Columnist Jerry Fink: Duprey selling his way into music lovers’ hearts

Friday, April 11, 2003 | 8:36 a.m.

Jerry Fink's lounge column appears on Fridays. Reach him at jerry@lasvegassun.com at (702) 259-4058.

In a little more than a year Frank Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey has gone from being a salesman to a lounge performer to having a spot in "Legends in Concert," the premier impressionist show in the country.

On Monday Duprey joined a cast of performers at the Imperial Palace who pay homage to such entertainers as Elvis, Liza Minnelli, Ricky Martin and Michael Jackson.

"I have four numbers in the show, and I do a duet with the Celine Dion impressionist," Duprey said.

The 28-year-old crooner, who bares some resemblance to the young, thin Sinatra, has only been pursuing a full-time career in the spotlight since February 2002.

His road to success apparently is an expressway.

The Providence, R.I., native was a consumer products salesman in the Northeast and Midwest when the urge to perform overwhelmed him. What had been a pastime turned into a passion.

"I had sung here and there as a hobby most of my life," Duprey said. "Then in late 1999 I was with a bunch of buddies on a Carnival Cruise Line in the western Caribbean. There was a talent show for passengers during the cruise, and my friends encouraged me to join in."

He performed a couple of songs and after hearing the uproar of applause, his fate was sealed.

"The recognition set something off," Duprey said. "That was a turning point for me. I said to myself, 'You know what? I want to do this for a living.' "

Duprey didn't jump his career ship right away, though.

"I didn't quit my job 'til February of last year," he said.

Duprey continued selling while taking voice lessons, cutting demo CDs and generally preparing for the day when he would make the leap.

It was natural for him to exploit the Sinatra angle.

"Everybody compared me to Sinatra," he said. "Although I was doing standards, everybody said I sounded just like Sinatra."

Eventually the moment of truth arrived.

"Last year I quit my job with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in New Jersey and moved to Vegas," he said.

Duprey left behind the company car, the benefits and the security to follow his dream.

"I had to see what I could do with my singing," he said. "I totally believe in my talent, and I didn't want to be 35 or 40 years old and have regrets about not trying."

When he reached Vegas, one of his first stops was Capozzoli's, an Italian restaurant with a lounge that is a favorite hangout for a lot of musicians and fans of musicians.

At the time, Nick DiNapoli, who does an incredible rendition of Tony Bennett, was the host of an open-mike night at the venue on Maryland Parkway.

DiNapoli took Duprey under his wing and introduced him around town. For a while they performed together.

"Basically, I hit the lounge circuit," Duprey said.

His first paying gig was in the Galleria Bar at Caesars Palace.

"Sinatra used to hang out at the bar after his performances," Duprey said. "There's a lot of history there."

Duprey also performed at the Top of the World Lounge at the Stratosphere and at the defunct Blue Note Las Vegas, among other places.

In September a friend introduced him to John Stuart, founder of "Legends in Concert."

Duprey says he will be with the show at least until May 24.

After that who knows where his superhighway will take him?

"I'm just getting my feet wet," Duprey said. "I'm looking at putting my shown together, maybe off-Broadway."

Judging by the speed of his rapid rise to success, the road to New York should be a smooth ride.

Lounging around

Karaoke alert: The Big Kahuna (KQOL 93.1-FM) is hosting a karaoke contest Wednesdays through May 7 at Addison's Lounge inside the Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin. Contestants must sign up between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The contest is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are weekly prizes, with the grand prize being a vacation package (the location as yet unannounced). For more information, contact Holly MacFarland, entertainment coordinator at the Rampart Casino, 507-5958.

Jazz and blues are becoming mainstays of the Sahara's Casbar Lounge. Ronnie Rathers & Split Decision, featuring vocalist Denise, is now the house band. The group will rotate performances with vocalist Christy Bryant and Tex Richardson & the Killer Band, featuring Joi Nicole.

Can't afford to shell out $200 to attend the Celine Dion show at Caesars Palace? You can see Dion impersonator Elisa Furr for free at the Fiesta Henderson's Cancun Room on April 18. The Impersonator and Comedy Series at the Fiesta is Fridays at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tonight Tina Turner impersonator Cynthia Minx will perform.

Two open-mike "Guitar Bar" sessions began recently, one at the Cannery's The Club and another at JW Marriott's Addison Lounge. The Club features electric guitar sessions from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Addison is for acoustic guitarists 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Both sessions are hosted by Shawen Eiferman, guitarist for the popular local band, Epstein's Mother.

Sax player Richie Cole, one of the top jazz musicians in the country, was passing through town last week and performed at Murphy's Pub, 3985 E. Sunset Road -- Saturday with the Alto Madness Band and Sunday with the Hap Smith Trio.