Italian Christmas with Frank Rossi

Frank Rossi, accordionist and vocalist, will entertain residents and the public at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood.

Rossi plays a Roland RD 300 SX digital piano and both an Italo American and an Imperial accordion. He plays many solo jobs and also has his own jazz standard duo. His favorite accordion players are Manny Quartucci and Mike Alongi.

Rossi’s music career started when he was seven because his Godparents dropped his name in a glass jar at the Symphony School of Music in Chicago Heights. His name was drawn, and he received six free accordion lessons.

He began his studies on the accordion under the late Al Rush. Then he won a first place trophy at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and he’s been hooked on the accordion ever since.

After graduating with a double major of finance and management from Eastern Illinois University, he decided to continue his passion – music studies. Rossi began private lessons from the late accordion and piano great Ed Baldacci from whom he learned harmony training as well as advanced technical studies.

Named the 2010 recipient of the Order Sons of Italy Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence in Performing Arts, Rossi can be found performing in fine dining establishments around the Chicagoland area.

The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community that provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for short-term stays.

The public is invited, and admission is free. For more information call 815-609-0669.