Rocky Baldino Retires
Baldino Bides "Adieu"
by Margaret Williams
A quiet, sedate village lies nestled at the foot of a myriad
of mountains just east of I-15 in Escondido. A world- class dinner theater and a sprawling and handsomely
manicured golf course beckon enthusiasts from all over the country.
And contented residents and guests alike enjoy an evening of
relaxation in the newly-decorated up scale dining room. Ah, but then, after all this R & R, what goes on after
dinner? Why, of course - Karaoke in the Champagne Lounge of the
internationally-acclaimed Lawrence Welk Resort!
The team of Rocky Baldino, the KJ host; Holly, the incomparable
young waitress; and Mike, the bartender have greeted this crowd-filled
room each week for many years. But alas, Rocky Baldino is retiring.
Who is Rocky? A native of Connecticut, Rocky is married with
a daughter and son in his home state and 2 daughters in California.
Formerly a graphic artist, he had no musical background, except
for being a "closet singer," till Karaoke brought him
out. He was hired 8-1/2 years ago, and his amiable showmanship
has developed the lounge into a thriving, popular gathering place.
People of all ages and walks of life frequent this oasis of "attitude
adjustment" 5 nights a week.
Rocky's philosophy, in his own words, is "to encourage
people to get up and sing...not as if in a talent contest, but
only to have fun. 'The song has to come from the heart,' as Jimmy
Durante would say." Rocky always loved promoting children's
singing, and encouraged audience participation when appropriate.
He sought to be as fair as possible to everyone, regardless of
their singing qualifications. At Rocky's retirement party on
January 2, the dance floor was crowded with energetic friends
singing, laughing, and partying heartily! Guest and staff mad
such comments as: "You made me what I am today - I hope
you're satisfied!" - Thelma. "When I lost my vocal
cord, Rocky encouraged me to start singing again. - T.J. "Enchanting
ways and charismatic personality." "He gave me a place
to sing."
Holly, who will be continuing the show there says, "I've
been watching Rocky running the Karaoke show for 8 years. I said
it in the beginning and I'm saying it at the end-Rocky is the
best at what he does. That is why he had such a loyal following.
Rocky was perfect for Welk Resort. He was encouraging to the
vacationers as well as the local clientele. He would be there
off-mic encouraging you so you didn't feel alone up there. And
then he also knew when you could go it alone. Amazing. Many
times I looked to him for support either back-up or harmony and
he was always there. Rocky's daughter, Jenny, said I do a lot
of the same things with the show that her dad did.
Although Rocky and his wife are moving to Connecticut, Rocky
promises to return to California for six months each year. He
hopes that Karaoke will be continued at the Welk Resort and is
thankful to the Lord for his endurance and his love for all the
good people he has come to know.
Rocky Baldino retiring? I think
not!
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