Community Corner
A Sentimental Journey: Salute to the Big Band Vocalists
The latest offering in the popular Hedgerow Sings music series is a tribute to the music of the 1930s and 40s, sung by Connie Pelesh, Tony Messina with the UpFront Orchestra conducted by Jeff Pelesh.
The Peleshes formed their band in 1994 and have performed at numerous local venues. All of the musicians in the 10-member ensemble also played with the Al Raymond Orchestra. Connie has been singing with numerous bands in the Philadelphia area for over 30 years. In addition to working with UpFront and Al Raymond, she’s also sung with the WPEN Orchestra with Walter Jay, and with Walt Wagner and the Serenaders.
Tony Messina is a singer, songwriter and actor who has performed around the world and worked with entertainers such as Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Louie Bellson, David Letterman, Johnny Carson, Joan Rivers, Rodney Dangerfield, Merv Griffin, George Carlin, Sarah Jessica Parker, Harrison Ford and Mel Brooks. He even had the chance to sing for two of his idols, Frank Sinatra, who called him “dazzling,” and Tony Bennett.