New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

“A Diplomat for Love” Michael Amante LIVE! at the PNC Bank Arts Center


By Shelley Bromberg, msbrom.com. Photos by Love Imagery

originally published: 05/30/2017


Even though it’s a dreary day this Tuesday, May 23, 2017, it doesn’t stop thousands of New Jersey music lovers from coming out to the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ to hear talented entertainer Michael Amante.

Perhaps these folks are privy to knowing what an incredible singer and performer Amante is, but for those who aren’t quite certain, they’re surely about to find out!

Termed “the people’s tenor” by none other than Tony Bennett, Amante is known for being an extremely versatile artist. The New York Times writes that he has “both the voice and charisma of a cross-over star.” Not only does Amante excel in classical music, but he can also belt out standards, contemporary music, and Broadway show tunes along with the very best of them.

And today, Amante will lead his followers on a musical journey that will include opera, musical theater, and even 1980’s pop.

This afternoon’s performance is the second offering in the Garden State Arts Foundations’ 2017 “Senior Concert Series,” which offers free concerts to New Jersey residents aged 55 and older. The first show — presented on May 17, 2017 — featured ’60s musical icons Gary Puckett and the Union Gap along with singer Vinnie Medugno.




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



As we take our seats, we notice the stage is set with an impressive array of musical instruments including a full-sized grand piano, a pair of synthesizers, a horn section, a percussion station with drum set and vibraphone, and a set of acoustic and electric basses. Judging from this set-up, we can expect today’s musical performance to be stellar!

First up is Ronald Gravino, the Vice President of GASAF’s Board of Trustees, who encourages the audience to take some time one day to visit the nearby New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Gravino also thanks the sponsors of today’s show — Live Nation Entertainment, PNC Bank, Sirius XM ‘60s on 6 radio, the Princeton Public Affairs Group, and the Sills Cummis and Gross law firm, in addition to individual donors — for their generous contributions. According to Gravino, “No federal, state, local, or Garden State Parkway toll money” is ever used to fund GSAF performances.

Michael Amante immediately takes the stage singing Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.”

Dressed in a long black jacket with gold embroidery and black slacks, Amante quickly sets the tone for a gripping and moving experience. The audience cheers and sings along with Amante as he croons: You made me so very happy/I’m so glad you came into my life.

Upon the song’s conclusion, Amante introduces himself saying, “I’m your musical guide, Michael Amante. Have you seen me before?”


To this — and for his performance thus far — the audience bursts into a strong applause.






Amante explains that his and the audience members’ presence today represents “freedom and safety,” in that they are not shying away from attending a concert. This comes in light of the tragic news the night before when 22 concert goers were killed in a terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.

Continuing on, Amante reveals that his father flew in WWII for “peace and safety” and that he sees himself in a similar role as a singer and performer, stating he wants to be “a diplomat for love.

Not surprisingly, Amante’s professional experience includes musical theatre. Upon his performance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story, Amante reveals that he enjoyed playing the role of Tony in the show and creating a “sense of anticipation.”

He also uses his voice with a special dramatic flair and strong emotion singing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera, crooning: You alone can make my song take flight/Help me make the music of the night.


And for those seeking some of opera’s best arias, Amante does not disappoint.

His performance of “Core’ngrato” is incredible; the sheer power and resonance of his voice bring the audience members to their feet with strong applause.

Other notable operatic numbers include “Malafemmena,” and his most noteworthy finale, “Nessun dorma,” which elicits a standing ovation and wild applause from the crowd at the show’s conclusion.

After the concert, we have a chance to catch up with some audience members who share their thoughts with us regarding this afternoon’s performance.

Loretta from Berkeley tells us, “I think this concert was really good. When Michael sang from Phantom, I loved that,” going on to add, “and I also apppreciate the work that the Garden State Arts Foundation does.”

Cheryl from Toms River states, “I loved this concert. This man has a beautiful voice and amazing breath support.”




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



We also had a chance to catch up with Michael Amante himself. When asked how he enjoys performing here in the Garden State, Amante shares that he loves the energy of audiences here in New Jersey, stating, “whatever I bring to them, they always give more back to me.”

Clearly, based on the love shown from the audience and his love for them, Michael Amante is a diplomat for love.

To learn more about Michael Amante, visit his website at www.michaelamantemusic. For more information about future Garden State Arts Foundation performances at the PNC Bank Arts Center — including The Osmonds on June 13 and the US Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus on June 29 — please go to gsafoundation.org.




FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Tuesday

Tuesday Night Record Club - Crowded House

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Monmouth University - The Great Hall
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Curtis

Curtis Salgado

Wednesday, July 02, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

John

John Lee & Friends

Thursday, July 03, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Blues

Blues People with Special Guest: Jeff Levine

Saturday, July 05, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Straight

Straight No Chaser - Summer: The 90’s Part 2

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

NJPAC

NJPAC presents KEM with special guest Melania Fiona

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a special evening with KEM, known as Soul's Greatness, on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 8:00pm. Special guest Melanie Fiona will open the night.



Drew

Drew University Rocks the House with Legendary Tributes and Live Comedy In September

(MADISON, NJ) -- This September, Drew University's Concert Hall in Madison will transform into a powerhouse of live entertainment, delivering six unforgettable nights of tributes and laughter. From heartland rock and Southern soul to mystical classics and offbeat comedy, each event brings a unique and electrifying experience to audiences of all ages.



Levoy

Levoy Theatre presents The Artimus Pyle Band – Honoring Ronnie Van Zant's Lynyrd Skynyrd

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents The Artimus Pyle Band on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 8:00pm. The band features Artimus Pyle, the last surviving member and drummer of the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup & 2006 Rock & Roll HOF inductee with Lynyrd Skynyrd.



An

An Interview with Tim Palmieri of Lotus

Lotus was founded between 1998-1999 at Goshen College in Goshen, IN. Now based out of Dever, Colorado and Philadelphia, PA primarily, Lotus continues to bloom as a premiere jamtronica band for over the past 25 years. In 2021, founding member and longtime guitarist, Micheal Rempel left Lotus ushering in new guitarist, Tim Palmieri.



Latin

Latin Legends Tribute to Shakira and Selena Comes to The Strand Theater

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Two of the most iconic voices in Latin music history will share the same stage—at least in spirit—when Latin Legends: Tribute to Shakira and Selena arrives at The Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 8:00pm.