My Musical Journey

Dad was a musician and School Band Director.  I started out following his path but when I came to a fork in the road I took a different direction. I played in the school bands grades five through college: at the game, in the parade, on the stage, and even under it (in the pit).  I even did some directing here and there.  I continued to play saxophone for several years after college, eventually my two sons both learned to play some instruments as well. It looks like my grandson will be following the family tradition and joining the school band. . . .  Today I don't play much but I do enjoy live music performances. Here is a list of the acts that I have had the pleasure to see live.

Joseph Ciontea (Dad)

Jon Batiste
Tony Bennett
Big Bad Voodo Daddy
Michael Bublé
Maynard Ferguson
Stan Kenton
Count Basie
Duke Ellington Band

The Glenn Miller Band
Stanley Turrentine

Woody Herman
Doc Severson
Skitch Henderson
Kenny G
Herman's Hermits

Harry Connick, Jr

Mannheim Steamroller

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

America
The Association
Frankie Vali and the Four Seasons

Beach Boys
Billy Joel
Blood Sweat & Tears
Bodeans
Bon Jovi
Byrds
Canned Heat
Celine Dion

Chicago

Eric Clapton
Climax Blues Band
Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young
Joe Cocker
KC & The Sunshine Band

Celine Deon

Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Doobie Brothers

Face to Face (Elton John & Billy Joel)

Earth Wind and Fire

Walter Egan
Head East

Tommy James
Elton John
Lionel Ritchie 

Norah Jones
Fleetwood Mac
Grass Roots
Gary Lewis
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Mark Lindsey
Little River Band
Paul McCartney

The Buckinghams
Barry Manilow
Willie Nelson
New York Rock & Soul Review (Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs)

REO Speedwagon

Stevie Nicks
The Turtles (Flo & Eddie)
Three Dog Night
Eric Clapton
Foo Fighters

The Eagles
Rare Earth

Ringo's All Stars
Rod Stewart
Santana
Sheryl Crow

Siegel Schwall Blues Band
Styx
Sting

Micky Dolenz / Monkees

James Taylor
Steely Dan
Steve Miller Band
Steve Winwood
Stevie Wonder
Moody Blues
YES ARW
Neil Young