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Angelo Babbaro in a hometown show
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
BOARDMAN
After completing 55 performances in 22 states, Angelo Babbaro will give a hometown concert Sunday.
Babbaro is the Sinatra-style crooner from Canfield who has been playing Old Blue Eyes with Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show national tour since the summer of 2015.
Sunday’s concert, which begins at 3 p.m. at Boardman Performing Arts Center, 7777 Glenwood Ave., will feature Babbaro and three other vocalists – Dennis Colla, Judy Castronova and Rachel Ruggieri – accompanying a big band ensemble.
Tom Ruggieri, director of Boardman High School bands, is the music director. The band is comprised of 16 of the area’s top big band musicians.
The entertainers will deliver a brassy program of Christmas tunes and Sinatra staples, with a healthy dose of Vegas-style humor.
The show also will include student dancers from Jamie’s Dance Force of Boardman.
Tickets are $35 ($30 for those 65 and older) at the door. They also can be purchased in advance at eventbrite.com.
The concert is a fundraiser for the Rich Center for Autism and Potential Development. All proceeds will go to the organizations, which help children with autism.
During his stint with the Hackett’s Rat Pack tour, Babbaro said he has learned a lot about performing and how to stage a show. He’ll bring that experience to the Boardman concert.
“Between you and me, if you don’t go you are out of your mind,” said Babbaro, describing the show as the only one of its type in the area. “You will definitely get your money’s worth. Plus, it helps kids with autism and it’s in a beautiful venue.”