I was first introduced to the talent of Frankie Moreno as I was passing by a bar in a hotel on Fremont Street several years ago. Frankie was standing on his piano, gyrating his hips, and playfully performing for an audience of screaming patrons. When he jumped down and masterfully began working the keys, I was drawn in and ultimately spent the rest of the night amongst those rabid fans.
Now, after nearly five years, Frankie has moved up the rungs to his own showroom and full-scale production show at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino, piano in tow. And after speaking with him, I learned that the news is good: His intimate, endearing and somewhat unpredictable show will remain largely intact, but with some improvements.
Frankie’s newly expanded 10-piece orchestra is complete with a strings and horns section. His core drummer and guitar players remain. He explained: “We’ve thrown in some covers in different arrangements, along with some original tracks. It’s going to be a lot of fun; think ‘Mack the Knife meets Amy Winehouse’. The show is definitely modern and cool, but with that signature freestyle vibe, that feel in the room – Cocktail in hand – what Vegas was in the ‘60’s.”
I have some notion of what Frankie Moreno is capable of and have to admit, this sounds fantastic.
“We’re a fun and silly band, but each player is a true virtuoso with his or her instrument. It will largely depend on the crowd, too. We built the show around particular moments. It will be organized chaos, but with some polish as well,” said Moreno. “I am a classical music composer with an appreciation for all types of music, so the strings might sound like Mozart composed them, the horns – Louis Prima, and maybe like Green Day wrote the music! I’m not told where to stand or what joke to tell. My whole concept was working overhead of an organized production show.”
Frankie Moreno’s unique style and sophisticated swagger have garnered the music industry’s attention, whether on tour with Billy Currington who was co-headlining with Sugarland, or joining multi-platinum artists Air Supply on their world tour, or working on television with Sting. His charisma and talent shine through in every endeavor he embarks upon. The Stratosphere is supporting his show by renovating the showroom and the excitement in his voice is palpable.
“This show is what it might feel like if Elvis were still performing today. Maybe not musically or stylistically – we’ve branched out in a big way there – but the vibe will be modeled after that idea. We’re not a swing or rock band, specifically. I’m just a singer/songwriter who has an orchestra, putting on an entertaining show.”
As of now, there is nothing like this on the Strip. There simply couldn’t be, considering the parts of this perfect storm coming together such as they have. We here at 24/7 Magazine can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Moreno and his band will perform three nights a week in the Stratosphere Theater. His Wednesday night show will begin at 11 p.m., while his show on Friday and Saturday nights will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.99, plus tax. For tickets or more information, call (800) 99-TOWER or visit online at www.stratospherehotel.com or www.frankiemoreno.com. The show is for adults 21 and older.
