Arts & Entertainment
VIDEO: Real Diamond Hits a High Note
Manalapan resident Ben Weiner opened the show for the Neil Diamond tribute band
On Aug. 24, hundreds of local residents gathered for a performance by Real Diamond, a Neil Diamond tribute band based out of Landsdale, PA. The cover band has been touring the country since 2008, providing an authentic experience for fans of the legendary American singer and songwriter.
Close your eyes, and you can hear that lead singer Curt Di Domizio has mastered a vocal that is reminiscent of a younger Neil Diamond. When asked how he discovered the voice resemblance, his answer was simple: karaoke.
“I sang karaoke one night about six years and I always sing like him. So I figured, why not put it together and see what I can do?” said Di Domizio.
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Today, Real Diamond is comprised of an impressive 12-piece ensemble which includes two keyboard players, multiple guitarists, and a full horn section. The band took off becoming an “overnight success” and entertaining diverse audiences including Major League Baseball venues for the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies.
This was Real Diamond’s second show in the area this August. Three weeks prior, the band appeared at Greenbriar Stoneridge retirement community in Monroe. Their next stop is the bright lights of Harrah’s Atlantic City.
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“We try to keep it Neil. Keepin’ it Neil with Real Diamond,” said Di Domizio. It’s a catch phrase he uses on his Web site, www.RealDiamondBand.com. The Web site features a thorough biography and discography for Diamond, and Neil trivia is even presented during the show. For instance, the hit songs “Red Red Wine” and “I’m a Believer” were actually written by Diamond and are included in the band’s set.
“It depends on your mood. Sometimes it’s tough to sing his songs because they’re very heartfelt, they’re very deep. But he’s a legend,” said Di Domizio about Diamond. “He’s like apple pie and baseball. You know - he’s an American icon. Five decades of classic hits. And I’m blessed to be able to sing like him.”
The band opened the show with the quintessential anthem “Coming to America.” Other classics, "Cherry, Cherry," “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Cracklin’ Rosie” came later in the set. “Sweet Caroline,” during which Di Domizio entered the crowd, ended the show.
Di Domizio said he likes to slow it down with his personal favorite, “I’ve Been This Way Before.” He sang the ballad as a duet with Victoria Serrone, a Long Island native who wowed the audience with her vocal rendition. The other two “Diamondnettes,” Debbie Fossile and Sharon Stirling, also sang with Di Domizio in their respective duets, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” and “If You Know What I Mean.”
As the band played instrumental breaks, Di Domizio underwent three glittery shirt changes. The Diamondnettes wore black cocktail dresses, seemingly unaffected by the temperature drop which had audience members pulling out the sweatshirts and blankets.
Prior to Real Diamond’s performance, Manalapan resident warmed up the crowd with his acoustic guitar and smooth vocal covers that included an original song. Committeeman Don Holland thanked Weiner for once again opening the show, the last of the summer concert series, adding, “He does a great job.”
On behalf of Mayor Andrew Lucas and Deputy Mayor Ryan Green, Holland also thanked the volunteers of the Manalapan Arts Committee for their hard work and dedication. A 50-50 raffle was held to benefit the committee, which makes these free events possible.
