THE RIDGE CHORALE

Smokey Joe's Cafe Photo Gallery

The Cast

Bottom row, left to right:
Jason Gotay, Miguel Sierra, Diana Prano, Annmarie Brogan
Top Row, Left to right:
Danny Mazza, Kathy Valentine, Walter Costello, Bruce Reebold, Catherine Lieb

The Band

Bottom row, left to right:
Steve Athanail - Guitar
Walter Birkhold - Tenor, Alto, Bass Sax
Back row, Left to right:
Rob Fahn - Drums
Anne Rebold - Co-Musical Director and Keyboard
Danny Braz - Synthesizer
Doug Farnsworth - Bass Guitar

Seaside Park, Coney Island 2007

Third Avenue Festival 2007

Vince couldn't remember a time when he wasn't singing. He was a constant presence at a variety of performing venues throughout the past 40+ years. In Vince's own words, he loved all types of music, “from Broadway to Rock, Big Band to Doo Wop, Standards to Sinatra." He performed with several bands and Doo Wop groups starting in the '60s, and continued on to community theater, outdoor concerts, and cabaret shows - all while working his "day job" in the field of finance. Several years ago, he made performing a full-time career, working in film and television, as well as off-Broadway and regional dinner theatre. His work earned him membership in the Screen Actor's Guild, Actors' Equity Association, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Another of Vince's passions was photography, as evidenced by his impressive collection of antique and modern cameras, as well as his beautiful portfolio of photographs. As if this weren't enough, he was also a playwright, and some of his plays (of which he wrote many) will be produced in the fall by Brooklyn One Theatre. And with all this, Vince still found time to volunteer (for the past nine years) as the artistic director of The Bay Ridge Players, a local senior citizen theatre group. Vince's volunteer work meant so much to him that his son Danny was inspired to take over as director and continue his work.
Vince was a gentle soul, extremely talented and passionate. He gave so freely of himself, both onstage and off, and he had the ability to lift us to a lighter moment with a smile, a laugh, and a song. He showed us, by example, that we are only vehicles for the talent God has given us, and that we are privileged to be able to share it. He knew that remaining humble was the key to making each performance a magical exchange with the audience. He was a true artist in every sense of the word, and a wonderful husband, father and friend. He was, and continues to be, an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him - and his spirit will live in all of us forever.

Smokey Joe's Cafe Original Ensemble Cast

Bottom row, left to right: Pamela Nardi, Annmarie Brogan, Walter Costello, Kathy Valentine, Diana Prano
Top row, left to right: The late Vince Mazza, Brendan Russo, Miguel Sierra, Danny Mazza

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