People
Loving The Business
The local band scene has nothing to do with selling out the Wells Fargo Center or Theater of the Living Arts. Would it be exciting? Of course. But in this case, we are talking about the groups performing at community events, weddings, nightclubs and other smaller venues. The Business, a group 11 musicians strong, continues to hit a winning tune with readers of the South Philly Review.
“We love it. We are proud to be from South Philly. We are proud to win the award,” vocalist and band leader Danny Vanore said. “However many times we can win it, we want to win it.”
Vanore is one of the four remaining members from the original seven. Tom Nataloni, lead vocals, Andrew Carrozza, saxophone and Manny Capizzi, bass, are the others. The cover band performs everything from Elvis to Justin Timberlake, and has been doing so for a long time — 30 years, to be exact.
“When I started this band, Tommy and Andrew were 16,” Vanore said. “We have a tight friendship, even when we disagree on something.”
Over the years, Lea Davis, lead vocals, Antonia Brunetti, lead vocals, Greg D’Agostino, guitar, Steve Tabilio, drums, Sean Finn, keyboards, Barry McCommon, trombone, and Jimmy Boyle, trumpet, have come aboard.
Erica Gagliardi, a former member, subs for the band now and then. Behind the scenes, Charlie Sateriale is the head sound man, Tom Marchesani is the sound tech and Harry Elder handles the lights. The Business averages about 60 to 80 performances a year, including about 20 or so in the Wildwood, N.J., area. Galdo’s, 1933 W. Moyamensing Ave., is considered their home base for events. Chick’s, 1807 Washington Ave., sponsors The Business. The band will be performing at their sponsor, Chick’s, one-year anniversary celebration on Sunday, April 22. For those who don’t make the wedding guest list, they will be performing on Saturday (March 17) at Vera’s in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Thursday, March 29, at Adelphia in Deptford, N.J. The Business continues to be active with several community events such as the St. Pio, Yo’ South Philly and Columbus Day Parade festivals. Add weddings, corporate events and other special occasions, and The Business are in business throughout the year.
Woah Phat Brass Band struck a tune in second, while South Philly String Band and Kicking Sunrise played to a third-place beat.
Readers are buying
Gianna Ginnetti remembers when she was younger, being inspired by people flipping houses. It turned out becoming a career inspiration during her sophomore year of high school.
“I discovered that I really wanted to start my own business, and real estate would provide me that opportunity,” she said.
She seems to have a pretty good knack for it, too, since joining Keller Williams Realty three years ago. Ginnetti continues to make a lasting impression with her clients and the SPR audience who have once again selected her as the Readers’ Choice for real estate agent.
“It’s humbling to be selected,” Ginnetti said. “Being recognized by family, friends and peers from the neighborhood I grew up in is a really meaningful acknowledgement.”
When meeting with a client, whether they are buying or selling, she does her best to put them at ease by going with a personable, resourceful and understanding approach.
“You have to be a problem solver in the business which in turn results in people putting their trust in you,” Ginnetti said.
With South Philly made up of so many neighborhoods, clients have options when they’re looking to move, whether they’re already residing in the area or relocating from another town, Ginnetti said all of Philly is booming right now, but noted some of the hot neighborhoods in South Philly are Passyunk Square, the Italian Market, Pennsport, Point Breeze and Lower Moyamensing.
“With the influx of people moving into the Philadelphia market, these neighborhoods are becoming increasingly attractive for buyers,” she said. “Some offer close proximity to Center City without the big price tag while others have easy accessibility to new restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping and more!”
Michael Scipione of Coldwell Banker claimed a runner-up piece of the market while Joseph Gorman of Alpha Realty Group showed his sign in third.
