Here is an announcement from the City of Hoboken:

Mayor Dawn Zimmer & the City of Hoboken
proudly present
Hoboken Sinatra Idol Contest

June 16th 7:00pm (raindate: June 17)
Sinatra Park on Sinatra Drive bet. 4th & 5th Streets
featuring Host: Gary Simpsinatra
Prizes awarded to the best Sinatra Style Singers
Admission is free

Judges include:
Numa Saisselin, CEO of the Count Basie Theatre
Ernie Contri, (renowned Sinatra style singer)
Florence Pape (Hudson Theatre Ensemble)
Diana London (Hudson Theatre Ensemble)
David Zimmerman (The Theatre Company)

We are excited that the first place winner of this year’s Hoboken’s Sinatra Idol Contest will automatically be cast in the 2011 Sinatra Birthday Bash at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey on Friday, December 9, 2011. The Sinatra Birthday Bash is a musical celebration of the life and artistry of Frank Sinatra on his birthday weekend. A dozen of New Jersey’s finest saloon singers, all selected by audition specifically for this performance, take the Count Basie Theatre stage backed by the 17-piece Red Bank Jazz Orchestra under the musical direction of Joe Muccioli, who Jazzwise Magasine says works with “a maximum of authenticity.”

Thanks to our sponsors:
340 Grill, Dino & Harry’s, Leo’s Grandevous, Grimaldi’s Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria and Tutta Pasta

Some of our contestants (More to be announced):

Greg Myers Business Analyst and last year’s Hoboken Runner Up
As a musician, I’ve always loved standards. And when you’re raised in the Garden State, Mr. Sinatra and his music are as “Jersey” as Taylor ham and egg on a roll. I started singing Sinatra at karaoke bars and eventually got involved in stage performances of “My Way” in Sayreville and Linden.

Video From www.thehobokenjournal.com:

Web Page Link: http://www.facebook.com/gmyerssinger

Barry WayneI work as a broker in finance in Midtown, NY. As a little kid, my grandmother used to amuse me by putting me in her “radio room” which was filled with records of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, etc. and let me listen for hours to all of the tunes of the 40′s, 50′s & 60′s. I fell in love with this music and grew up listening to and having a special admiration for Frank Sinatra. As a young adult I continued to admire his music and played it at many weddings and various functions I worked as a disc jockey. I sang and listened to his songs over and over to appreciate every nuance and word. Today, I continue to adore his music and share it with all of my family and friends. We now live on Monroe street, only a couple of blocks up from where Frank Sinatra was born and raised, and each time we pass the lot where his home once stood, we appreciate all of the music that he has gifted us with. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uRMBluybf8

Rick Valiant has been paying tribute to Frank Sinatra for the past three years. Corporate conventions, seniors homes, charity functions and last year’s Hoboken Sinatra Idol Competition, as well as casinos in Vancouver. He was just involved recently in Las Vegas at the Tribute Artist and Impersonator Convention in February where he performed in the Golden Nugget Casino and on the freemont Street Stage in old Las Vegas, and most recently in Vancouver in theatres with his own 9pc orchestra bringing back the big band sound, keeping Frank Sintra’s sounds alive in Vancouver Canada and beyond his local residence.

Sean Hanlon Retired (40 years in New York City in the direct marketing-printing business)
I have been singing Sinatra since High School in the 50’s. Had leads in plays at the shore area in the 60’s (Guys & Dolls, etc.). Started singing Sinatra songs in clubs with the Jerry Lambert Band in the 70’s, and have continued singing in clubs in New Jersey & New York. I am presently doing Sinatra concerts at retirement villages, golf course events, hospitals and assisted living homes.

Paul Coyne Financial Analyst
Began singing Sinatra in high school after I was introduced to him by my grandmother.
You Tube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xDMnzYTnKY

Joe CofoneI got hooked on Sinatra’s music when I was 16 and heard one of his recordings at the home of a friend. Something in the rendering of the lyric, his phrasing, the resonance, tone, and quality of his voice, and the impeccably crafted arrangements forged somewhere deep inside of me an indelible impression and appreciation for Sinatra’s music. It’s now been over 40 years since I first started listening to and singing Sinatra songs, and I hope to continue to do so for at least another 40. While there is no video of me performing, audio samples are available at www.myspace.com/joecofone.

James Dempsey Operations Manager of Digital Graphic/Sign facility in Virginia.
Growing up in Las Vegas offered wonderful memories during the ’70s from watching members from the “Rat Pack”, Elvis and many others perform. Listening to my parents play Frank Sinatra’s music as well as others provided wonderful and loving memories and a base to sing those songs.

I started singing in high school choir and then later became a harmonist/percussionist during the ’80s. I left the music industry and raised a family during the ’90s until 2006. I relocated to Washington, DC and started singing, then recorded a CD of remastered Frank Sinatra songs in different styles. Frank Sinatra’s way of singing brings joy to me and I do my best to carry on his legacy.

Web Page Link: www.myspace.com/jazzsinger2u

Chris Jason is a Sinatra Tribute Entertainer from Rhode Island, singing Sinatra tunes for the last 15 years. He is 35 years old and says that music is all he has ever known. He grew up listening to Frank, Tony Bennett and Englebert and has been entertaining crowds since age 6. “Sinatra is something that has flowed naturally from me,” he says. “It is my natural voice and ability and a lot of the time, when performing at shows, the audience sometimes questions whether I am lip syncing. I would love the opportunity to show my respect for Mr. Sinatra in this way. It is truly an honor to be chosen to be part of this great day in Hoboken, NJ.”

Links: http://www.gigsalad.com/chris_jason_west_warwick
http://www.chrisjasonentertainment.com/

Recap of 2010 Contest: http://thehobokenjournal.blogspot.com/2010/06/sintra-idol-2010-recap.html