A crowd pleasing performer. A blended sound, both classic and modern. Arrangements that are crafted with care, respecting the intent of the original, but with its own voice and spin. Guitarist and vocalist CJ Ambrosia provides a show and performance that is tailored to each venue and audience, and always leaves both guests and hosts wanting more. CJ’s show crosses genres such as pop, rock, jazz, r&b, country and lo-fi. His songlist ranges from top 10 hits to video game classics and just about anything in between.
CJ has three decades of experience with various groups as a guitarist, bassist and vocalist, performing regularly at WNY mainstays like the Ship, the Irishman, the historic Roycroft Inn and many others. He was the guitarist in the East Aurora Players presentation of Hair in 2021. He did double duty playing guitar and singing in the locally written Pogue’s/South Buffalo tribute show, “Fall From the Grace of God” in 2022.
But it was back in high school, as a member of the Electronic Music Workshop where CJ got the bug as a solo performer. Those early performances in local shopping malls and other schools led to a 20+ year journey as a solo artist that recorded several albums while performing with local groups. Time, experience and new tech has allowed CJ to continue producing original music. It also let him create unique backing tracks for cover songs and a solo show that spans many genres.
CJ’s show is a recurring staple at Parkway Prime Steakhouse and Lounge in Niagara Falls. He delights staff and guests alike with his instrumental arrangements of popular songs, both classic and modern. These thoughtfully arranged instrumental performances allow the guests to converse while enjoying the music. They often wind up singing along to familiar hits.
While the guitar is core to the performance, CJ is well known for his ability as a singer in groups. His ever-expanding playlist includes vocal covers and originals, leading to year-round bookings at various private events and functions in the WNY region. The show mixes the instrumentals with well known classics, a few video game themes, and even some originals This has given CJ the flexibility to provide a wider variety of music and ways to entertain a crowd that rewards his performances with regular call-backs.
The show and the performer continue to evolve – keyboards, orchestral elements and live looping are now part of the mix. With over 100 covers, several originals and a love of improv, CJ Ambrosia provides a reliable, professional and fun show that audiences want to see again and again.
