Critically Acclaimed Vocalist TONY BABINO To Make Feinstein's/54 Below Debut Singing SONGS FROM THE JOLSON STORY, 11/3

"Folks, you ain't heard nothin' yet!"

That is the iconic quote of the legendary Al Jolson, who was called "The World's Greatest Entertainer" through the first half of the 20th century and was arguably the first American pop superstar. When Jolson's career was all but over in the mid-1940s, Columbia Pictures decided to film the story of his life, which became the 1947 classic, The Jolson Story (followed in 1949 by a successful sequel, Jolson Sings Again). The film not only became one of the most successful biopics in movie history, it revived Jolie's career and established him once again as an entertainment superstar.

Over the subsequent decades, millions of people became Al Jolson fans because of The Jolson Story. One of them was Brooklyn-born Tony Babino (now from Staten Island) an internationally acclaimed vocalist who since childhood has cited Al Jolson as one of his musical heroes. Babino, well known in his own right for his performances of tunes from The Great American Songbook (Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and more) has received critical praise for his uncanny vocal sound that is akin to the legendary Jolson but yet is not an impersonation. Also known as "Tony B," he is the headliner for all worldwide events held by the International Al Jolson Society (www.jolson.org). (See video of a Babino performance at a Jolson Festival below.)

The late and legendary songwriter Ervin Drake said of Tony Babino: "Discovering the great talent of Tony B was a joy. He has more than a lovely voice; he can project it to encompass others like Al Jolson. It was as if Jolie were back again."

Now, with his long-time Musical Director/Pianist Dave Gross, Tony B will be performing his trademark show, Tony Babino Sings Songs From The Jolson Story, for his debut appearance at Feinstein's/54 Below on Tuesday, November 3 at 7 pm. Tickets start at $30 and up and there is a $25 food and beverage minimum. For reservations go to: www.54below.com

"Jolson billed himself as the world's greatest entertainer and Tony Babino shows us why nobody argued with him. He replicates not only that amazing voice, but also Jolson's essence and his soul from the inside out. He makes Jolson come alive in a way that hasn't happened in more than 60 years." --Will Friedwald, Wall Street Journal

In addition to the Jolson Society, Tony B has recently performed the classic songs of Al Jolson at the New York Friars Tribute to Connie Francis, Joe's Pub, The New York Sheet Music Society, and Dana Lorge's Variety Show at the Metropolitan Room. Last year, Tony was also featured singing like Jolson in the hit video game BIOSHOCK Infinite and has been selected by the family of legendary composer Harold Arlen to represent the song "I've Got The World On A String." Tony has also had his voice, (as well as original songs), featured in movies, TV, radio, and commercials.

For more information on Tony Babino, please visit www.tonybabino.com and contact Stephen Hanks, Cabaret Life Productions, stephenhanks41@gmail.com

To post a comment, you must register and login.