, and Jeff Lester from Big Picture Studios as Video Designer.

With superlative vocals and musicianship, dynamic enthusiasm and a genuine love of the music they perform, The Bronx Wanderers recreate the magic of the era and build an energetic bond with their audience. The show tells the stories and plays the music that will take you as close as you can get to having lived the actual experience. The Bronx Wanderers take the stage each night with new material, but they never leave out the favorites that their fans and audiences have come to love.

The Bronx Wanderers have toured the country over the past 12 years, playing pop/rock classics spanning six decades in front of sold-out audiences everywhere. The show covers all musical bases and hits an out-of-the-park home run with audiences of all ages every night. This is more than just an amazingly talented family band. The Bronx Wanderers are a heart, a sound, a feeling and a harmony that goes right to the heart of the crowd, getting them singing along and up on their feet like no other show can do.

Las Vegas Strip favorites Bronx Wanderers move to Harrah’s Showroom

By John Katsilometes Las Vegas Review-Journal

The Las Vegas Strip is becoming the Bronx Wanderers’ old neighborhood.

The family rock ‘n’ roll act has made its move to Harrah’s Showroom official. Our favorite Vegas show to feature two Vinnys, Bronx Wanderers open 8 p.m. Feb. 3, and runs 8 p.m. daily and 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays.

The show is dark Tuesdays except when the Righteous Brothers are dark, when the Wanderers run nightly.

BW is moving from the Mat Franco Theater at Linq Hotel, where the band headlined for about a year. Fronted by father Vinny Adinolfi and backed by his sons Vinny Adinolfi III — known as Vin A. — and Nicky, the band has played three years on the Strip. The Wanderers spent two years at Windows Showroom at Bally’s, then were swept out as Caesars Entertainment took full control of the venue and themed it for magic-fashioned productions.

It’s now known as The Magic Attic. In the time since, BW has worked varying showtimes — some 4 p.m. starts, some 8 p.m., and others at 9:15 p.m. — at the Linq theater.

“I think we’ll finally get to see if we can succeed without two hands tied behind our backs,” Vin A. said via text Thursday. “With consistent time slots, it’ll be easier for fans and patrons (and ourselves) lol.”

Bronx Wanderers are sharing the room with a bonafide Rock and Roll Hall of Famer in Bill Medley, who has revived the Righteous Brothers with soaring singer Bucky Heard. As Vin A. said, “We’re beyond excited, and to share the room with the Righteous Brothers is a dream come true.”

Bronx Wanderers in Las Vegas has helped the act sell tickets on the road, says producer Alan Glist, who advised the act to stay away from road dates for a year to build demand. The guys filled 2,200-seat Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Fla., over the holidays. At Harrah’s, BW is taking the place of “Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel In Concert,” which closed Dec. 29.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His PodKats podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.

The Bronx Wanderers meander to Clearwater for a Sunday show

By KYLA FIELDS

The Bronx Wanderers are headed to Clearwater this Sunday to re-create the best rock and roll from the  50s, 60s and 70s. Whether the father and son rock duo are covering the biggest hits of yesterday, or enticing the crowd to clap and stomp along to their catchy riffs, The Bronx Wanderers never fail to put on a memorable show. 

Witness the rock band breathe life into songs that you forgot about 20 years ago at the Ruth Eckerd Hall this Sunday.

The Bronx Wanderers Sun., Jan. 12. 7:30 p.m. $29.50. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater. rutheckerdhall.com 

Follow @cl_music on Twitter to get the most up-to-date music news, concert announcements and local tunes. Subscribe to our newsletter, and listen to us on WMNF 88.5-FM’s “Radio Reverb” program every Saturday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

The Bronx Wanderers Celebrate 1000th show in Las Vegas

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

By Judy Thorburn kreatia@aol.com
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
http://www.theflickchicks.com

The Bronx Wanderers celebrated their 1000th performance in Las Vegas on Thursday, October 10 at the LINQ Hotel & Casino. It marked another milestone for the extremely talented musicians fronted by the charismatic, Bronx born, former chart topping record producer, Vinny Adinolfi, whose dream of headlining on the Las Vegas strip became a reality just three years ago.

When I first saw the band perform at Bally's in 2016, I gave them a much deserved rave review. Now, appearing at another venue, in a larger room, they have only gotten better, proving they are, without a doubt,  one of the best shows in Las Vegas, by continually delivering a high energy, enjoyable show that will have you coming back over and over again.

Vinny Sr. is the leader of the pack, but it is truly a family affair. Joining him on stage are his two sons, the multi-talented, Vinny “Vin. A” Adinolfi lll, who sings, arranges and plays keyboard and guitar, and drummer extraordinaire, Nicky, along with their extended “family”, an amazing back up band that includes Joe Bari, Fernando Tort and David Braun. The solid group perform an evening of outstanding covers of songs from the early 60's to the present including hits by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and Dion to Queen and Bruno Mars that will have you singing along and getting up to dance at your seat or even in the aisle.

Besides great vocals and showmanship, what separates The Bronx Wanderers from other tribute or cover bands is their incredible connection with their audience. When Vinny Sr. shares his background story from humble beginnings in the Bronx to his rise as a successful Las Vegas entertainer, his warm, genuine, and thoroughly likable manner hits a touching chord with everyone. With all they have going for them, it's no wonder that The Bronx Wanderers have built a huge fan base throughout the country that is continually growing.

The Bronx Wanderers perform at the LINQ Hotel & Casino, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 9 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. and are dark on Saturdays. Tickets ranging in price from $59.99 to $109 are on sale now and may be purchased online in person at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office.

Grand numbers for BW

By John Katsilometes Las Vegas Review-Journal

October 19, 2019 - 6:07 pm

The Bronx Wanderers joke about how they determine their set list for the show at Mat Franco Theater. This process stops just short of fisticuffs, as young Vin A. has prevailed to tear through Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” each performance and patriarch Vinny Adinolfi gets all of his Frankie Valli and the Four Season hits.

But there was no debate about working up a new closing medley, which invokes The Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” the ending suite from “Abbey Road,” and a tribute to “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” subbing in “Bronx Wanderers family rock ‘n’ roll band” as the lyric.

That flourish was developed in time for the guys to celebrated their 1,000 show in Las Vegas this month, splitting between Bally’s and Linq Hotel. Remarkably, Adinolfi the Elder has never missed a show, owed to his great medical team and not because (as insiders have claimed) he is a hologram.

Actually, Vin A. has said his father won’t miss a show because he doesn’t trust the band in his absence. Something about performing a Van Halen medley. Whatever, if that ever happens, I’ll be there and I’m bringing Diamond Dave with me …

Wayne Newton presides over vow renewal during Bronx Wanderers show

By John Katsilometes Las Vegas Review-Journal

September 27, 2019 - 6:13 pm

Vinny Adinolfi plays a game called, “What would Wayne do?” It’s a reference to big decisions, with Wayne Newton in the pivotal role.

As his 36th wedding anniversary approached, Adinolfi wondered how to mark a special moment for his wife, Carol. As Adinolfi, founder of the family rock ‘n’ roll act the Bronx Wanderers, told the crowd at Mat Franco Theater on Monday, “Every time I have to make a decision at home, I ask, ‘What would Wayne do?’”

At that, Newton himself arrived from the wings with a microphone.

“What would Wayne do?” Newton asked as the crowd shouted and applauded. “I think that Wayne would renew his wedding vows.”

Kathleen Newton, Wayne’s wife, also took part in the ceremony, which was certainly unrehearsed (those faltering microphones were one indication). The Adinolfis and Newtons became close when they shared residencies at the former Windows Showroom at Bally’s, which is now The Magic Attic.

Carol had not been told of this plan, which was several days in planning and included an invitation for Vinny’s brother, Richie, to join the band on keyboard. “Carol! You have to come down!” Vinny called toward the back of the theater.

Carol Adinolfi would later say, “Can you believe this? Mr. Las Vegas! But I thought something might have been up when I was walking to the theater and I knew everyone who was lined up for the show!”

Thursday’s appearance was Newton’s second unbilled performance in less than a week. He also joined The Black Keys, unannounced, at Life is Beautiful late last Saturday night.

The Adinolfis plan to vacation in Maui, where they spent their honeymoon. Vinny is notoriously reluctant to take any nights off — he never missed a performance in two years when the show was at Bally’s. So the couple are due for some down time, some sunshine and a few waves.

“Carol is always telling me I’m not romantic,” Vinny said, grinning. “I think this is pretty romantic.”