By Sam Novak
Inside the family band’s new production
There's something about the music and culture of late 1950s/early 1960s Bronx New York that strikes a chord with music fans. The 1979 cult film The Wanderers and songs by Frankie 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. 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 fledgling musical group became an instant success that continued to evolve through the years. Originally accompanied by Jim Fracassi (of The Earls), Adinolfi and sons Vinny III (aka Vin. A) and drummer Nick are now backed up a group of the boys' high school friends. This generation-spanning line-up has energized The Bronx Wanderers and formed a gateway for more recent hits in their repertoire.
By the end of their first decade, The Bronx Wanderers had already found their way to Las Vegas, enjoying a successful residency at the intimate Windows Showroom of Bally's. But such a massive talent deserved a much larger venue. So, The Bronx Wanderers have "wandered" into a new home down the Strip at LINQ's Mat Franco Showroom.
Their official opening on February 20th was a star-studded gala. Celebrities like Cindy Williams (Laverne and Shirley), BMX pro Ricardo Laguna, actor Chazz Palminteri, magician Mat Franco and Tenors of Rock strolled the red carpet along with the casts of Fantasy, Menopause the Musical and Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man.
A near-capacity crowd was treated to an opening video montage of The Bronx Wanderers' history. When the curtain rose, the band unleashed an avalanche of non-stop rock and roll hits, beginning with spot-on recreations of classics from father Vinny's period songbook. Favorites like "The Wanderer," "Walk Like A Man," "Rag Doll" and "Who Loves You" are so close to the originals that you'll be amazed.
Next up are a series of "surfer" songs, as well as a medley from the Vietnam War era. Papa Vinny then takes a break, and the young guys cut loose for a raucous "Uptown Funk." That Bruno Mars chart-topper is cleverly inserted between a stunning rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and a medley of Four Seasons tunes.
This segment of the show, focused on the next generation, actually proves to be a high point. Vin. A is an absolute master of keyboards, guitar and lead vocals. Nick is one of the finest drummers to be found on any Vegas stage. The remainder of the band, consisting of David Braun, Joe Bari and Fernando Tort, is so fantastic that if their founding member were to retire, The Bronx Wanderers will undoubtedly continue to soar.
The recently renovated and re-named "Mat Franco Theater" turns out to be an excellent location for a musical production. Acoustics are fine, the sound system is powerful, and the video backdrops and wider stage serve the band well. A more contemporary seating arrangement replaces the original tables and booths, allowing for improved sight lines and accessibility.
The Bronx Wanderers perform at LINQ Hotel Casino. Find showtimes and tickets here.