Life & Work with Ryan Driscoll

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Driscoll.

Hi Ryan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was 9 years old, I saw a live concert by Josh Groban on PBS. That was the first time I had actually seen a live, televised concert and Groban’s voice was completely captivating. Angelic yet powerful. Even at a young age, I could tell how exceptional his voice really was. His tone, pitch, and control were perfect. After the concert was over and he received a standing ovation, I realized I wanted to be Josh Groban when I grew up. My family bought me all of his albums and I memorized each and every song, even the Italian songs! Whether I was in the shower or on the playground, I would belt out You Raise Me Up or When You Say You Love Me.

Music and entertainment run in my family. My grandpa Bob was a news anchor. My great uncle Glen was a radio host. My parents both performed in musical theatre productions. And all my siblings can sing and play piano. My parents exposed us to a wide variety of music from Frank Sinatra to Stevie Wonder. Whether we were listening to Earth Wind and Fire or the Eagles, music was always playing throughout our house.

It has been twenty years since I first heard Josh Groban sing on PBS. Over the last two decades, I have pursued my passion for singing and entertaining. I have always been involved in some sort of live entertainment, from school choirs and plays to community theatre and concerts. Whether I was singing the national anthem at a football game or performing classic musical theatre songs at retirement centers, I have continually strived to use my gifts and talents to have a positive impact on others.

When I was 15, my parents encouraged me to audition for a summer musical theatre production at a historic theatre in Ventura, CA. Although obsessed with soccer and still hesitant to sing on a stage in front of strangers, they convinced me to audition. I was given one of the leading roles in which I would attempt to portray a 65-year-old!

With a little makeup, prosthetics, and a wig, I took the stage whistling and singing old standards from the 1920s. It was during this production that I truly fell in love with live theatre and performing on stage. I continued performing in school musicals, community theatre productions, and regional musical productions for several years. I appeared in leading roles such as Marius in Les Miserables, Lt. Cable in South Pacific, Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Cain in Children of Eden. After receiving several awards for my performances, I was approached by numerous agents who wanted to represent me and encouraged me to move to NYC.

Within a week of signing with an agency, I received an offer I couldn’t refuse. The world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, Seabourn, had offered me several 8-month contracts to be a resident guest entertainer. Not only would the opportunity allow me to travel the world, but I would also have the opportunity to sing numerous types of repertoire. I didn’t think twice about accepting the contract and 2 weeks later I was flying off to London for rehearsals. I continued working for Seabourn for many years until the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world overnight. In March 2020, I was performing classical operatic songs on the open deck of the Seabourn Quest as we sailed between icebergs in Antarctica. The very next day we were told that the COVID-19 virus had reached North America. Unfortunately, I became stranded on board the ship after spending 3.5 months in Antarctica. After 85 days of quarantine, I was finally able to disembark the ship in Bridgetown, Barbados, and fly home to Las Vegas.

When I returned to Vegas I produced my one-man show Come Fly With Me at the Mosaic Theatre on the Las Vegas Strip. The show includes the jazz standards we all know and love, with a refreshing take on hits from the Great American Songbook. In the show, I offer fascinating historical facts and trivia, embodying classic crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and honoring definitive artists such as Bobby Darin and Nat King Cole.

More recently, I have booked an incredible gig at the brand new, one-of-a-kind Sinatra Bar and Lounge. Sinatra Bar & Lounge celebrates Frank Sinatra’s enduring cultural legacy and his special connection to Music City with a distinctive, Rat Pack-era feel in the heart of Nashville’s historic Printers Alley. Located in Icon Entertainment Group’s Southern Turf Building, Sinatra Bar & Lounge’s warm, intimate atmosphere features an extraordinary collection of Sinatra memorabilia, from ticket stubs and the official program from the singer’s 1976 performance at the Grand Ole Opry with Count Basie to curated photographs and several of Sinatra’s own paintings, as well as live music every day. Offering one of Nashville’s most unique and elevated entertainment experiences, Sinatra Bar & Lounge is a must for any fan of “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”

I look forward to continuing to entertain in Music City for years to come!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Although I have been blessed with many incredible opportunities, it hasn’t always been easy. The entertainment industry is difficult, and finding stable, steady work can sometimes take years. In between my performing gigs, I have worked as a pool technician, trail guide, and barista.

And of course, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the entire world, including the entertainment industry. The past two years have been challenging. However, the industry is finally returning to normal and there are more opportunities every day.

I specialize in live vocal entertainment. Although I sing in numerous styles and genres, my bread and butter is jazz and opera. My voice and demeanor are similar to those of classic crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Mel Torme, and Dean Martin.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am most proud of my dedication and resilience as continue to pursue my passion amidst numerous hurdles and obstacles, many of which are entirely out of my control. I have missed several opportunities in the past few years simply because I stayed true to my beliefs and firm in my convictions.

I believe my work ethic, positive attitude, and versatility set me apart from other singers in the industry. I truly enjoy what I do and focus solely on art and passion rather than ego and politics.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ryanjdriscoll.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/RyanJDriscoll
• Facebook: Facebook.com/RyanJDriscoll
• Youtube: YouTube.com/RyanJDriscoll