Las Vegas proves good fit for Angelastro

Moving to Las Vegas to pursue a singing career wasn't Nino Angelastro's idea.

He was happy using Italy as a home base and traveling to gigs on occasion. But he fell in love with, and then married, a dancer who got an offer she couldn't refuse: a job in Las Vegas. Thirty-four years later, he's happy she took that offer.

"It seems to have worked out for all these years," says Angelastro, the founding member of the duo Nino and Armando.

For the past three years, the duo have played at the Rampart, entertaining audiences with a little bit of everything: Steely Dan, the Eagles, Doobie Brothers, Gino Vannelli and others.

Las Vegas has served as Angelastro's base over the years, giving him the opportunity to visit and play all over the world, he says. He still misses Italy and goes home to visit when he can.

Angelastro, the son of a shoemaker who played in their town's official band, started performing when he was 16. In his early 20s, he made a few records and performed in some televised concerts in South America.

"I remember quitting school and playing crummy nightclubs in Genoa," says Angelastro, 60. "It's been a very good experience all along, really. I wouldn't change a thing."

Nino and Armando play Round Bar at the Rampart at 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays.

-- By SONYA PADGETT