An Afternoon with Billy Joel

I love a Sunday Matinee and I enjoyed this show.  It shared the story of Billy Joel's life and musical journey through stories, photos and of course, songs! This type of tribute performance is special because it's more than just a performer singing hit songs of an artist. It explores the life of the legend and provides a better understanding of them as a performer and as a person.

A song is more meaningful when you hear the story behind it. For example one of Billy Joel's most well known hits, Piano Man was written and inspired during the time he was waiting out the end of a record contract with a label he no longer wanted to be a part of. He performed during that period at a bar using the fake name Bill Martin. Uptown Girl and Tell Her About It were inspired in part by his beautiful ex wife Christie Brinkley and  Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel) came to him while reading bedtime stories to his daughter. 

Frank LaSpina and CB Goodheart

This stage biography was put on by Frank LaSpina and CB Goodheart.  CB did a beautiful job with Billy Joel's songs as lead vocalist and Frank was a spirited narrator of some of the highlights of Joel's life.

The next upcoming artist tribute will be held at Myron's Cabaret Jazz in Las Vegas on June 10, featuring Ray Charles: The Musical Stage Biography, performed by Dru Young. Additional shows this year will be July 1, August 5, September 9, October 7, November 4, and December 2.

Frank LaSpina is the founder of the Musical Arts Scholarship Program. This foundation provides singing and music lessons to talented children and young adults. For more info or to get involved email Frank at franklaspina@gmail.com

thesmithcenter.com/cabaretjazz