Go Back In Time Without A Time Machine
by David Selinger

"I felt like I was hearing the boys again" quips Dr. Richard Gross, referring to Avi Ciment's Show stopping performance last night at the world famous Tropigala Room in Miami Beach's Fontainbleau Hilton. "The boys" that he is refering to, are of course The Rat Pack. "I was a physician to the whole gang and saw them many times. Avi's act brought me back to the Vegas." The Tropigala room has been home to many performers such as Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estafan, Jerry Seinfeld, Ricky Martin and many more.
Avi, although 33, feels most comfortable singing the standards of yesteryear of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Elvis Presley... "My songbook covers only beautiful music that withstands the test of time." Although not an impersonator, you can't help but see striking similarities between Avi and some of his predecessors. Ciment keeps busy, playing HBO's Soprano Premiere Party on South Beach, The Beverly Hills Hilton, the PGA, The Registry in Naples, Turnberry in Aventura and the Catskills, playing with Broadway comedians like Mal Z. Lawrence and Tonight Show's Marc Schiff. Asked how he ever fell into this genre of music, Ciment explains "I went to a music store as a kid and they had two tapes on sale. Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Hook Line and Sinker!"

Miami Sun Times May 16-22, 2005