A Tribute To Dean Martin By Russ Loniello

Russ Loniello 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 entertains 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.