A Night of Nostalgia and Musical Genius: An Interview with Alex Massa & Tony DeBlois
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In this feature interview with Northeast Radio SD, host/news broadcaster Steve Jurens sits down with Alex Massa, Artistic Director of the South Dakota Jazz Orchestra, and world-renowned musical savant Tony DeBlois. They discuss their unique partnership and the highly anticipated “Come Fly With Me” Frank Sinatra Tribute coming to the Goss Opera House.
The SD Jazz Orchestra: A State-Wide Supergroup
Alex Massa, originally from Rapid City, shares his journey from performing in New Orleans and Chicago to returning to South Dakota to lead the SD Jazz Orchestra.
· Representing the State: The orchestra is a “supergroup” of South Dakota’s finest musicians, with performers traveling from Rapid City, Spearfish, Pierre, Mitchell, Sioux Falls, Brandon, and Brookings.
· Original Arrangements: The band will be playing the original Quincy Jones and Billy May charts written specifically for Frank Sinatra in the 1950s and 60s.
The “Rain Man” of Music: Tony DeBlois
The star of the show, Tony DeBlois, is one of only about 20 musical savants in the world. Despite being blind and autistic, Tony possesses an almost supernatural ability to learn and perform music.
· The Numbers: Tony plays 23 instruments, sings in 11 languages, and has a repertoire of over 10,000 songs.
· Learning by Ear: Alex recounts a mind-blowing moment when he played a Tchaikovsky overture for Tony; after just 30 seconds of listening, Tony was able to play the entire orchestral arrangement on the piano.
· Impressions: Beyond Sinatra, Tony is known for his uncanny vocal impressions of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, and Bobby McFerrin.
What to Expect at the Goss Opera House
This performance isn’t just a local cover show—it is a world-class production.
· Authenticity: Tony doesn’t just sing the songs; he embodies the energy and tone of Sinatra, right down to the signature “Ol’ Blue Eyes” stage presence.
· Musical Synergy: The 17-piece big band and Tony will have only one two-hour rehearsal before the show—a testament to the high caliber of talent involved.
Tony’s Message of Hope
Toward the end of the interview, Tony shares a powerful message for the community:
“It’s okay to be different. Believe in yourself, don’t give up on your dreams, and remember the three P’s: Practice, Practice, Practice... and Patience.”
🎟️ EVENT DETAILS
· Event: “Come Fly With Me” – A Tribute to Frank Sinatra
· Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026
· Location: Goss Opera House, Watertown, SD
· Tickets: Available now at thegossoperahouse.com/events
