Nicole Sasser and her band The Dynamics dazzled the sold-out crowd at SeaBreeze Recreation Center Sunday night in a high-energy, virtuoso performance for The Italian Paisans Club. In addition to The Dymamics, Sasser performs as a trumpeter in the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Brevard Symphony Orchestra, and the Candlelight Orchestra at Epcot.
Decked out in a gorgeous, sparkling gowns, the glamorous yet relatable Sasser lit up the night. Her two quick-moving sets included iconic brass favorites like Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good” and Herb Alpert’s “Rise.” Her precise, tasteful vocals were especially exciting during her rendition of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” making it clear why this talented beauty is a true triple threat. The entire night was filled with great music and humor; Sasser charmed when she stepped down from the stage with a feather boa and cheekily toyed with audience members during sultry rendition of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.”
Sasser’s opening act was comic Carmen Vallone, a great choice for this New York / New Jersey-heavy crowd. You might recognize Vallone from NBC’s Last Comic Standing or CBS’s Comedy Night School. With jokes about New York, Florida, family, and dating, he delivered his set in a way that made the crowd feel right at home.
Sunday night’s event was just another great gift for The Villages community from The Italian Paisans Club, led by president Jerry Vicente. Vicente made sure to point out his wife Annette, dressed to the nines for the evening, helped him tremendously in putting this event together.
Sunday’s concert was the first of the club’s 2016 Spectacular Turn Back Time Showcase Shows. Upcoming shows include
The Diamonds on Feb. 21, Rocky and the Rollers on March 20, Michael D’Amore on April 17, The Atlantic City Boys on May 20, and the Taste of Italy Show on June 19. All shows are BYOB, coffee and tea and dessert provided by the club. For more information, visit www.italianpaisansclub.com.
