By Karen Bloom
A New York moment arrives on the Tilles Center stage when Maestro Louis Panacciuill and his orchestra return with their popular gala musical in support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. This year the orchestra welcomes back Tony Danza and his band as their guest performers.
The concert continues to feature the Nassau Pops signature blend of popular and classical music as well as an inspiring moment with Creation, the CP Nassau vocal team. This heartwarming tradition dellights both musicians, guest performers and the audience.
“This is one big lovefest,” says Panacciulli, the orchestra’s longtime musical director. I’m so glad to be back at Tilles Center during our 42nd season. So many wonderful people have crossed this stage. It’s always exciting to be here.”
The connection between the Nassau Pops and CP Nassau is special for Panacciulli and the orchestra. He credits his mother, Panacciulli who was a member of the CP auxiliary in Valley Stream, for this special connection.
“When we first started performing, we decided we wanted to do more than just play music. We wanted to do something meaningful,” he recalls.
“In the past we had done benefits for Special Olympics, pop concerts for hospitals. This came about one day when I was discussing with her the idea of doing a benefit concert for CP Nassau. I’m thrilled to carry on Mom’s legacy. Plus it means a lot to the musicians. We’re leaving something behind long after the notes have faded away.”
And he’s delighted to have Danza, who performed with the Nassau Pops in 2023, back to share the stage.
“Tony dances, plays the ukele, always tells a corny joke or two,” Panacciulli says. “He’s very engaging, a wonderful entertainer.”
This collaboration brings a unique twist to Danza’s acclaimed cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories.” Combining his trademark wit, charm, storytelling, with a dash of soft shoe, he offers up his take on the music of the legendary ‘Ol Blue Eyes, with whom Danza had a personal relationship. Some might not realize that Danza, who grew up on Long Island and attended Malverne High School, is a well-established song and dance man, in addition to his acting chops in television, film and on stage.
Throughout his 60-plus minute set, Danza blends personal anecdotes with Sinatra’s unforgettable tunes.
“He always has a big smile on his face. He’s certainly having a good time. And I guarantee the audience will as well,” Panacciulli says.
The tone is set from the moment the orchestra strikes up their first note.
“We like to start out with something hot and jazzy,” Panacciulli adds.
Certainly the addition of a sax section gets the vibe going, as the orchestra opens the show with a medley of Big Band tunes.
As always, the musicians are joined by Creation — the singing duo who participate in CP Nassau’s Life Options Program — in a heart-warming segment during the concert’s opening. Each has their moment in the spotlight. David Tindal sings Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” while Chris Wawrzonek does “Till There Was You” from the Broadway classic The Music Man.
Tindal and Wawrzonek have ‘grown up’ with the orchestra.
“I’m filled with such a sense of gratitude that I can affect two lives by giving them a chance to perform in front of a full orchestra and a large audience,” Panacciulli says. “We share something special, when we share music together. They’re wonderful people and the audience gives them standing ovations every time. It’s just nice to see how they’ve grown up. They’re always smiling and in good humor.”
And for Panacciulli, a Franklin Square resident, who has been at the helm of the Nassau Pops since 1984 (and is on Nassau Community College’s music faculty where he serves as band director) that surely is the concert’s defining moment.
“Creation is a byproduct the wonderful work that CP Nassau does. It does my heart good to help them and give back to the community through the gift of music.”
Panacciulli gratefully acknowledges Long Island-based credit union Jovia (formerly NEFCU), the gala’s title sponsor since 2012. Proceeds from every ticket sold are donated directly to CPNassau.
