Singer, pianist and songwriter Tony DeSare – whose third CD Radio Show was recently released by Telarc Records – was named a “Rising Star” male Vocalist in the Downbeat Critics Poll. He has won critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout the United States as well as in Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. He launched his international tour with three weeks at the Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room in NYC, two weeks in London, then continued on to cities such as Los Angeles, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, St. Louis and Palm Beach
Tony, the son of Louise and John DeSare, was born in Glens Falls in November of 1975 and both he and his sister Trina are graduates of Hudson Falls High School. Though Tony began his academic career at the Dix Avenue and Margaret Murphy elementary schools, he really made his mark at the high school. Named valedictorian of the class of 1994, it is important to note that he was an integral part of the NHS Induction Dinner before it was joined with the Wall of Distinction Ceremony. In his senior year, The Tony DeSare Trio filled the high school auditorium for a concert that was to provide the funds to pay for the dinners of the new inductees. When the Chronicle review came out, we knew we had a star! It was a “magical and joyful” performance and described as “pure entertainment”. The standing ovation shook the house!
At Ithaca College, while a top student in the field of Business Administration, he was inducted into three honor societies. Though not a music major, he was the centerpiece of the Ithaca Jazz Band and has proven himself to be an accomplished music writer, lyricist, composer, arranger, violinist, pianist and vocalist. Tony also won first prize in the Ithaca College Showcase/Talent Show while competing against seven other bands and Tony, true to himself, shared the award with one of his biggest supporters – his Dad.
Tony composed and performed the title theme to My Date With Drew, an independent documentary feature film about a guy who has 30 days and $1,100 to get a date with Drew Barrymore. It has been featured on “The Tonight Show”, “The Today Show”, Entertainment Weekly and Premiere. The film- awarded top honors at the New York Gen Arts Festival, the HBO Comedy Arts Festival and the Vail Film Festival – was released in theaters nationwide in 2005. The theme song, “If I Had Drew”, is featured on his debut CD. Tony has performed at the legendary Apollo Theater where he first met jazz guitar icon Bucky Pizzarelli. Since then, Bucky has continued to perform with Tony’s band around the country. For the 2011-12 season, Tony will be headlining major symphonies around the country. His performance at the opening of the New York Pops 29th season – “Irving Berlin: Rags to Ritzes” drew raves from the Carnegie Hall audience. Tony continues to collaborate with longtime friend and fellow inductee, Tedd Firth. Google either of them and you will be amazed at their accomplishments!