Doreen Gaetano Aiardo

Tony Aiardo Performs at the Red Lion on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village

 

Tony Aiardo, my husband, performed at the Red Lion on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village on March 29. The performance was part of the Ann Ruckert's Songwriters Circle, presented by the Songwriters Guild of America, the Johnny Mercer Fund Songwriter Circle and 13 Stories Records.

The Story of Phi-Fusion

I love to write. During most days, I write music books (i.e. piano methods and holiday books with CD accompaniments) and music arrangements that my piano students request.

Years ago, remembering the fun I had back in my days in a wedding band and hoping to capture that idea of sharing music with friends, I wrote an arrangement for four pianos. Some would call it “the wedding set”— a medley of ethnic line dances (the Hora, tarantelle, Irish jig and the Mexican Hat clapping dance).

I wanted to flip the tables, so to speak. I wanted to take some of the old school pressure off the traditional solo piano recital, and wanted to create an experience where my students could enjoy playing while watching their parents get up to dance and enjoy the labors of their children. It was very positive. Piano recitals were now fun, relaxing and celebrations of the children!

 

I was impressed that a few of my piano students also had the opportunity to study a band instrument in school—some as early as the fourth grade. I wanted to show them off as much as I could, so I added “The Electric Slide” and included clarinet & saxophone with the four pianos. Another positive.

We took our line dances and “played out” at various fairs and malls, including them in every recital. The students were getting positive feedback. They enjoyed music and I was enjoying their progress.  

A few years have passed. As the students grew into junior high and high school, their tastes changed (although we still play our line dances when requested). They enthusiastically starting picking up multiple instruments in addition to their piano study!  We added a few very musical friends to the group, and what you hear today is the sound of “Phi-Fusion,” playing a mix of pop, soul, funk, ballads, holiday and dance music for all ages! 

We now participate annually in the Connecticut Music Festival at Quassy; the International Festival of the Arts at Yale in New Haven, and Macy’s “Shop For A Cause.” We also do local town holiday festivals and a summer concert series and play at area restaurants and mall events. 

 

Last year was our kick-off year, organizing a benefit dance to “Support Music Education in Schools,” which included major professional musicians from the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas.  

  

Benefit Dance Guest "Pro Musicians": Harvey Morris, percussion; Dave Anderson, bass; Ken Gioffre, sax; Maydie Myles, vocals; Keith Robinson, guitar; Tony Aiardo, keyboards & vocals 

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Not only was it an effort to raise money for public school band instruments, but importantly, it was an opportunity for these students to perform alongside musicians who bring their music around the world!  It was a learning field trip and a lifetime opportunity! 

 

We are thankful for our audience, and those who sing along, dance along, and feel the music as we do, and we are grateful for all of you in all our surrounding communities who support music for youth!  

Doreen Gaetano Aiardo

Phi-Fusion will be performing:

• Saturday, March 27, at 2:30, at the Case Memorial Library, 176 Tyler City Rd. (and Orange Center Rd.,) Orange, CT 06477, kicking off a spring celebration of their favorite music. 

• Sunday, May 2, 2010 at the Milford, CT Duck Race, a civic downtown event raising over $6000.00 in the past for local charities. 

• Saturday, June 12, 2010, at 4:00 at the Annual Quassy Music Festival, in Middlebury, CT

Maydie Myles Takes Manhattan!

Last week, I wrote how Maydie Myles sold out the Curtain Call for two nights in Stamford, CT. Well, last night, she sang in Manhattan at the P&G Bar with a band formed by old Blues Brothers comrade, Jonny Rosch. Once again, Maydie brought done the house.  

Rosch said Maydie is “one of the finest singers I have EVER heard,” which is a pretty fine endorsement. The band backing Maydie was also first rate. Adam Rogers was on guitar, Neil Jason on bass, Dan Cipriano on sax, Tony Aiardo on piano and the great Anton Fig from the David Letterman Show was on drums.  

The irony is that before last night most of these musicians had never played together. Anytime a group of top professional musicians can gather to “communicate” through their music, it’s a thrill for everyone involved—whether player or member of the audience. At the P&G, it was just that!

 

 Maydie Myles sings with Tony Aiardo at the P&G Bar. Photos by Frank Beacham