Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Presents Words & Music from a Second Banana 9/19

Join us on Sunday, September 19 at 1 p.m. for a very special performance, "Words and Music from a Second Banana." In this compelling performance, Joe Settineri weaves readings from his novel, "Second Banana," about a failed nightclub performer, with his performances of classic songs from the ‘50s Sinatra Rat Pack era through the early 1990s.

The show has an unusual origin. Although he was working full-time in the financial world, Settineri was troubled. There was a story he wanted to tell. So after work and on weekends he sat at his computer and, under the pen name Joe Satine, wrote "Second Banana." The result is a novel that links an intriguing story of the show business world to a drama with paranormal, and ethical overtones.

"Second Banana" tells the story of Danny Russo who, as a young performer in 1963, was billed as Danny Ocean, Jr., the "Man of a Hundred Voices." His special talent as a vocal impersonator of the great singers and entertainers earned him some notoriety as an opening act, or "second banana," and allowed him access to Sinatra's inner circle. Now, thirty years later, Danny has fallen on hard times. His questionable lifestyle has caught up with him, and the investment scams of his manager Roy, who has committed suicide, left Danny Bankrupt and implicated him in tax felonies that sent him to jail. Now Danny longs to make a comeback. But driven by his vices and compelled by circumstances, Danny must confront tough personal and moral decisions.

After completing his book, Settineri took the next step of becoming a performer himself on a dare. One night at a club his friends convinced him the best way to truly understand his character was to "become" him, so Settineri took to the stage and did a surprisingly good version of "This Magic Moment." It was the logical next step to incorporate music into the telling of the tale of Danny Ocean, Jr. So Settineri created the character Danny Satin, who narrates and performs songs of the era that set the mood and bring the character of Danny Ocean, Jr., to life.

Seating is limited. Admission of $10 for non-members and $5 for members includes a light reception. Due to the special nature of this presentation, doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and no one will be admitted after 1 p.m. Copies of his book, "Second Banana," and his CD will be available for sale and can be personally autographed by Joe Settineri, or Joe Satine, or Danny Satin, or Danny Ocean, Jr., or Danny Russo...

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and operated by the Order Sons of Italy in America.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes.

Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but the restroom is on the second floor. At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation, and by grants allocated by New York State Senator Diane Savino and New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.