DOLLY SINATRA LODGE #2400

If there had been no Frank Sinatra, had he not been born, may I suggest in his place, the void left in the entertainment world, would have been filled with Tony D’Jerlando. You see Tony has that swagger, you get that sense he’s in complete control of the world surrounding him. Tony has that chill factor, he is cool. He certainly has presence. And, oh boy, can that man sing, and he’s back singing at our Lodge every third Wednesday of the month, after almost a five year hiatus. And for a big guy he moves and dances so effortlessly.

Every professional entertainer, and Tony is a pro, comes to their show with his playlist all spelled out for him. Not that he can’t make changes to it, for a special request or maybe they think a song change is in order. Tony is one of the best prepared and recently he pulled perhaps the most audacious sequence of songs; he sang Johnny Cash’s songs, Ring of Fire and Folsom prison, and followed them with Tennessee Waltz! Thinking about it you’d say, won’t work, to hear it, it will blow you away!! It just glides so smoothly. That’s the stuff of magic that makes Tony great!

When Larry Capaloto assumed the Presidency of the Lodge he called his best friend Tony, and coaxed him out of retirement. They both agree it was a great idea and it has certainly worked out well for the Lodge. When I wrote about Larry Capaloto, the singer years ago,  I said that he would remind you of Dean Martin , what with his smooth delivery and easy manner, along with his comedic ways. Now as I write this I’m reminded that Michael D’Angelo is dancing more and more at his engagements. And who could dance as well as sing, yep, Sammy Davis. Thus we have our own little Rat Pack!! Which brings me back to Tony…..

I truly think Jim Croce wrote the chorus to, “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” after meeting Tony! I mean it doesn’t go well for Jim in the song, but the chorus does suggest Tony. Certainly a stretch, but it sounds right to me.

Tony was under contract with Capitol Records by the time he was 14, and around the Los Angeles club scene singing at the top venues alongside of the best of the best. He even moved into the Vegas scene singing at The Rivera and Tropicana, and they were among the top Vegas hotels then! He arrived here in Palm Springs in 1967 singing at the Rivera Club and Top of the Tram Club. You might have heard him frequently singing the National Anthem at Laker games then. In other words he was in demand all over the West Coast.

However, he was also demand in Uncle Sam’s army, and thus served in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne, jumping out of planes, I told you the man has _____! Thankfully the brass heard about his talent and moved him to entertaining the troops.

After the war, married to his incredible wife, the charming and beautiful Robyn, certainly his most ardent fan Tony started a very successful insurance agency. Along the way they had four children, and it was his son, who asked his Dad to sing at his wedding that rekindled Tony’s singing career. Tony then started singing at many valley locati0ons including our Lodge, and is back in full force. And are we ever the lucky ones for that rebirth!!

Speaking of Tony, and we certainly are, his show will be closing the Lodge for the summer May 21st. Sure to be a winner! Our Lodge will reopen on October the 8th. And tons of info coming on our 6th annual Joe LaPorta Classic Golf Tournament, being held November 17th, another spectacular winner!!

Have an amazing summer. Ciao