From 1973 to 1987, I led the Las Vegas-based show band Atlantis, which performed throughout North America. Although the original members were all Northeastern Pennsylvania natives, by 1987 our entourage hailed from various parts of the US and Canada. Rated as one of the top cabaret acts in the nation, Atlantis was renowned for its high energy. Through our countless successful performances, we gained a loyal fan base ranging from the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas to Harrah’s in Reno, Lake Tahoe and Atlantic City. We played to standing ovations in packed houses! Among those in the audience were often celebrities including the legendary football player and actor Jim Brown, Ruby Keeler, legendary silent film actress, and members of The Fifth Dimension. We also performed on regional TV and nationally on the Merv Griffin Show. To this day, members and friends stay in touch via online social platforms. It was the adventure of a lifetime! Through thick and thin, the music and relationships we made blessed our lives, Enjoy the photo tour and musical excerpts of this incredible moment in time!
ATLANTIS
INNKEEPERS
From 1969 to 1973, I was the leader, arranger and keyboardist of The Innkeepers, one of the most popular and talented instrumental and vocal groups in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA area. The group was well known for its outstanding vocal harmonies and sophisticated arrangements. The group performed music from outstanding groups like Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66, The Lettermen, The 4 Freshmen, The Carpenters, the 5th Dimension and other similar groups.
Besides me, the main members were lovely JiJi Stanton on lead vocals, Charlie Morris on saxophone and lead vocals, Art Ravaioli on drums and vocals, and Bob Saracino on bass and vocals.
The group was the house band for the local Holiday Inn, Joe Darlak’s Supper Club and the Mayfair Supper club for several years.
We also performed at a very popular dance club in Wilkes Barre, PA called the Treadway (Now the Woodlands).
In the 70s, there were many famous resorts in the Pocono Mountains, a honeymoon getaway for people from NYC and Philadelphia. The resorts were known for their heart shaped tubs, jacuzzies and topflight entertainment. The Innkeepers performed at several resorts including Mt. Airy Lodge, Cove Haven, Stricklands, Pocono Gardens, Paradise Stream, Penn Hills, Tamiment and others. We would perform dance music, variety shows and often back up comedians like Penn and Teller, and Charlie Callas.
In 1974 the group reformed and left NE Pa for the promised land of Las Vegas with the lineup of me as leader, Rita Singer, uber talented vocalist and comedienne, Jeff Gehron on Guitar and vocals, Bill Watters on bass and Bruce Bordo on drums. That group eventually transitioned into Atlantis with members from across the US and Canada performing until 1987.
