Working Hard

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Nicole's Working Hard For The Money

by Donnie G. for The Rag, December 2, 2004

Nicole D'Angelo (aka Music by Nicole) has been performing down the shore since 1995. Last year, around this same time, she had performed her 1000th show. Nicole had just recently performed two consecutive Saturdays at Jack's Tavern (703 10th Avenue) in Belmar. The first of these two shows had Howard, one of her biggest fans, leading the applause from one end of the bar. However, his reaction was becoming contagious with other patrons. As a matter of fact, at one of her past birthdays, Howard supplied a limo, red carpet and champagne as a "thank you" for one of her Jack's Tavern shows. Everyone waited outside by the curb, as her limo pulled up to drop her off for her gig. Her father set up her equipment, while gifts surrounded her keyboard. I'm sure Nicole was deeply touched by this show of appreciation.

Born in Livingston, Nicole was raised in East Hanover. Starting to show musical ability at 3 years old, Nicole didn't begin official lessons until she was 4. While in the first grade, it was discovered that she had "perfect pitch." "Music is in my blood. This is what I was born to do," continued Nicole. She studied Music Education at William Paterson University. She majored in Voice, with a minor in Piano. It was at William Paterson where she received her teaching certificate.

"I really enjoy performing and making people smile. It's fun to bring joy to people," states Nicole. She also enjoys giving back, as she teaches General Music to first, second, and third graders. In addition, she also writes songs for the chorus at Mahala F. Atchison School in Tinton Falls. Recently, Nicole moved to Tinton Falls.

Nicole has appeared on "The Bill Jamison Show," a popular commentator for Belmar's Saint Patrick's Day Parade. She has opened up for The Duprees. She has shared the stage at an Asbury Park Festival with Sophie B. Hawkins and Taylor Dayne. She also, at one time, received an offer to join Hawkin's band. On the studio end, Nicole has recorded with jazz bassist Rufus Reid. While performing at the Holiday Inn in Tinton Falls, Nicole had no clue that John Stamos was in the audience. In addition, he was celebrating his birthday. It wasn't until later that she realized the requests that she was playing for John was for Stamos.

Besides her powerful vocals, Nicole is a multi-instrumentalist. She performs with keyboard, guitar, harmonica, and saxophone. It can be amazing to watch. She covers most spectrums of music including soft rock, pop, jazz, and broadway. On November 13th, at Jack's Tavern, she breezed through numbers that included, "Old Time Rock and Roll," "I'm a Believer," "Brown-Eyed Girl," "Hungry Heart," "Dancing Queen," "I Will Survive," "Sweet Caroline," and "Mack the Knife." Her self-titled CD contains an original, "Blinded by Love." On November 20th, Nicole performed her latest original, "I Reach for You." This was a moderately fast number with intelligent lyrics.

Influenced by Billy Joel and Celine Dion, Nicole was deeply inspired by her teachers. Although she doesn't get the chance to see many of the local artists, she respects them all. "My parents are my number one supporters," adds Nicole. Tell this to those who were dancing or cheering along with Howard. Music By Nicole returns to Jack's Tavern in Belmar on Saturday December 4th and 18th. On Friday, December 3rd, Music By Nicole will be appearing at Casa Comida in Long Branch between 6pm and 10pm. Nicole is also available for private parties. To find out more about this multi-talented individual, log on to www.musicbynicole.net.