Dominick DiPietrantonio is set to play Glen Cove's Lighthouse Waterfront Cafe on Oct. 20
Dominick DiPietrantonio is an artist that No Place Like Long Island readers may remember being mentioned by David Salidor in his feature earlier this year. Based on that recommendation, No Place Like Long Island caught up with the Deer Park resident, who was originally discovered by Rascals drummer Dino Danelli.
On Thursday, Oct. 20, Dominick will be playing songs from his forthcoming debut album at the Lighthouse Waterfront Cafe in Glen Cove. This show is being presented by Michael "Eppy" Epstein, the man behind Long Island's legendary venue My Father's Place.
For more details on the show, click on over to www.glencovelighthouse.com, while music from Dominick can be checked out on Reverb Nation.
What was the first concert you ever attended on Long Island?
DD: New Kids On The Block at Jones Beach, 1990.
And where was the first gig you ever played on the Island?
DD: The Downtown, but it's no longer open. It used to be in Farmingdale.
Dino Danelli from The Rascals is said to be one of your fans. How did he first found out about you?
DD: He knew my aunt and she put us in touch. We started working on an album but unfortunately we were never able to finish it. Dino really got it; his talent really made my work shine. Extremely talented individual.
Is there a career accomplishment of yours that you're most proud of?
DD: I'm proud that I was strong enough and believed in myself enough to start from the beginning again after such heartbreaking defeat, personally and professionally. Making it happen once is very hard. Doing it again after you lose it all, combined with the people you know losing their belief in you, is a fight not many people can stand up to.
Aside from this show in Glen Cove, what's coming up for your career-wise? I understand you're now putting the final touches on a full-length album?
DD: There's a cable show that may using one of my songs, and we're very close to signing with a label for that overdue first album. It’s ironic that this delay has actually improved my songwriting and performing. Life’s funny, you got to admit that. I’m living proof.
Do you have aspirations to write or produce for other artists?
DD: Right now, I really don't have any plans on doing so. I want to get my album up and running.
Eppy, the original kingpin of My Father’s Place is presenting this show; did you know him and how do you feel about his presence here?
DD: My manager used to work there back in the day and he made this whole event happen. Reading about Eppy and meeting him, it’s amazing that he was the first one to bring acts like Hall & Oates, Dave Mason, Jefferson Starship and Bruce Springsteen to the Island, and what a pivotal force he is in the record industry. It’s an honor to have him onboard.
When not busy with your music, how do you like to spend your free time?
DD: Listening to music, working out and being with family and friends.
Do you have a favorite restaurant on Long Island?
DD: Don Ricardo's in Babylon.
Who's your favorite musician with Long Island roots?
DD: Billy Joel is my favorite. Period. I almost wish he wasn't from Long Island because him being from here has nothing to do with how I feel about him. He is the best songwriter in popular music history and his songs have a sophistication that cannot be matched.
Finally, Dominick, what do you wish more people knew about Long Island?
DD: What a rich musical history it has…and I wish they knew about me...and they will.
