Music Of the Stars Biography-Short Form
“This is the closest I’ll ever get to Vegas!” That’s typical of the reviews of Music Of The Stars shows. Based in Upstate, New York, they’ve performed throughout the U.S. to enthusiastic, sold-out audiences in theaters, clubs, casinos and at corporate events. It’s a high-energy seven-piece band that pays tribute to internationally famous artists, including The Bee Gees, Neil Diamond, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Gary Puckett, Elvis, Tom Jones, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and many more. Vocally, they are led by touring veterans Frank Shrout and Rhonda Keymel Federation. It’s rare to have two such incredible voices in one band that give the audience chills at every performance. Instrumentally, the band is comprised of five performing, touring and recording veterans that provide a big, tight sound comparable to the top national touring acts. Frank notes “We want people to be blown away by our arrangements of memorable songs from their all-time favorite artists. We’re not a tribute band. We don’t dress in costumes. It’s all about the music. We honor the artists and their songs.”
Music Of the Stars Biography
This is the closest I’ll ever get to Vegas! Memorable! Exciting! Fantastic! Killer vocals and a fabulous band! Those are just some of the reviews of Music Of The Stars shows. Music Of The Stars, a seven-piece vocal and instrumental group, is based in Upstate New York and wows audiences throughout the United States. Frank Shrout, Lead Vocalist, says “We want people to be blown away by our arrangements of memorable songs from their all-time favorite artists. We’re not a tribute band. We don’t dress in costumes. It’s all about the music. We honor the artists and their songs.”
Frank’s music resume is impressive, to say the least. He’s been performing professionally since 1981. A veteran of many bands, he has performed in clubs, corporate events and weddings. He released his first studio album in 1988. Frank’s career includes sharing the stage with artists and bands such as Three Dog Night, Kansas, Gary Puckett, Johnny Maestro, Fats domino, REO Speedwagon and The Manhattans.
The genesis of MOTS was the touring band, East Coast Connection. In 1991 the “Connection” was formed. They toured nationally and internationally for several years, performing in casinos and theaters and a six-week tour of Japan. In 2009, East Cost Connection was signed by Princess Cruise Lines and performed in Italy, Greece, England, France, Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii. After a long and successful run with East Coast Connection, Frank stepped back briefly but soon became restless and in 2016, he recruited a number of experienced, professional touring and recording musicians for the launch of Music Of The Stars. It’s a seven-piece band that pays tribute to a number of internationally famous artists, including The Bee Gees, Neil Diamond, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Gary Puckett, Elvis, Tom Jones and many more.
Besides Frank Shrout on lead vocals, members include Rhonda Keymel Federation on lead vocals and harmony, Karl LaPorta on keyboard and vocals, Peter Riccardi on multi-keyboards, Mark Balestra on lead guitar and vocals, Willie Lopez on bass and Fabian Provenza on drums. With Rhonda’s recent addition, Music Of The Stars has expanded their repertoire to include female artists like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and more. Her dynamic and soaring voice pays tribute to these great ladies that few others can do.
Music of The Stars has already compiled an impressive resume. They have performed at Seneca Niagara Casino, Batavia Downs, Bravo Italiano Festival, The Rivera Theater, The San Gennaro Festival in Las Vegas, the Oswego Summer Concert Series and many more theaters and events. Their 2022 schedule includes a number of casinos, theaters, festivals, outdoor concerts, corporate events and resorts.
“We’re excited to bring these timeless songs, by the world’s favorite artists, to young and old, alike” Frank states.