The Bronx is back. One of the highest rated and most electric Las Vegas shows kicked off a new era at the Westgate Hotel on Monday night. The show has earned its spot amongst the elite of Las Vegas shows by putting in the hard work one night at a time. It is the story of family and how rock-n-roll music can create an extended family that crosses generations. With a revamped set that includes a few unexpected “wow” moments, the Westgate, once home to Elvis Presley, again feels like the rock-n-roll capitol of Las Vegas.
For fans of the show, the narrative remains familiar as the show traces the career of Vinny Adinolfi, a gold-record music producer and musician, who decides to form a family band with his sons. They hit the road as a real traveling band and pay their dues all with the hope that Vinny will one day find his name in lights on the Vegas Strip. Well, the dream came true and Vinny and his sons have been entertaining visitors and locals since 2016. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the show shut-down and apart from a few tour dates scattered around the country, the band was uncertain of their future.
Not only was Monday night a triumphant return to Las Vegas for The Bronx Wanderers, it was the introduction of a new show that focuses on a wider range of rock-n-roll and contemporary classics. The banter between Vinny and his son Vin A., feels as genuine as ever but the show strikes a more even balance between these two extraordinary performers. A formidable singer-songwriter-musician, Vin A. steps further into the spotlight in the current show and the energy is undeniable. Some of the best moments in the show are Vinny’s smile as he proudly watches his son deliver remarkable performances of songs by Billy Joel and others.
For fans of the 50s and 60s hits that the show has always curated so wonderfully, the songs sound as good as ever. Where else in Las Vegas can you sing along to “Runaround Sue” at the top of your lungs?! The new set includes a few surprises from the 80s (no spoilers) that actually had me screaming along like I was at a real concert. Some of the show highlights from over the years remain but a new acoustic performance by Vin A. in the middle of the show, dedicated to his parents, really strikes an emotional chord with the audience that wasn’t there before.
The band remains as tight as ever and the surf-rock blow-out is always a highlight of the night with each musician getting a chance to showcase their skills. Great songs or not, bringing such a wide variety of rock-n-roll alive for an audience takes a serious commitment to getting the details right and The Bronx Wanderers do it night after night. For fans of great music and engaging entertainment, there really isn’t a show in Las Vegas that delivers such consistent highs as Vinny and his boys. Put this one on your Must-See List while visiting Sin City.
