Russ has performed over one thousand tribute shows to Dean Martin across
the Continental U.S. and Hawaii, Canada, Bermuda, South America and
Western Europe. Russ is currently performing his tribute show at prestigious
private parties, fundraisers and corporate events. He also remains a
part of the “Rat Pack Corporate Show,” and has produced
a promotional CD entitled “A Place In the Shade” featuring
sixteen of Dean Martin’s hit songs.
Originally from Madison, WI, Russ started entertaining
in 1973 as a drummer performing in show bands and touring nightclubs,
hotel chains and state and county fairs throughout the Midwest. Russ
started singing in 1980, memorizing over six hundred songs in a variety
of music styles ranging from Elvis to Sinatra. He quickly became known
for his tribute to Dean Martin. Russ’ nightclub act was a hit
at every venue he played. From 1980-1985, Russ was voted best entertainer
in Madison, WI three times by local radio stations. In 1985, Russ made
his tribute to Martin the focus of his career.
While singing in a Palm Springs nightclub in
1997, Russ was discovered by the producers of the “Sinatra My
Way Production” featuring the Pat Rizzo twenty-piece orchestra.
He was offered a spot in the production where his tribute to Dean Martin
earned excellent reviews. Publicity of Russ’ performance in the
“Sinatra My Way Production” immediately caught the attention
of Las Vegas agents. Russ then joined the “Rat Pack Corporate
Show” traveling nationally and internationally with the production.
Russ has performed at over 300 conventions at all major Las Vegas hotels
as part of the Rat Pack Show since 1999.
Loniello paid tribute to Dean Martin at the annual
festival in Dino’s hometown of Steubenville, Ohio from 2001 to
2007, earning the praise of Dino’s friends, along with accolades
from the local media.
Russ’ biggest achievement came in November
and December of 2001 when he accepted an offer to be the first and only
entertainer to portray Dean Martin in “Legends In Concert”
– Branson, MO. “Legends In Concert” is one of the
world’s biggest productions, over twenty years in running. Russ
returned again in 2003 and 2006.
In 2003, Russ performed in the “Dave
Cassidy Rat Pack Production” and in 2004, in the “Branson
Rat Pack” tribute show. Presently he entertaines at corporate
events throughout the U.S and around the world and also appeared in
the Off-Broadway production, “Frank, Dean and Sammy Live In Concert”
tribute show in Manhattan , New York.
With his amusing dialogue and charismatic demeanor, Russ Loniello on-stage
performance is one to be remembered. Russ brings his own brand of humor
and showmanship to every show but it’s his Dean Martin style of
singing that leaves audiences spellbound. Russ’ performance has
earned him a reputation as one of the world’s best Dean Martin
tribute artists.
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