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Chris Macchio has played some of the biggest stages in the country, but for the Long Island native, nothing beats coming home.
The celebrated tenor, who famously sang the national anthem at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, is set to bring his powerhouse vocals to The Paramount in Huntington on March 29.
“In elementary school and high school, I had two nicknames: Donald Trump and Mr. President,” the Sachem alum told Greater Long Island. “It’s funny looking back now because I had no idea that later in life, I’d be performing at major political events.”
One of his most defining moments came at Robert Trump’s funeral in 2020, where he performed for the Trump family. “Halfway through that service, President Trump jumped out of his seat and gave me a standing ovation in the middle of the funeral,” Macchio said. “That was a surreal moment.”
That performance led to what he calls “the greatest honor of my life”— singing the national anthem at this year’s presidential inauguration. “[A Trump staffer] called me said, ‘The president said you are his first and only choice to perform the national anthem on the televised broadcast,’” he recalled. “That’s something I’ll never forget.”
Embed from Getty ImagesNow, he’s back on home turf, and his upcoming concert promises a mix of styles. “People can expect a little bit of everything — light classical, Broadway hits, Italian American classics, jazz, and even some ‘80s pop ballads,” he said. “I want everyone to feel like there’s something in it for them.”
The show will also feature special guests, including popular radio host Sid Rosenberg. “I also have some additional surprises,” he said.
For Macchio, this concert is about more than just music — it’s a celebration of Long Island, the community that shaped him, and the values that continue to inspire his career. It’s also the first full concert since the inauguration.
“I think now people are starting to feel it’s time to bring some of those wholesome values back,” he said. “And that’s really what this show in Huntington is going to be about, just representing the very best that Long Island and New York and the United States has to offer.”
And for those wondering — no, he’s not related to “The Karate Kid” star and Long Island native Ralph Macchio. “We are not directly related, but it is my hope that he and I can break bread one of these days, maybe at an Italian restaurant,” Chris said with a laugh. “I can do a pretty decent Crane Kick, which I’d be more than happy to demonstrate.”
For more information on the show, click here.
Top: Chris Macchio set to perform for President Donald Trump. (Credit: Facebook)
