Sheepshead Native Robert Santa To Headline BayFest

Out with the old, in with the new – that’s the direction for this year’s BayFest.

Bay Improvement Group has announced the headlining performer for its 20th edition of BayFest, with Sheepshead Bay native Robert Santa to take the main stage before thousands of residents and visitors at the neighborhood’s largest street festival.

The Robert Santa Band most recently scored some top-notch performance time, playing for several years with American Idol star Pia Toscano. He’s also shared the stage with Roy Orbison, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter from Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, Steve Stevens, writer and guitarist for Billy Idol, Slash and Duff Mckagen from Guns & Roses. He’s also toured the nation with fellow Sheepshead Bay native Andrew Dice Clay. He wrote the theme song “Brooklyn Bad Boy” for the movie Dice Rules. (You can view Santa’s full bio below the article.)

Here are a few samples of Santa’s music:

The announcement marks a departure from BayFest of years past, which for most of the past decade has featured Vince Martell of Vanilla Fudge. They’ve also booked a few other new acts, like Beatles tribute band TICKET2RIDE, to perform alongside some BayFest staples like the kilt-wearing, bagpipe playing ensemble The Shots, and Stout.

To celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary, Bay Improvement Group is aiming to put entertainment on each of the marina’s 10 piers, a feat last accomplished during their 10th anniversary celebration. They’ve already booked the Brighton Ballet Theater School of Russian Ballet, martial artists and local bands.

BayFest 2011 will take place all day Sunday, May 15, 2011 along Emmons Avenue, rain or shine.

Here’s the bio from Bay Improvement Group:

Born and raised in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn, Singer/Songwriter Robert Santa has been performing in various venues throughout the country. Cutting his teeth in local bars and clubs, Robert has evolved from a fresh young performer into an accomplished entertainer.

Throughout the early part of his career Robert and his band have performed in such places as The Bitter End, Studio 54, The China Club and The Stone Pony. His unique style of performing and charismatic personality quickly earned him an extensive and loyal following.

Besides his musical achievements, Robert has been highly regarded for his various community contributions. He had frequently volunteered his time for such worthy organizations as The Make a Wish Foundation, The Guardians of Hydrocephalus, Catholic Charities, St Jude Children Charities, and most recently helped raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 1994 Robert received The Senator Halperin Founders Award that presented to him by Sheepshead Bays Youth D.A.R.E.S  Program.

A major highlight of his career was when he toured with Brooklyn comedian Andrew DICE Clay. This national tour took him across country to such places as Madison Square Garden, The Philadelphia Spectrum, The Los Angeles Forum and Radio City Music hall and many other venues. Robert also appeared in and wrote the theme song “Brooklyn Bad Boy” for the movie Dice Rules and in 2003 recorded the soundtrack for Writer Denis Hamills Last laugh.

Throughout his journey Robert has shared the stage with such music legends as: Roy Orbison, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter from Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, Steve Stevens, writer and guitarist for Billy Idol, Slash and Duff Mckagen from Guns & Roses and most recently with American Idol’s Pia Toscano.

Constantly playing new venues, writing new songs and drawing his influences from the pioneers of rock, Robert Santa will undoubtedly remain a staple in the music industry with his musical roots firmly planted in rocks past and his eyes focused on its future.