Tune In, Turn On
We know an overachiever when we see one. Dave Damiani definitely fits that category.
A bandleader, recording artist, songwriter and radio host, Damiani is a Hammonton native who is familiar to Atlantic City audiences. He always seems to be involved in one interesting project after another.
He currently hosts a free weekly summer concert series at Kennedy Plaza. The Tuesday night series begins at 6 p.m. and continues through Sept. 8.
Tune In Turn On recently interviewed Damiani.
Doug D: When and how did you form the No Vacancy Orchestra?
Dave D: In Los Angeles, I was working at a jazz club as a bartender and also had a job managing an apartment building. When we had the “No Vacancy” sign at the building, the owner was happy, and I was able to concentrate on my music. I came up with the idea for the No Vacancy Orchestra.
Around that time, I was also interested in getting my master’s degree in music, so I did. I went to California State University, Los Angeles, and while I was doing all of these things, I started gigging. I got some charts and formed a big band.
I thought I would eventually use my degree to teach music, but I never did. I started performing big-band gigs in Los Angeles and booking entertainment for Marriott. I did this for years and got the opportunity to play for just about every celebrity in the world out in Los Angeles.
My business started growing, and everyone loved performing with my orchestra. We got to work with George Benson, Bobby Rydell, Joe Piscopo, Haley Reinhart, Jane Monheit, Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, Molly Ringwald, Larry King, Keith David, Maiya Sykes, Renee Olstead, Macy Gray and many more.
I started producing music for some of these artists, and everyone really dug my style of “bending the standard” — taking the Great American Songbook and putting my spin on it.
Doug D: Let’s talk about “The Girls of New Jersey” night that you’ll be presenting at Kennedy Plaza on Sept. 8.
Dave D: During my time entertaining in Atlantic City and throughout the world, I got to host the Miss New Jersey competition for a few years. I had the chance to perform my song, “It’s Pure AC,” the official anthem of Atlantic City.
I was the host the year Jade Glab won and the following year when Alyssa Sullivan won. I really developed a great relationship with Sullivan. We have done a few gigs together, and these women from Miss New Jersey are so talented.
I also love Molly Pugliese, who will perform at the Sept. 8 show. They will be performing jazz and musical theater tunes. There may even be a few surprise guests!
Doug D: Talk about the various styles of music you perform and the artists who have influenced your musical journey.
Dave D: I love jazz, but I have been venturing out lately. Working in the jazz club, I had the opportunity to meet Jack Sheldon, John Pizzarelli and so many greats. It heavily influenced me.
I always loved Sinatra, but then I started listening to Buddy Greco, Joe Williams, Johnny Hartman and Mark Murphy. These artists blew my mind.
I have always loved the yacht rock genre as well, even before they were calling it that. It was a great period of songwriting.
Doug D: When did you start doing the “Seriously Sinatra” show on SiriusXM?
Dave D: I’ve done a few “Playing Favorites” segments on “Seriously Sinatra.” I have a radio show that also airs locally at 11 a.m. Sundays on 92.3 WOND called “Bending the Standard,” where I interview great musicians such as Tony Orlando, Tina Sinatra, Benny Benack, Casey Abrams and so many great musical friends.
I’m really excited for this November because we’re doing a live broadcast on SiriusXM 70’s “Seriously Sinatra.” It will be the first live concert ever broadcast on the station. Called “Live From Vic’s Las Vegas,” it will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s performances at the Sands. They are using it to promote their new box set. We expect a group of celebrities and members of the Sinatra family!
Doug D: How long have you been performing at Kennedy Plaza, and how did that get started? Did you secure Casino Reinvestment Development Authority funding?
Dave D: I went to a CRDA meeting, and I was also a performer last year in Carmen Marotta’s series. AC Mike Lopez has been a longtime friend. He kept telling me that the city could really use my expertise in booking and performing, so I applied.
Because of the construction on the Boardwalk, the grant came in late, but I think the city is happy with the shows. Although we have had some challenging weather, the past few shows have been sunny.
I love working with the CRDA and the city of Atlantic City. It really is a great place, and they are investing in culture for the community. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
