'Chicago' Comes to Glen Cove

In the 1960s, q band named for the city of Chicago expanded the guitar-based rock ‘n roll, which had all but taken over the popular music charts, to include horns that moved the music into a much bigger sound. Songs like “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It is,” “Saturday In The Park” and “Beginnings” became, at the same time, instant classics and immediately identifiable as the Chicago sound. 

More than 40 years later, the music of Chicago still resonates with audiences far and wide. That unique sound will ring throughout the center of town Friday night when the tribute band, appropriately named “Beginnings,” takes the stage at the latest edition of the . 

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Square.

Beginnings began to take shape in 2002 around a core horn section – alto and tenor sax, trumpet and trombone – ex of another band, then added guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. Today’s contingent is an impressive ensemble of musicians. 

Trombonist Ed Leone has been performing professionally for 25 years, as well as composing his own music. He is currently a director of bands in the Nassau County public school system. Tenor saxophonist Rob Cutts is formerly of an acclaimed horn section in a band called Funky in the Middle. He currently plays with the Rebel Goombas. Adam Seeley on alto and soprano sax is also ex of Funky in the Middle and has played with other local bands. Trumpeter Jason Chapman has composed and recorded for Warner Brothers and played with numerous artists including the popular jazz act Spryo Gyra. 

Phil Antonucci, on guitar and vocals, has been a player and producer for more than 45 years, including stints with Russell Javors, Liberty DeVito, Little Stevie Cochrane and Full House.  Mason Swearingen on bass and vocals is a Billboard Award-winning songwriter and has opened for such acts as Peter Frampton, John Entwistle, The Spin Doctors and The Blues Travelers. Drummer Adam Colombo has been playing since the age of four and has done studio work on numerous CDs.  He also shares duty on vocals. Additionally on vocals is keyboardist Marty Safran who has opened for the likes of Felix Cavaliere and the Young Rascals, Jay and the Americans, and Gary U.S. Bonds.

The band is hugely popular in the local area.  Just this summer alone they have entertained throughout the tri-state region, from Atlantic City to Jones Beach.