(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- Brook Arts Center welcomes singer Chris Ruggiero, who will present his vintage rock and roll concert, “Silly Love Songs,” on Friday, May 20th. It will be the 22-year-old singer’s first full-length concert appearance in Somerset County since he rose to national fame following his PBS Television appearance. Ruggiero has been crisscrossing the country and has already notched 14 states on his tour so far this season. Brook Arts Center is excited to bring Chris Ruggiero to the stage for an evening of pop-rock standards as you’ve never heard them before.
Ruggiero, born and raised in Westchester County, New York, considers his northeast concerts a homecoming of sorts. “I can’t wait for everyone to see the new show I put together in Las Vegas and, of course, there are a lot of locals who’ve never even seen me live on stage,” he says.
His new album “I Am Chris Ruggiero” features original arrangements from legendary arranger Charlie Calello on timeless classics such as “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “My Cherie Amour,” “The More I See You” and “This Magic Moment.” Calello has had over 100 national records as an arranger and producer, having created countless records with artists such as Frankie Valli, Paul Anka, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond and Frank Sinatra, to name a few.
Chris says, “Charlie’s had more hit records than any other arranger in history. He is the epitome of musical genius.” Having completed the project, it appears the admiration is now mutual. Calello commented, “It’s been a long time since I heard a voice like this. Chris doesn’t chase the music. He brings the music to him and he does it without vocal tricks. That’s rare today.”
As much as he enjoyed recording, Chris’s first love is the stage. “The live show has always been the center of my universe.” That live show is filled with songs that fans of the fifties, sixties, and seventies rock and roll classics will know and love but will also be instantly recognizable to young fans who’ve heard them in TV shows, movies, and commercials.
“I’m somewhat strategic in my song selection. I look for songs that have been a hit in more than one decade or that have been re-released, like ‘Unchained Melody’ or ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.’ They’re timeless.” The concert promises he’ll be singing those, plus selections from his new albums, live with a 6-piece band complete with a brass section for an added level of excitement.
“Chris Ruggiero: Silly Love Songs” at Brook Arts Center (10 Hamilton St, Bound Brook, NJ 08805) begins at 8:00 PM on Friday, May 20, 2022, but the magic will linger long after he leaves the stage. Tickets are $35.00 to $45.00 and are available exclusively at www.brookarts.org.
