With cabaret-style entertainment and the cool sounds of jazz making a comeback these days, John Buccheri's musical career is skyrocketing. Lucky for us!

No stranger to the music business, Buccheri launched his career as a vocalist and band leader at the age of 15. He enjoyed success as a co-owner and featured vocalist of the Joe Pastor Orchestra.

In 1998, Buccheri established Passion Music & Entertainment, Inc., a company that provides both live and disc-jockey entertainment.

Buccheri invited his longtime friend and colleague, Bobby Katz, a pianist, to be part of the company's team.

The two pals have been performing together all over the Island ever since. They will perform Friday evening at Stanley's Lounge, in the Staten Island Hotel, Graniteville, where Buccheri will sing and Katz will tickle the ivories. The show starts at 8 p.m.

They will perform tunes made famous by legendary artists Frank Sinatra, Englebert Humperdinck, Johnny Mathis and Tom Jones. They will also play original musical compositions.

A proud Islander, Buccheri says he is looking forward to entertaining locals.

As a point of interest, Buccheri opened his own recording studio in his Annadale home several years ago. He records with his son, Michael Buccheri, who serves as recording engineer.

Buccheri has recorded many CDs including: "Just For You," "From the Heart," "Words of Faith" and "Buccheri, Live From Bocelli Restaurant." (By the way, Buccheri appears at Bocelli, Grasmere, on Saturday evenings.)

Check out Buccheri's Web site at www.johnbuccheri.com or e-mail him at passionmusicent@aol.com.

If you can't make it to this Friday's show, don't worry. Buccheri will reprise the gig at Stanley's on April 29 at 8 p.m.