User:Leo Frantz

Born in Humrun Malta, Frantz came to Canada in 1967. Throughout his years of schooling Leo's academic interests always curved towards the arts (theater, music, and art) taking just about any opportunity to display his vocal abilities many weeknights were spent attending weekly jam nights hosted by some known names like: Gordd Depp and Sandy Horne, Toronto's popular 80's band "The Spoons." Joe Passion, now performing in Essen Gemany as "Jerry Lee Lewis." "The Meteors," "Tom Barlow." to name a few. After years of attending the jam nights around town Frantz found himself invoved in many gigs with these fellow artists doing many bars, recreational centers, and corporate gigs for many different occassions. It was from these musical aquaintances that Leo had been referred to what soon became his first professional stint into the tribute business. A Tribute to The Backstreet Boys (Backstreets Back), which took him to many various locations across the United States, South America and Canada ( Hawaii, Panama, California, New York, Las Vegas, Winnipeg ) After two and a half years potraying Howie D, the realization that his heart layed with a different era of music, soon became his new determination and focus.

It has always been the interest of Leo to perform the hits of Billy Joel. "Music from the piano man are definite timeless classics."

People would always say;  “My God you resemble the piano man."   "You have his eyes.” 

Auditioning band members for what soon became the integral part of "Big Shot." With the looks and sounds of Billy Joel Audiences across Canada and The U.S.A. have been delighted and amazed with Frantz rendition of the piano man. Leo say’s; “I’m not someone who wants to be Billy, I just love his music, and would like to play a part in keeping his music heard by audiences old and new. “My resemblance to Billy, adds to the illusion of my shows.” Leo is presently involved in a production called "Everybody Has A Dream" a thirty year retrospective of Billy Joels musical career, with nostalgic recreated moments of Joels musical history,and multimedia showcases this experience is sure to please the true Billy Joel fan as well as the novice fan. For more information on this show please go to www.hypeevents.ca to enquire.

Here are some of the venues Big Shot has played: Sarnia - Port Edward Charity Casino, Brantfort Slot and Race, Brantford Casino, New Orleans - Boloxy Mississipi (for Coca-Cola), Barrie - The Foundation, Rochester New York - Fat Moes, London Ontario - Wonderland Gardens, Alliston - Caspers, Rhode Island - Block Island South, Petawawa- Arena, Michigan- Bay City, Richmond hill - Mill Pond Park, Sault St. Marie Casino, Stage West Dinner Theatre - Mississauga, Ontario Canada, Ottawa - Chateau Laurier, Ohio - Vandahlia, and Blue Ash, Saskatoon, Regina - Casino Regina, Bramalea, Ontario - Ching Wing Ding, Pohattan, Kansas - Casino, Welland, Ontario - Food Festival,

Acting Studies: Leah Posluns Theatre - scene study - with acting coach Judy Silver (Keneau Reeves acting coach) Second City - improv comedy workshop Ryerson Polytechnical - acting workshop C.A.S.T. (Canadian Actors Study Toronto) - character acting

Vocal Coaching : Liberty Silver: R&B Vocal Techniques, Daniel West Eby (New York State Opera Company) Classical Training