by Lola Rossi-Meza
In addition to performing at various venues, non-profit and private events, Entertainer Steve DiTullio has been the Emcee for The Palm Springs Voice Talent Contest over the past two months. The contest is being held at the HooDoo Lounge, 285 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Hundreds of people have been in attendance to watch the vocalists who have performed in the contest. This Friday, December 7, from 7 until 10 p.m., the entertainers who have made it to the semi-finals will perform, only seven will continue.
Next Friday, December 14, from 7 until 10 p.m., the seven chosen finalists will compete for cash prizes sponsored by Voli Vodka and the HooDoo Lounge. Judges include our very own fashion designer Michael Costello, who made his mark in the fashion world on the popular TV series Project Runway. Vocalist and Coachella Valley Weekly columnist Lola Rossi is also a judge along with a surprise Celebrity guest. A versatile entertainer with impeccable style, DiTullio is scheduled to perform at the HooDoo Lounge from 7 until 10 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 and Saturday, December 15.
On Wednesday, December 12, from 6 until 9 p.m., DiTullio will celebrate Frank Sinatra’s 98th Birthday with a performance to benefit the United Way of the Desert. This fund-raiser is being held in Frank Sinatra’s old hang out, The Purple Room at Club Trinidad, 1900 East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Tickets are $50 and include a complimentary glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres. For reservations call (760) 323-2731 or purchase tickets at the door.
One of the most exciting up-coming performances for DiTullio is his “Sinatra Holiday Extravaganza” featuring his 18-piece Big Band with Band Leader Jonathan Goldman. Produced by Ike and Patrice Berajano from Valley Village, the show is being held at the Indian Wells Theater at the CSUSB Campus at Cook Street and Gerald Ford in Palm Desert on Wednesday, December 19, for two shows; a Matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 7 p.m.
The show will include appearances by Marilyn Monroe impersonator Kassandra Carroll direct from Dublin, Ireland and vocalist Tia Farrar from Burbank with a guest appearance by vocalist Lola Rossi originally from South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Music Director Goldman is a graduate of the famous Juilliard School in New York and had the opportunity to play the bass trombone as part of the orchestra for Frank Sinatra at the Waldrof Astoria during his one month engagement there. A career musician, Goldman has traveled the world playing in some of the hottest bands during that time.
Tickets prices vary from $19 to $49 and are available on-line at www.ShowClix.com and when at the site, click on find events and type in Steve DiTullio’s name or by calling (888) 718-4253.
Born in Queens, New York and raised in Long Island, DiTullio remembers living in a home with music. “I remember listening to my father singing when I was growing up,” said DiTullio. “He would go to the basement and I would hear him sing Frank Sinatra songs in both English and Italian. The first song I learned was ‘I Got You Under My Skin’. In high school I would always sing in the talent shows and, if you can believe this, I sang Van Halen Rush and Led Zeppelin in a Rock band” He has two older sisters who also sang as children, but never sang professionally.
After graduating from North Babylon High School, he owned a limousine service in Manhattan for ten years and made the move to Manhattan Beach, California in 1995. He married and has three daughters; Brooke, Miranda and Gianna, who now live in Wichita, Kansas with their mother Julie. He married Monica, who is one of his biggest fans. They travel to New York, Chicago and Wichita and DiTullio would sing Karaoke every where they would go, often winning the contests. Knowing his ability as a singer, she set-up and audition in Long Beach to perform his on a dinner cruise. “They were looking for someone who could sing Sinatra songs and I was chosen.” He did this for about a year.
DiTullio and his wife moved to Wichita, Kansas to be closer to his daughters where they purchased a home. He performed at many private parties in exclusive country clubs where he met Bob and Jan Colvin. “They are two of the most supportive people I have ever met.” They sponsored him and gave him that “shot in the arm confidence” to pursue a new career. That encouragement led him to Las Vegas where he is signed with one of the largest booking agents on the West Coast, Steve Beyer Productions.
He moved to Rancho Mirage less that a year ago, and is happy to be well received as an Entertainer here in the Desert.
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