The Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot, fronted by Mike DelGuidice, performed at Belmont Racetrack in Elmont on Long Island.
Elmont
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The Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot, fronted by Mike DelGuidice, performed at Belmont Racetrack in Elmont on Long Island.
They began their set with « Movin’ Out » and they followed it up with « My Life. » « Belmont Racetrack, » DelGuidice exclaimed. « Any big winners, though? God bless. It’s a beautiful day. The sun is hiding right now for us, thank God, and it’s always a nice thing. »
Big Shot continued with « Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway), » which he noted is their usual opening song. Their performance was catchy, coupled by DelGuidice’s stunning piano playing. They picked up the pace with « Pressure, » and he went on to dedicate « Say Goodbye to Hollywood » to his dedicated fan Dennis Farrell. « This is one of his favorite tunes, and this goes out to him, » DelGuidice said.
He introduced saxophone player John Scarpulla who helped DelGuidice deliver a spell-binding rendition of « New York State of Mind, » which ended in a neat sax solo from Scarpulla, thus proving that he is a master in his craft. « John Scarpulla on the saxophone, » he said.
DelGuidice belted out the Aerosmith classic « Dream On, » in a powerhouse version that was pitch-perfect. « Thank you, » he said, and introduced Chuck Burgi on drums (who has been with Billy Joel since 2005).
« Any classic rock people in the audience? » he asked, and introduced Tommy Byrnes on lead guitar, who has been with Billy Joel for 28 years. He continued with yet another heavyweight rock tune, « Whole Lotta Love » by Led Zeppelin, where he gave it his all.
He sang his own original song, « Mona Lisa, » which was the quintessential love ballad. « Thank you for listening to an original song. I really appreciate it, » he told the fans.
DelGuidice invited the Belmont audience to sing along with him on his solo set, where he accompanied himself on piano on « She’s Always a Woman » and « Tiny Dancer. » Equally fun and upbeat was « Keeping the Faith. »
The Verdict
Overall, Big Shot was able to bring Billy Joel music to Belmont Racetrack in Elmont on Long Island. Their show was nostalgic and well-received by all. Mike DelGuidice never disappoints. He is as good as it gets in the contemporary New York music scene. His show at Belmont Racetrack garnered an A rating.
