Neil Diamond impersonator to perform at Strathcona Legion

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Eddie Rwema

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EMC Entertainment - Good times have never seemed so good for this Neil Diamond impersonator.

Joey Purpura's vocal impersonation of the famous singer will be reaching out and touching you as he brings his show to the Strathacona Royal Canadian Legion on Bank Street this Friday, Jan. 27 starting at 8 p.m.

There is a general feeling that's evoked in the show - seeing people happy, Purpura said.

"I had no idea how beloved Diamond is. And I had no idea how powerful his music was - and still is - to people," he said.

Seeing Diamond fans light up and seeing audience members smile or cry when they hear his ballads.

He said this as a satisfying part of his job.

"Response is so good that I always get invited back wherever I perform," Purpura said.

Purpura said his musical career as a Neil Diamond tribute artist began when he went to a karaoke night.

"I was introduced to karaoke about eight years ago by a friend. I took to it immediately, especially since I could now work on vocal impersonations."

Purpura said he can also impersonate other artists, such as Elton John, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor and Scott Stapp, but his busy schedule hasn't allowed him to showcase them yet.

"I haven't been able to produce other acts yet. I've done a few shows with different voices, but not regularly," he said.

At every show there is at least one patron that will ask a venue staff member if he's lip-syncing.

"I am thrilled to hear that," he said, "because it is the ultimate compliment and all the hours of perfecting the impersonation have been worth the effort."

He has two costume changes for every show. The first set he wears the mid-1970s garb with the bell-bottoms and huge collars and vest.

The second set is glittery pastel-sequined shirts with scarfs.

Born in Montreal, the 37-year-old was blessed with the gift of mimicry and was bestowed with the passion for music through his dad who played records and sang around the house.

"My dad sang constantly and I remember watching the thick 78-speed records he brought over from his native Italy spin on the turntable - I would sing along to those Italian songs." said Purpura. "When I was six, he gave me a few quarters to buy discount records that were being sold at this mom-and- pop neighbourhood record store. Soon I was singing all the time.

"After every performance both the women and men approach me, not only to tell me how much they enjoyed the show, but also to tell me they were teenagers or in their 20s when Neil Diamond emerged, and how I took them back to that special time and place," he said. "Or, sometimes, it's the children of Neil Diamond fans who come up to thank me."

To buy tickets for the show, call 613-236-1575.

Eddie.rwema@metroland.com




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