Meet Vinnie D’Agostino

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vinnie D’Agostino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vinnie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I decided to delve into music full time after a great career in my day job in the tech world. While I enjoyed that side of things, I reached a point where I didn’t want to juggle days and nights any more. My personal situation gave me that freedom. A huge part of that decision was having the support of my wife, #1 fan, fellow musician and best friend, Barbara.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love bringing music to life and joy to people. Life can be tough and I want my shows to be an escape and experience into everything positive. I love having multiple voices by playing a dozen instruments and an array of styles. This allows me to bring more music to the people.

I’m most proud of leading my own jazz shows and playing in two amazing groups. The first is the Joe Gransden Big Band. The second is Piano Man vs Rocket Man, a Billy and Elton tribute. While it is indeed a tribute, it’s super high quality, super fun and highly engaging. In all my projects I’m proud to work with musicians who love their work as much as I do and have passion to perform.

I’ve learned a lot since jumping into the deep end of the pool a few years back. Above all, be flexible and go with the flow. In this business, nothing goes quite as planned, so little pivots are a constant and they are a good thing. Second, be genuine and love what you do. It shows. It also shows if you don’t dig it. Third, treat people with the utmost respect across the board, because all you have is your reputation. That means band mates, venues, sound crews, and audience. Everyone. And finally, obviously, do the things you learned in kindergarten. Be on time, be prepared, be cool to work with.

As far as how I got to this point: ultimately it’s about putting time in and working, but within a plan and approach. Musical excellence is huge but not everything. It’s also about establishing an identity; setting goals; being business literate for things like promo and ticket prices; being creative to develop concepts and shows; and networking to constantly expand your circles.

For my story, I want people to know that I’m going at this with urgency. I feel like I’m catching up and that I have more to offer. I look at every day as a chance to get better. While I love every show, my goal is always to be better next time, and over time build audiences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
MONDAY

Breakfast at Waffle House. Let’s get started right!

VIP jazz festival tickets. Let’s assume your journey starts on Memorial Day, the last day of the great Atlanta Jazz Festival. With these passes you are fed and have the best seats.

Ten ATL Jam. After the festival head to the best late night jam, where the biggest names pop into East Atlanta Village. It goes late.

TUESDAY

Find some coffee to get started in Inman Park. Walk the beltline for a few miles. People watch, stop in some places.

Lunch at Krog St Market. Shop a little and sample local restaurants.

Head to Virginia Highlands to hang out.

Catch dinner at Murphys. Then spend the night blues hopping, starting at Blind Willie’s and ending at Northside Tavern. Yea it’s a late night.

WEDNESDAY

Pack your breakfast because we are hiking Stone Mountain early. Eat at the top. Enjoy the view.

Head to the Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the green and grab lunch in there.

After the Gardens, head to Fat Matt’s for beer and ribs.

Later on enjoy the amazing jazz jam at the Red Light Cafe in Morningside.

THURSDAY

Catch breakfast at The Silver Skillet. Then time for history at the Carter Center. After that, visit the Atlanta History Center.

For dinner, it’s Divan near the Woodruff Arts Center. Catch a play at the Alliance. Then it’s time for a night cap in Little five Points at the Star Bar.

FRIDAY

Henri’s Bakery for breakfast. Then time for more history. Start at the MLK Center, then the Civil Rights Museum. These are amazing places.

For dinner, it’s Naan for a Thai meal. Head over to the ASO for some classical.

After the show, it’s a night cap at Buteco in Grant Park.

SATURDAY

Coffee near Piedmont Park. Then walk all over the park. Catch lunch at the Park Tavern.

After lunch it’s Oakland Cemetery for deep history. Then dinner at Six Feet Under.

Head to the Fox Theater for a show or concert. Whatever is there will be great.
After the show catch a night cap at Eclipse di Luna in Miami Circle. Dance a little.

SUN

Wake up and head to Buford Highway for dim sum at any of the amazing restaurants there.

Then it’s up to the Battery for an afternoon Braves game.

After the game head to Antica Posta for dinner. Then an amazing house concert – the SNUG concert series.

On this final night, there must be a nightcap at Johnny’s Hideaway.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my biggest supporters and partners in life and in music. First, my wife, Barbara for always supporting me. Next, my musical mentors through my life. Emile DeCosmo, early teacher; Kevin Bales, my current teacher; Gordon Vernick, for pushing me in this career; and the late great Audrey Shakir, who was as kind as she was a super talent. Finally, my partners in musical ventures who have shared opportunities and inspired me – Khari Simmons, Mark Kovaly, and Joe Gransden.

Website: https://www.vinniedagmusic.com

Instagram: Vinniedagmusic

Facebook: Vinniedagmusic

Image Credits
Luke D’Agostino