Donny Pesce Brings Back Old Memories…
Published in the Asbury Park Press Senior Scoop 12/22/99
BY GRETCHEN SCHMIDHAUSLER Correspondent:
Ask any mature ballroom dancing aficionado from Atlantic City to Holiday City if they've heard of Donny Pesce. The answer is probably 'Yes.' Pesce, 47, began his career playing the accordion as a child. By the time he was a teen-ager, he was frequently playing with bands in his native Brooklyn and had formed his own by the age of 17. Today, the Donny Pesce Orchestra is a one-man show with the sound of a 15-piece dance band, thanks to modern computer technology and the versatility of a arranger keyboard synthesizer. Pesce's appeal to the older crowd became apparent when he moved to Jackson Township 15 years ago. "I came down here, and it was like wildfire. I always play for the older dance crowds," he said. He plays almost exclusively in active adult communities and is booked almost three years in advance. He does book many other gigs also, including Weddings, Anniversaries and Birthdays Private Parties, Dinner Dances & everythig in between etc etc . Pesce also hosts a weekly dance party every Thursday night in Brick, NJ. "Donny Pesce's Dance Party" takes place from 7 to 11 p.m. at the VFW of Brick Post 8867, 373 Adamston Rd. Brick, NJ (off RT 528). A donation of $8 includes Snacks, Coffee and Soft drinks. "This is a lost art. You don't see too many people playing live Dance Music anymore," he said. Pesce plays a very good mix of Ballroom, Big band, Latin and Contemporary music. He also sings in three languages -- English, Spanish and Italian. His shows have something for everyone, as long as they like to dance, he said. "I try never to leave anyone out, whether they like ballroom dancing or line dancing, etc.. People rarely request a song because they know I'm going to play it or something close to it," he said. Besides providing a fun evening of dancing, Pesce's shows also provide a heavy dose of nostalgia. "I try to bring back the memories of what it was like in the dance clubs of the 1940s, 50's, 60's, 70's. I want the audience to be part of the experience. When I perform, the dance floor is usually packed from beginning to end," he said. During one of his performances, Pesce noticed a man crying quietly during "I'll Be Seeing You." When he asked him why he was crying, the man replied it brought back so many memories. It reminded him of being alone in Austria during World War II on New Year's Eve. He could hear that song playing outside the barracks. In addition to getting to know his audience, Pesce finds entertaining to be a rewarding experience. "I like the fact that for the time Im performing, I can make people come on the dance floor and forget they have a trouble in the world, & enjoy themselves" he said.