Rocky Chirchiglia still hits high notes

For the past several years, I have attended many of my good friend Rocky Chirchiglia’s great band outdoor concerts. I never tire of hearing long time Italian favorites like Ghitara Romano, La Paloma, Spanish Eyes, and countless others.

At 76, Rocky’s voice can hit high notes that are glass shattering. He plays his guitar and sings songs with nothing but his memory bank. In my 83 year life space I could not remember one song in it’s entirety. I believe musicians and singers are gifted.

At one of Rocky’s recent concerts, I saw people that were so inspired by his music, that they jumped up and danced. I would have bet 100 to 1 that a creaky old lady could not get off the bench without help, let alone dance. She danced alone and amazed me. She deserved a standing ovation for an Arthur Murray caliber, shaking but not breaking it performance.

Line dance

Three other senior citizen ladies joined in the festivities and did a type of line dance. I concentrated on their synchronized movement of their dancing feet and wiggling butts, small, medium and large. It takes a lot guts to dance before an audiences.

Being of Italian descent, I am addicted to the old Italian melodies, especially of the great depression era, which helped to dissolve our many worries of the time. Rocky’s CD’s and tapes are my current day staples. Rocky is the lead guitar of his four piece band, while Bob Rapone is on bass, Eddie Vallus on accordion and Jon Creatura on drums. The four piece ensemble is energizing and mesmerizing.

Rocky’s band was nominated for a Grammy in 1992. A powerful testimonial for a great and dedicated band leader and his band.

X Michael J. Lacivita is a Youngstown retiree and an inductee in the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.