Danny Vechesky, who performs as Danny V. with 52nd Street Band: A Tribute to Billy Joel, first encountered his subject in May 1974, working stage crew at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, when Joel came through on the Piano Man tour. Joel encouraged him to pursue music professionally — a turning point for someone who had already studied classical piano under Princeton Professor Lawrence D’Elena and was performing publicly by age 11. Twenty years after that conversation, in 1994, Vechesky founded 52nd Street Band, named after Joel’s Grammy-winning album “52nd Street.” The group has been touring nationally ever since and now bills itself as the world’s longest-running tribute to Billy Joel. On August 1 at Sherman Theater, that history arrives on the same stage as Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute to Elton John, in a double-bill the production calls Elton vs Billy.
About the Show
Philadelphia Freedom, formed in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 2019, has logged hundreds of shows nationally since its founding. Doug Delescavage leads the act, portraying Elton in his 20s (prime catalog-building years), and brings what the production describes as “awe-inspiring piano abilities, captivating voice, inventive fashion sense, and a top-notch backing band” to the role. The Cape Gazette called Philadelphia Freedom “the most youthful and energetic tribute band breathing new life into Elton John’s music.” Between the two acts, the evening draws from both catalogs: “Rocket Man,” “Crocodile Rock,” “I’m Still Standing,” and “Bennie and the Jets” on one side; “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” and more on the other. The production bills itself as “a high-octane musical showdown.”
52nd Street Band has the credentials to back up that billing. The ensemble has performed at casinos, festivals, and concert halls nationwide, and opened for Billy Joel himself at pre-concert parties, including a show at Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center Arena. Steppin’ Out Magazine offered the assessment plainly: “So much like Billy Joel… It’s SCARY!” This production, Elton VS. Billy, has also played Sony Hall in New York and the Count Basie Center in Red Bank, NJ, confirming its range well beyond the regional circuit.
Venue & Logistics
Sherman Theater at 524 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA sits at the southern edge of the Hudson Valley‘s geographic reach, a manageable drive from anywhere along the corridor between Woodstock and the Delaware Water Gap. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. All ages are admitted; guests 21 and older may drink with valid ID. Reserved seating is available.
Tickets
Advance tickets are $32 (PL2) and $55 (PL1). Day-of prices rise to $37 and $60, respectively. VIP Box and Skybox packages are available at higher tiers. Buy tickets.