Audience members at The Tangier got a little more than the usual dose of comedy when The Scintas “forced” me to get up on stage and sing Don and Juan’s 1962 hit “What’s Your Name” with them. The Buffalo, New York natives recently returned to Akron to perform at the landmark cabaret club that helped kick-start their illustrious and enduring career.

I first saw The Scintas perform at The Tangier 18 years ago when I moved to Cleveland to coach the Cavs and became an instant fan of the multi-talented group comprised of brothers Joe and Frank Scinta, their sister Chrissi and drummer Peter O’Donnell, the “adopted Scinta.” The Scintas went on to light up countless stages throughout the country and eventually took up residency at both the Rio and Sahara Hotels, achieving their ultimate goal of headlining in Vegas.

The 75% Sicilian quartet’s unique show is a high-energy blend of music, impressions, humor and storytelling that compels the crowd to sing along, laugh out loud, tear up and give a standing O before night’s end. I try to catch The Scintas’ act whenever I get the chance, and we’ve become good friends over the years. Performing with them was a great thrill and a tremendous honor, but I won’t quit my day job yet.