Danny Rosenthal makes the most of three worlds. Managing a successful business, raising a family, and wedging in time to pursue a rewarding creative outlet as a band member all seem very day-to-day for him. “Each really feeds off the other, and being in the band particularly is a real labor of love.”
As owner of DLR Plumbing by day and lead singer of the band After Party by night, Danny further illustrated how each area interacts.
“Most of the time I am on the job at DLR, the conversation seems to always turn toward music.”
He met his wife Michelle while performing and has a son and two daughters. Michelle continues to attend most of his shows, made easier by the fact the kids are now a bit older.
Danny loves the North Jersey area because of all it has to offer. “I was just up at Mount Fuji restaurant in Hillburn, New York, celebrating my daughter Summer’s 18th birthday. We had a great time.” He lives with his family in the house he grew up in and would not have it any other way.
“’After Party’ began as ‘Bachelor Party’ in 1994, and I hope one day we will be calling ourselves ‘Retirement Party,’” Danny joked. The current lineup was established in 2021.
Band members include John Calendrillo, guitars and vocals; Joe Trentacosta, keyboards and vocals; Steve Nadratowski, bass and vocals; and Tony Marchesani on drums to round out the rhythm section. All of the guys have their day jobs. For instance, Tony is a graphic designer. He designed the band’s logo and manages the website and booking calendar.
Recent gigs at 5 Dimes in Westwood and Shortway’s Barn in Hawthorne were a testament to their commitment to entertain at all costs and ensure everyone has a good time. “Our first show in ’94 was at Shortway’s,” said Danny. “It’s always special when we can play close to home.”
Using musical influences such as rock, 80s pop, reggae, funk, disco, and even rap, After Party will surprise you with its diverse song selection.
We witnessed a recent performance at Shortway’s. “10th Avenue Freeze Out,” with keyboardist Joe T. taking lead vocals, brought us back down the shore listening to Bruce. It was not November in North Jersey--at least for those few minutes.
The band marched on with The Police’s “Message in a Bottle,” J. Geils’ “Centerfold,” Simple Minds, Toto, and an ambitious Cheap Trick “Surrender,” where each player took lead vocal duties for each verse. It’s not often that you find that every band member can sing. Each is capable of managing lead vocals and knowing when and where to lay back for their place within the harmonies.
The set continued with The Cars, Soft Cell, and even 80s hair band, Whitesnake. To end the set, they performed a fun medley, including the best of The Who, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Rush, Kansas, and Journey. The hits came fast, leaving the crowd somewhat exhausted at the first set break with the promise of more to come.
Check out After Party’s website and social media for the latest on where and when they will be playing.
Facebook: AFTER PARTY
Instagram AFTER_PARTYBAND
Contacts: TONY@AFTERPARTYROCKS.COM
"Being in the band is a real labor of love.”