What It’s Like To Be a Billionaire
The Billionaires are one of the finest dance bands anywhere. And you can find them just about anywhere in the smack dab of Central New York’s club scene. On my numerous outings to see them perform I’ve always been impressed with their ability to play.
They are a no excuses, can play, group of stellar musicians. They can take a room of nice civil folks behaving themselves and in about 3 songs, have the room bouncing of the walls. While I would categorize them as a variety dance band – which is accurate – they still have a little something extra above that classification. Each of these musicians are at the top of their class in the proficiency department, and make hard to play songs look easy. As it should be. I’ve seen them take songs and walk them around the block a few times. I’ve seen them do Michael Jackson medleys that are damn spot-on.
I always found it odd that I don’t really see them covered in the press or the media. I don’t see them recognized in the local award ceremonies. I have to admit this bugs me. And actually, it bugs me more than it bugs them. Perhaps they’re working so much that they don’t have time to think about it. Maybe they’re set in the confidence of being a band that actually works and they don’t really need the validation. A case where hearsay on this band exceeds media validation. I love that about them. The real deal.
Enough on that, though. The Billionaires, fronted by Anna Lopez White. If you’re a singer you strive for what she does so effortlessly. She sings her ass off. She’s a blast, with the natural gift and ability to make you comfortable like you’re coming over for a barbecue in the back yard. Charming, cute as a bug, darling…ferociously fun as an exciting singer, she’ll be bouncing around the room with you. After all she started it. And pretty soon you find yourself without inhibition, busting your best boogie in a sea of boogie people.
The band backing her is extraordinary. Andy Jordan is the 20-thumbs bass player who is the master of the funk. I’ve watched him play all things possible and quite a bit that is impossible. Rob Hoston is a sly killer on guitar. You won’t see him pontificating on guitar with flashy nonsense. Everything that comes off him is perfectly tight, well-said and in the perfect no BS dosage. Daryl Hunt holds the whole thing down – pounding nail after quarter-note nail into their great big house of groove. And their most recent addition of Kimo Cortini on the keyboards lets the bands sound extend into relentless possibilities.
The merit of the Billionaire sound is such that it was a no-brainer for Brent Carter of Average White Band to sit-in with the Billionaires in late August, right here in Syracuse!
Feel like dancing? Go see this group.
But, before you do check out this interview with Anna Lopez White.
CS: Hi Anna! Good to see you out there working so much. Thank you for doing this interview.
ALW: Hey Chuck. Thank you!
CS: Whaddya say we get this thing rolling?
ALW: Let’s!
CS: Question number one: Who’s in the Billionaires?
ALW: Rob Hoston on guitar, Kimo Cortini on keyboards, Andy Jordan on bass, Daryl Hunt on drums, myself – Anna Marie White on vocals, Kenny Hoston on sound, and recently Jeff Kimber our newest Roadie and helpful addition.
CS: How long has this group been together?
ALW: This December will be 12 years since I joined the band.
CS: Please characterize the Billionaires’ sound.
ALW: We play a little bit of everything. We cover Journey, Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Gretchen Wilson, and James Brown.
CS: Hands down, you are my favorite singer in Syracuse. Tell me your singing story.
ALW: Thanks Chuck! What a compliment! Well, most singers start in the church. And yes I did, too! When I was young I started singing in the choir at St. John Vianney Church in Orlando, Florida. From there I went to sing in every singing contest I could find. When I was 19 I sang on the road with a band for the first time. What an experience that was. I traveled to Mississippi, Georgia, & Florida. I saw it all ( good & bad). I learned about life on the road real fast; but I believe I am the person I am today because of those experiences.
CS: As a front person for the band you have a lot of naturalness, and charisma. You are in a word: bold! Off the stage I know you as a humble pal, nice lady with girl-next-door quality. What happens that makes you so ferociously fun on stage?
ALW: Vodka! Ok all silliness aside… I become someone else on stage. I never knew what that was until I heard Beyonce in an interview speaking about her alter ego, “Sasha Fierce.” I don’t have another name for myself; but I do love who I become when I hit the stage. I try to think of myself from the audiences’ point of view. When I go to a concert – I hope to smile, laugh, cry and just feel good. I like to see people happy and singing helps me spread a little more joy to the world.
CS: The Billionaires play a lot of shows. This means you have a great collection of stories, I just know it. Tell us a funny Billionaire war story.
ALW: Oh my. I think the guys are going to have to help me out with this one. Does choking on a piece of popcorn while singing Donna Summer count?
CS: It sure does. Thank you for your honesty. Hahaha. Ok. How about sharing a special highlight or two.
ALW: My personal Billionaires favorite would have to be “Swinging in the Square” in downtown Syracuse. This little girl was dancing in the audience when she caught my eye. I just had to bring her on stage. She danced with me and the crowd went crazy. To see her parents smile watching their little girl brought me back to my childhood. My parents were always very supportive of my singing career. They never missed a show when I was young. I wanted that little girl to have that feeling.
CS: What’s in the Billionaires’ future?
ALW: Who knows? I’m just happy to still be doing what I love. If the gigs keep coming, I’ll keep playing. I think it would be great to play on stage with my daughter one day. She’s been drumming since she was four. Maybe that’s the next chapter. We’ll see. I’m just thankful for everyday. You never know when you’re time is up.
CS: Whats your impression of the Syracuse music scene?
ALW: I lived in Orlando, Florida and I’ve met a lot of talented people; but I must say there’s an enormous amount of talent in this area. Every time I have a chance to get out to see LIVE music – I do.
CS: What would be your best advice for aspiring singers?
ALW: Just sing from the heart and you will always capture your audience. Know the lyrics and find out what they mean. I don’t drink tea & honey unless I want to. Drink lots of water!!! Have a nice glass of wine (preferably a Colloca Estate wine, nowadays) before you hit the stage to relax. If your vocal chords are a little sore or raspy don’t get mad – change it up for the night.
CS: Who inspires you as a singer?
ALW: Wow! It’s hard to just pick one. Bonnie Raitt for her relaxed persona, Vince Gill for his tenderness, Martina McBride for her range, Zac Brown Band for his versatility. Surprised? Yup this girl loves country music!
CS: Where can we find the Billionaires and what they’re up to?
ALW: Facebook under Billionaires or our website www.billionairesband.com
CS: Okay, that about wraps it up. Thank you, so much for taking the time to talk with Table Hopping.
ALW: Thank you very much, Chuck. My pleasure!
Chuck Schiele is an award-winning musician, art director, producer, editorialist, artist, activist, member of SaltCityChill.com and fan of the CNY music scene. To be considered for this column, please write chuck.schiele@gmail.com.
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