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.

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.”

Old-School Feels New With The Bronx Wanderers at The Linq

April 29th, 2019

By Brock Radke

So many great bands have made the Strip their home through the years, turning casino lounges and showrooms into the most buzzed-about parties in Las Vegas. The must-see band of the moment is the Bronx Wanderers, who paid their Vegas dues for the last two years at Bally’s intimate Windows Showroom and recently slid into the Mat Franco Theater at the Linq, a larger space that can feel a little cavernous without some serious energy.

Don’t worry. These guys have energy to spare. The Bronx Wanderers is a celebration of American rock and roll and the story of one musical family, told through their favorite songs (and yours) with plenty of laughs and memories along the way.

After a pre-show video provides a bit of backstory, the six-piece starts things off, of course, with “The Wanderer,” originally recorded by Dion, who hails from the same Italian-American Bronx neighborhood as Vinny Adinolfi, the longtime record producer now living his dream performing on the Strip. He sings, tells stories and plays guitar, anchoring the show, while his sons Vin A. and Nicky scorch the stage with band mates David Braun on guitar, Fernando Torte on bass and Joe Bari on horns and keyboards.

This is the second generation of the Bronx Wanderers, which originated with some of Adinolfi’s older peers and has toured the country for years, but it’s one of the tightest outfits playing the Strip these days and the groups’s mastery of some challenging rock classics - everything from Billy Joel’s “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” - is beyond impressive. The set bounces between dad’s picks (Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Neil Diamond, Elvis) and songs for the boys (the Stray Cats “Rock This Town”) and nobody misses a beat. It doesn’t matter what genre of era the songs are coming from, if it’s a hit, these guys can play it with power.

The dynamic between Vinny, Nicky on the drums and Vin A on piano, vocals and guitar is familiar and effortlessly entertaining; they take the music seriously but not so much themselves. A while back they added a two-song medley acknowledging U.S. veterans and service people (The Animals’ “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son”) and it resonates emotionally while straight-up rocking the house. You’ll only get a better version of “Fortunate Son” in Las Vegas when John Fogerty is in town at Encore Theater.

There are sing-alongs and stories about Wayne Newton and Paul Anka. There’s surf rock and “Johnny B. Goode” and Bruno Mars. There’s more music than you can handle and when it’s all over, you’ll feel like you’re part of the family.

The Bronx Wanderers take the stage at 4 p.m. Sunday, 9:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday (dark Saturdays) at the Mat Franco Theater at the Linq.

THE BRONX WANDERERS TO FEATURE SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS KEITH THOMPSON AND BEAU CASSIDY

LAS VEGAS (August 20, 2018) – The Bronx Wanderers will be joined by two special guests this week as the group’s Vin A. will be taking a much-deserved vacation. In the nearly two years that The Bronx Wanderers have been performing at Bally’s Las Vegas seven days a week, Vin A. has not taken off a single day, except for when he opened for Bon Jovi at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, March 17.

It actually took two people to fill in for the very talented Vin A.! From Monday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 26, well-known musical director, arranger and composer Keith Thompson will fill in on the keyboard and background vocals, with Beau Cassidy as a featured vocalist.

“Because of the parallel of being a part of a musical family and legacy and his great talent, Beau was a natural! Having produced Beau’s dad, David Cassidy, and The Partridge Family, Vinny Adinolfi is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Beau. Vinny will also perform some of his own favorite tunes,” said Kathi Glist, one of the show’s producers.

About Keith Thompson

Creator and director of “The Cocktail Cabaret,” currently running at Cleopatra’s Barge in Caesars Palace, Keith Thompson’s professional credits include vocal director for the Nickelodeon comedy series, “Roundhouse,” musical director and conductor for the Las Vegas companies of “Jersey Boys,” “The Producers,” “Hairspray,” “We Will Rock You,” and musical coordinator for the most recent Las Vegas production of “Mamma Mia!” He conducted the first national tour of “Cabaret” starring Teri Hatcher, and supervised the music for the Australian production of “Cabaret.” Thompson won the 2000 Dora Award as musical director for “Cabaret” in Toronto. He also conducted the First National tour of “Mamma Mia!” as well as “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” starring Donny Osmond. Other tours include the 25th anniversary tour of “HAIR,” “Peter Pan” with Cathy Rigby, “Jesus Christ Superstar” with Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson, and “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber,” an orchestra concert tour that featured Sarah Brightman. Thompson’s New York credits include “Les Miserables,” “When Pigs Fly,” “Sideshow,” “Three Men and a Horse,” Forbidden Broadway” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Voted best composer in Las Vegas by Vegas Seven, Thompson is founder and host of a popular monthly Composers Showcase at the Smith Center. He is the co-composer and musical arranger of the new comedy-musical, “IDAHO!” which won “Best of Fest” at the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) with a full production at the Smith Center’s main stage in July of 2016. His original comedy/novelty song revue, “Kooky Tunes,” enjoyed a limited run at New York’s Laurie Beechman Theater in NYC and the cast recording is currently available on Amazon.com. “God Lives in Glass,” Thompson’s newest original show, premiered at NYU’s Provincetown Playhouse and was recently presented at the Smith Center to much popular and critical acclaim.

About Beau Cassidy

Beau Cassidy is a 26-year-old singer, songwriter, and actor from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. An alumni of Boston University, he got his start playing in the successful YouTube band “The Fates,” which garnered more than two million views over the course of the band’s yearlong lifespan. He proceeded to work with GRAMMY winning producer/songwriter Terry Britten, to which Britten described Cassidy as, “one of the most wonderful talents I’ve worked with.” The time that followed was where Cassidy truly came into his own. Writing under Skrillex-found label OWSLA Publishing, he penned two songs for Chinese Mega Pop Star Luhan, and sold over two million records both domestic and abroad. Currently, Cassidy is co-writing his very first musical entitled “Porn Awards” and is the lead singer/guitar player for his band The Rivalry with his two cousins of the same last name. Cassidy currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif. He is the son of teen idol and icon David Cassidy and is proud of his family’s lineage. His grandmother Shirley Jones still mentors him today and he is the grandson of the late Jack Cassidy.

About The Bronx Wanderers

Since opening on September 22, 2016, the most energetic show on the Las Vegas Strip has performed more than 360 shows for over 70,00 fans, and was voted the Bronze Winner of the “Best New Act/Show” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas Awards 2017.

United by their passion for great music, The Bronx Wanderers are helmed to perfection by charismatic master entertainer Vinny, who is a former chart-topping record producer. He is joined on stage by his two sons – Vinny “The Kid,” a young Brian Wilson who sings, arranges and plays several different instruments, and drummer extraordinaire Nicky “Stix” – as well as a killer hand-picked backup band.

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.

For more information, visit thebronxwanderers.com or follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Bronx Wanderers perform seven nights a week at 8 p.m. through September 9. Beginning September 10, performances are at 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $69.99, $79.99 and $99.99 for VIP seating which includes a front pass for a meet and greet with the cast. Pricing includes all additional fees. Locals can purchase premium seats for $34.50 (additional fees apply) when they mention the code BWLOCAL. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ballyslasvegas.com, by calling (702) 777-2782 and (855) 234-7469, or in person at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office. For groups of 10 or more call 1-866-574-3851 or email EntertainmentGroupSales@Caesars.com.

BLACK LEATHER, GREAT HAIR AND ROCK N ROLL: THE BRONX WANDERERS

In That's So Vegas! TV by Christine McKellarDecember 19, 2017

It’s all good vibes and great energy with the father and two sons who comprise high energy rock n roll band, The Bronx Wanderers. “Yo” Vinnie, sons Vinnie “the Kid” and Nickie “Styx” are backed by a six-piece band and play nightly at Bally’s Las Vegas in the Windows Showroom. Watch this fun interview with Vinnie and Vinnie the Kid. Catch some classic guitar riffs on the the Kid’s rendition of “Jingle Bells”. Even sing along with the backup singers–me and Vinnie. The Bronx Wanderers is a show that will rock all ages from their heads to their toes.

VIDEO HERE

Keg Tapping w/ The Bronx Wanderers!

By: Sam Wagmeister

For the first time ever, Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas hosted a keg tapping of its holiday beer on Saturday, Dec. 2. Tapping the keg of the limited edition Hofbräu beer were The Bronx Wanderers, who took over the Hofbräuhaus stage with a live performance that brought everyone in the beer hall to their feet. The celebrated top-notch band, who perform nightly at Bally’s Las Vegas, treated guests to a medley of treasured Four Seasons tunes, followed by Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”

While every day may be Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas, the city’s most authentic Bavarian experience also offers the most fun venue in Las Vegas to celebrate the holidays this year. The beer hall offers a unique entertainment experience 365 days a year, with live bands on the stage nightly, who, in addition to traditional German/Bavarian music, will perform holiday classics throughout the month of December.

And, be sure to enjoy a traditional German meal with special menus on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including Glühwein, a German Christmas tradition featuring mulled wine with Christmas spices; Split Pea Soup with Frankfurter Sausage; Gebackener Tortenbrie (Brie cheese breaded and fried golden brown served with salad bouquet and cranberries) and more.

About Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas
The Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas is the first German/Bavarian beer hall and restaurant in Las Vegas which creates a true Bavarian beer hall experience that is even more than a dining adventure. No ordinary restaurant, Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas is an energetic party daily, with authentic German bands, boisterous sing-alongs, dancing in the aisles and on the benches, and premium Hofbräu beer. From its hand-painted ceilings and live bands to its imported beer and delicious food, Bavarian hospitality abounds. Guests can savor schnitzel, sausages, sauerbraten, pretzels and so much more.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas at 702.853.BEER (2337), visit HofbrauhausLasVegas.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Bronx Wanderers Celebrate First Anniversary of Rocking on the Las Vegas Strip

VegasNews.com 

The Bronx Wanderers celebrated their first anniversary of performing at Bally’s Las Vegas. Since opening on September 22, 2016, the most energetic show on the Las Vegas Strip has performed more than 360 shows for over 70,000 fans. 

Seven nights a week at 6 p.m., the trio, Vinny and his two sons – Vinny “The Kid” and Nicky “Stix” – flanked by their top-notch band, effortlessly bring to life songs from the beginning of Rock ‘N’ Roll right through today’s greatest hits. The best 90 minutes of America’s Rock ‘N’ Roll songbook on the Las Vegas Strip has attracted fans from all over the world, who flock to see the group perform hits made famous by the likes of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Dion, the Beach Boys, Queen, Bruno Mars, Coldplay and many others.

Celebrity fans who have been spotted at the show include the Four Seasons’ own Tommy Devito and Joe Long, Joey Dee, The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Jay & The Americans, the cast of Menopause The Musical including celebrity guest star “Laverne & Shirley’s” Cindy Williams, Wayne Newton, Clint Holmes, Frank Marino and the cast of Divas Las Vegas, Travis Cloer of Jersey Boys John Payne from the band Asia and more.

When reminiscing about the past year, Vinny says, “One of my favorite memories is when Wayne Newton himself walked on stage during the show on my birthday and gave me a duplicate of the gold bracelet that Frank Sinatra had given Wayne on his 35th birthday. I remember him putting the bracelet on me and telling me that there are only three of those bracelets in existence – Frank’s, his and now mine. Wow!”

If anything rivals The Bronx Wanderers’ passion for playing music on stage, it is their drive to help others in the Las Vegas community. Working with Win-Win Entertainment, the group has becoming actively involved with the Miracle League, a program that provides individuals with cognitive and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball in a safe and nurturing environment.

“It has been such a joy to see people from all over the world, in their 20s into their 80s, coming to the show over the past year. By the end of the show, everyone is jumping to their feet, clapping and dancing along with the music!” said Kathi Glist, one of the show’s producers. “Not only are we proud of how successful the show has been, but also of how The Bronx Wanderers have been welcomed into the Las Vegas community and have given back by volunteering their time to various local organizations.”

THE BRONX WANDERERS TAKE OVER UNLVINO!

Las Vegas loves a party. And Las Vegans love to support worthy causes too. UNLVino guests were able to “take a sip for scholarship” with generous food tasting opportunities on March 30 through April 1, 2017 at the highly anticipated three night annual event in support of UNLV's  William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

UNLVino  continued its tradition of recognizing hospitality industry leaders with the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence. Bar Rescue” star Jon Taffer, who is headquartered in Las Vegas, was honored by UNLV hospitality students during UNLVino “Take a Sip for Scholarship” event. There are three opportunities to support UNLV students and enjoy spectacular events.

Returning to Paris Las Vegas’ ballroom, UNLVino’s time-honored Grand Tasting will delight guests with an unrivaled collection of premium beverages as the weekend’s main event indulges guests with delectable cuisine from UNLV’s culinary students and celebrated Vegas restaurants. Special guests The Bronx Wanderers made an appearance and absolutely killed the performance! Who knew what a little wine and some great music could do to a crowd. Dancing and hollering went way into the night. 

UNLVino was cofounded in 1974 by the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, the two organizations which continue to sponsor it today. Over the past four decades, UNLVino has raised several million dollars for scholarships and other academic developmental needs of UNLV students. ]UNLVino is differentiated through hands-on student experiences at all levels of event planning, execution and promotion, as well as the impactful funds raised each year – all testaments to the celebratory weekend’s broader purpose – scholarship.

THE BRONX WANDERERS CELEBRATE SIX MONTHS AT BALLY'S LAS VEGAS

"If you liked Jersey Boys, you will LOVE The Bronx Wanderers!" (Sam Wagmeister, The Vegas Voice), was the first of many favorable media reviews that The Bronx Wanderers have received.

After touring the country over the past 12 years, The Bronx Wanderers have found their home in Las Vegas, with more than 200 shows over the past six months under their belt at Bally's - Las Vegas.

Fans and critics alike have been charmed with the best 90 minutes of America's rock 'n' roll songbook on the Las Vegas Strip. The Four Seasons' very own Tommy Devito and Joe Long became very emotional while watching The Bronx Wanderers perform some of the songs that made them famous and that eventually created the Jersey Boys phenomenon.

Seven nights a week at 5:30 p.m., the trio, Vinny and his two sons — Vinny "The Kid" and Nicky "Stix" — flanked by their top-notch band, effortlessly bring to life songs from the beginning of rock 'n' roll right through today's tunes.

Nearly 30,000 guests, traveling from every corner of the world, from Australia to Alaska, have enjoyed The Bronx Wanderers perform hits made famous by the likes of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Dion, the Beach Boys, Queen, Bruno Mars, Coldplay and many others.

To say that The Bronx Wanderers have devoted fans would be a huge understatement. Many fans return to see the show again and again, including one couple who has seen the show 36 times. Additionally, a group of fans from Chicago, who call themselves "The Front Row Ladies," have visited Las Vegas four times since the show opened, always sitting in the front row donning their Bronx Wanderers logo t-shirts. Women in particular love the group – especially Vinny "The Kid," who has received marriage proposals from women ages 18 to 88.

The show has also been a magnet for some of entertainment's most iconic names including Tony Orlando, Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, Joey Dee, Gary Lewis and Jay and the Americans. Fellow Bally's Las Vegas headliner Wayne Newton even made an appearance when he surprised Vinny in the middle of the show by pretending to be a waiter and bringing him a drink on stage, hearkening back to the days when he and Elvis played pranks on each other.

If anything rivals The Bronx Wanderers' passion for playing music on stage, it is their drive to help others in the Las Vegas community. Working with Win-Win Entertainment, the group has becoming actively involved with the Miracle League, a program that provides individuals with cognitive and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball in a safe and nurturing environment.

““IT HAS BEEN A DREAM COME TRUE TO GET TO PERFORM ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS,” SAID VINNY. “IT’S BEEN AMAZING TO MEET AUDIENCES FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND EVEN THE WORLD. BY THE END OF EACH SHOW, PEOPLE IN THEIR 20S INTO THEIR 80S ARE ALL JUMPING TO THEIR FEET, CLAPPING AND DANCING ALONG WITH US. WE HAVE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF LIVING AND PERFORMING IN VEGAS AND LOOK FORWARD TO BEING HERE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!””

"We are so proud of what The Bronx Wanderers have been able to accomplish since they opened last September," said Kathi Glist, one of the show's producers. "In addition to more than 200 successful shows, they have been embraced by the local Las Vegas community and have given back by volunteering their time to various organizations. Furthermore, they have been asked to perform for several key events in the city, including Chinese New Year at The LINQ Promenade, as well as a summit for more than 400 Caesars Entertainment executives from around the world."

"The Bronx Wanderers have been a great addition to our entertainment lineup at Bally's Las Vegas," said Damian Costa, Caesars Entertainment vice president of Las Vegas entertainment operations. "They have been welcomed graciously into the Las Vegas community while notably standing out in the entertainment landscape due to their enormous talent."