Michael Del Punta is the latest singing sensation to come out of Youghal. The talented 19 year old crooner wows the diners with his singing in the popular Capri Bay Italian restaurant in Youghal, where he works as a part time waiter. The diners have discovered that Michael is not only good at serving tables, he displays his fine talents singing his favourite songs by artists such as Sinatra, Crosby, Tony Bennett, etc., much to their delight and surprise.Report/Photo: Michael Hussey & Tony Irwin for YoughalOnline.com

The UCC student found he could not afford to bring his girlfriend to fancy restaurants so he decided to work as a part-time waiter in town. After meeting the proprietor of Capri Bay, Gerald Esposito, he immediately got the job and has been working there part-time for the past seven months. While working, Michael would often break out in song in the kitchen, when Gerald and his father Rocco asked him, with such a magnificent voice, to go out and sing to the customers. This has proved to be so popular that he has been affably called ‘the singing waiter’ by the customers and now Michael sings regularly to the packed restaurant. Now, customers come from far and wide to hear Michael serenade them at the tables as ‘the singing waiter’.

A recent Youtube videoclip of Michael singing in the restaurant, made by YoughalOnline.com, is rapidly climbing in the rankings of the entertainment section and is just one of many to be uploaded by YoughalOnline.com in the near future. Michael was also interviewed by Shane Supple on Youghal’s local radio station, C.R.Y.

His debut self-titled EP, recorded at Claycastle Studios in Youghal, has exceeded all expectations, so much so that he had to order a second pressing, such is the demand for the singing waiter. Michael says his goal one day is to sing at Madison Square Gardens in New York City, sell twenty five million albums and appear on the Late Late Show!

Michael and his family, who have been living in Youghal for the past seven years, originate from Verona, Italy. Since he was a young boy, when his older siblings were listening to the likes of Depeche Mode, Michael Jackson, Madonna or Kylie, Michael’s first contact with music was through his mother’s record collection consisting of works by Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. He has continued this love of that ‘big band’ genre ever since. He has trained his voice with the help of well-known music conductor, Mary Peadar-Daly where she taught him to study his breathing technique so much so that Michael and his mature voice have been likened to Michael Bublé, although his favourite artist of all time and greatest influence is undoubtedly Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.

After moving to Youghal from Italy and studying at the old Youghal CBS school (he was the last person to do the Italian Junior Certificate exam in that school), he completed his fifth and sixth year studies in Pobalscoil na Tríonóide and now currently studies Arts at UCC, Cork City.

Michael has proved to be so popular, he is asked to sing regularly by friends at parties and weddings and is growing in confidence all the time. Speaking exclusively to YoughalOnline.com, he said “I am amazed by the reaction of the Youtube video and would like to thank YoughalOnline.com and everyone involved for their support” and confidently added “the way I see it, you should be able to do whatever it takes to make it to the top.”

So on your next trip to Capri Bay Italian restaurant to hear the singing waiter, when ordering your “big-a pizza pie”, you’ll get “Amoré” than you bargained for!

For the latest updates on Michael Del Punta go to his fanpage on Facebook or click here to view his Youtube videos.

The band ‘Pot of Jam’ met three years ago at Clay Castle’s Rock School in Youghal. They became good friends who enjoyed playing a variety of music together. Soon after being asked to play together at several charity fundraisers they discovered they had they own unique sound and a loyal band of followers who enjoyed listening to them.
Photo: Michael Hussey REDTV.IE | www.youghalonline.com

Meave Beecher, vocals and lead guitar, began to write some impressive lyrics while Tom Collins, bass, and Paddy Moloney, drums, would blend in with their own ideas to create a brand new sound. The result is “Loose Light”, the bands first EP which contains a varied range of music including samba, rock and gentle ballads. There is no doubt in anyones mind that they are individually very talented musicians but together in Pot of Jam they are creating alot of interest in the music arena.

The band was spotted by John Burke from Clay Castle Studios whose enthusiasm grew and grew for their unique sound throughout the entire production. All artwork was kindly provided by Artforpeople.ca from Canada, who have their work displayed in private collectors galleries in 5 Continents.

Excitment is growing for the official launch of “Loose Light” which is being held is being held in An Tobair in Ardmore, Co. Waterford on Friday the 7th of May at 9.30pm. Pot of Jam will be playing for the evening after the launch. All are welcome to come along and experience this exciting new band on the night.

East Cork HipHop/Rock fusion band Dodge and The Urban Druids will be performing in the Village, Dublin on the 11th June promoting their new ep  called Pagan Rhymes for ya Ailing Minds recorded at Claycastle Recording Studios, Youghal and will be available online from July 1st. Report K. McCarthy- Photos: Michael Hussey e mail news@youghalonline.com

Dodge & The Urban Druids are an original Hip Hop/Alternative/rock band. The Urban Druids are influenced by numerous music genres of the last century like the fun loving criminals, N.E.R.D, The Streets, The Beastie Boys, Cypress hill, Faithless, The House of Pain, Immortal Technique, Republic of Loose.
The Urban Druids came to be when MC Dodge teamed up with musician /producer Warren Tivy to make an album of their material and Read more