By Lola Rossi
Vocalist Tony Shone performs a variety of his favorite songs every Wednesday from 5 until 7 p.m. in the Central Park Restaurant at the Adriatic Resort, 2330 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. (760) 866-9166. He is gracious to allow a few of his friends to sit-in with him while performing and I had an opportunity to do just that.
The first time I heard him sing “Unforgettable”, I walked toward the stage and he invited me to sing the female part of the song, it was a lot of fun. Later that night, I stayed and listened to reggae band Irie Junctions at 8 p.m. They had the crowd grooving to their music.
I would personally like to thank all our friends and fans who came to hear us perform at Central Park last week for the first Thursday of the Month birthday celebration. Yes, it is true they named part of the venue, Lola’s Lounge, and they are in the process of preparing the room for the quickly approaching season. I will keep you posted.
Needless to say, I really appreciated the hundreds of FaceBook messages and telephone calls for my birthday.
Later that evening the Divas of Illusion featuring Ashley Sparks and Anime Bright-Eyes performed from 9:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. That was the first time I heard Keisha D perform. She was a guest vocalist that evening and is absolutely fabulous, what more can I say? I finally found the right person to sing one of my favorite duets, “Enough Is Enough” by Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand. Pianist and vocalist Denise Motto also performs every Saturday and Monday from 5 until 8 p.m.
Make your dinner reservations for a romantic evening to hear vocalist, Jerome Robinson, one of the vocalists from the second generation of the Platters who performed with the late Zola Taylor. He will perform every Friday in October, from 5 until 8 p.m. DJ Dance Entertainment is presented every Friday and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. Every Sunday is a fun night with Karaokie Jo from 7 until 11 p.m. Charlie Chaplin impersonator Audrey Rutter is the hostess every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, with three sisters and one brother, vocalist Anthony Shone, is the only member of his family with a musical interest. When he was twelve, he attempted to take voice lessons, however, the teachers wanted him to sing classical music but he was interested in singing pop. “I really enjoyed listening to the Top Ten Songs of the Week radio program,” said Shone. “Singing always impressed me and something I always wanted to do.” He had an opportunity to record a record where he recorded eight songs, and still has the 78 RPM record.
After serving in the Armed Forces, he attended Texas Christian University where he met his wife Mary. “I met her while she was performing in a stage play, and it was love at first sight.” They became engaged one year later and at the same time, he was requested to cut a demo, however, his fiance wasn’t too interested in being married to a musician and living that lifestyle. He worked as a salesman for IBM for fifteen years, in New York City, where they raised their three sons. Later he started his own company selling computer accessories and then became a financial advisor. He lost his wife to cancer and he, too had cancer, but survived. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee for three years and in 2004 moved to Fontana, California.
He started taking music classes, vocal training and performance classes at Chaffui Community College to pursue his dream of being a singer. He met his wife Lauren during a dance class in 2006 and married her on 7/7/07 and moved to Banning. He enjoys singing at various venues in Southern California, and is a very happy man.
“I am so blessed to be doing what I love at my age.” I guess it just goes to show, it is never too late to pursue your heart’s desire. He is currently working on a few CD projects.
