Big Rock Band Aces Pre-Halloween Fun With Rooftop Rager At Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood

By Joanie Cox Henry

Big Rock Band Will Rock You: [left to right] Philip Bithell, Scott Sherman, Ali Nassar [drums], Alex Lencina, Fernando Santomaggio, Ysauro Hernandez and Jimi Fiano

There's something magical about live music up on the roof, under a blanket of stars, surrounded by beautiful people and Big Rock Band seized that magic with both hands Saturday night at the Rooftop at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. This band is a seven-piece juggernaut that understands the sacred contract between artist and audience, delivering each classic rock hit with the reverence and the fire it demands.

The pre-Halloween bash also brought out the band's playful side! Fernando Santomaggio delivered a pitch-perfect tribute to the late, great Ace Frehley, complete with full KISS makeup and Spaceman regalia that would've made the guitar legend proud. He earned the moniker "Bass Frehley" on this night and it was well deserved. Frehley tragically died on Oct. 16 and tributes have been flowing in from Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Alice Cooper, Noel Fielding and other celebs. Santomaggio happened to have the costume hanging in his closet but had never worn it. "I was unsure of a costume for this year," Santomaggio said in advance of his pre-Halloween show. "It seems Ace decided for me."

Blues legend Jimi Fiano stalked the stage in a skeleton suit and delivered plenty of bone shaking guitar solos. Frontman Alex Lencina added a touch of ringmaster mystique with a sharp top hat, while drummer Ali Nassar got "Jinky" with it behind the kit in a full Scooby-Doo costume. Nassar was filling in for drummer Euvoski Cunningham Sr. He held down the kit with authority and swing while Ysauro Hernandez shimmered on "Sexy Thing" and a funk medley that had the entire rooftop moving as one organism.

Scott Sherman channeled his inner Jimi Hendrix with hippie threads, Philip Bithell kept it festive with a Halloween-themed shirt, and Hernandez—gloriously—showed up as Alexander Hamilton, proving that Founding Fathers can funk with the best of them!

Lencina commanded the stage with his vocals soaring through "Back In Black" with the powerful passion that would make AC/DC nod in approval. His interpretation of George Michael's "Freedom" breathes reinvention into the classic hit. And when he tackled Bowie's "Let's Dance," Lencina proved he possesses that rare vocal elasticity where he jumps from the vocal stylings of Aerosmith to Prince to Bowie with finesse.

Band of Brothers: Alex Lencina, Fernando Santomaggio and Jimi Fiano share a joyful moment on stage.

Fernando Santomaggio anchored the low end with the kind of bass lines that you feel in your chest, later commanding the mic for a swaggering take on Tom Petty's "Mary Jane's Last Dance" that honored the late legend who would've been 75 years old on Oct. 20.

Sherman's soulful turn on "You Can Leave Your Hat On" was a showstopper—intimate, dangerous, and dripping with the kind of confidence that song demands. Philip Bithell's keys added color and texture throughout, from subtle swells to punchy stabs that propelled the rhythm section.

Piano Man: Philip Bithell takes a solo on the keys.

I was honored and delighted to join the band on stage as a guest vocalist for Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and Joan Jett's "I Love Rock and Roll"—two songs that have soundtracked many adventures for me. Getting to be in the audience with this band is total bliss. Having the privilege of sharing a stage with this level of talent and precision is a mind-blowing pinch me please moment. I also got to hang out with the fabulous Ronni Shea Duby a.k.a. Miss Penny Lane and I totally enjoy her excellent vibes!

As the final chords of "Purple Rain" gently floated through the twinkling night sky, Big Rock Band left the rooftop crowd breathless, smiling and screaming for more. This is rock and roll the way it was meant to be served—raw, seasoned—magnetic, something you feel from your head to your toes and a force so strong, it's impossible to look away from. Seven musicians locked into a groove so tight, so intoxicating, that every person in that crowd felt like they were part of something—bigger. That's the essence of Big Rock Band. But wait...there's more! They always have shows coming up in South Florida. Follow them on Facebook for their latest dates.

Some video highlights from the night: