Michael Del Vecchio

Orchestra of 17 instrumentalists and vocalists in formal dress above them says “Michael Dell Orchestra” in black letters, links to performer's website

Michael Del Vecchio and his Michael Dell Orchestra perform annually at the Ulster County Italian Festival at T.R. Gallo Park in Kingston. Del Vecchio said while he occasionally does Italian ballads and some Old-World classics, he prefers singing pop music from the '50s and '60s made famous by Italian-American performers like Frank Sinatra, Martin and Como. This video includes "Sway," a song released by Dean Martin in 1954. Videography by Jon Slackman; "Papa Loves Mambo," a song recorded by Perry Como in 1954. Videography by Jon Slackman; and an interview with Michael Del Vecchio, Videography by Paula Ann Mitchell.

Michael Del Vecchio is the owner and operator of the acclaimed Michael Dell Orchestra. Del Vecchio, who is from the Bronx, was raised in a musical household. His grandparents came to America from Salerno, Italy and became vaudeville performers. The entertainment gene passed on to his parents, and Del Vecchio and his siblings learned how to sing at an early age. In fact, he first performed as a 5-year-old before a group of Vietnam War veterans. Del Vecchio and his band perform many of the standard "Rat Pack" pop songs inspired by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. They have played prestigious venues like The Waldorf Astoria, Rainbow Room and World Trade Center. Del Vecchio and his musicians are equally honored to play in the Hudson Valley, their home base. Each year, the orchestra is the closing act at the Ulster County Italian Festival in Kingston, bringing the audience to its feet. You can also find Michael routinely appearing at local restaurants like Savona's Trattoria, Bella Luna and Vigneto's Cafe.