It's 1979, and the bright lights of the “big time” are seemingly unattainable from the small world, low-income neighborhoods of Yonkers, NY. However, that doesn't stop Johnny Calacucci from dreaming.  A bright, undaunted optimist, Johnny believes he has what it takes to be a songwriter, but after four years of college, declining to pursue a "real" career, and consequently being dumped by his long-term girlfriend, he's back working at the family butcher shop going nowhere. 

 

Johnny definitely has the passion, talent, and drive, but something's missing.  Then one night at a very unusual demo session Phyllis, a gregarious young woman with a special voice, lets go.  Musical sparks fly, and Johnny sees it all..., his songs, her voice, and an incredible band named after the hairdresser who could be a star, "Philly."

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Now Johnny’s plan is simple: build a band, write great songs and record them. The record companies will love their new sound. Together with his best friend Ronnie Thompson, a girl-challenged classically-trained keyboardist, they discover JoJo Perez, the hyper, tattooed drummer; Scot "Chainsaw" McCray whose guitar playing cuts to the heart; Debbie Fein, a girlish, sexy soprano powerhouse; the quiet Vinnie Moreno and his guitar "Famous;” and Lita Santos, a tough, hard-working woman of color with a big soulful voice.

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With the band complete and demo tape in hand, Johnny heads to the record companies only to discover they won't even take his tape let alone listen to it.  He needs a connection.  And in the most unusual way, Johnny finds one--his mom's high school friend, Erwin Getz.  

 

Erwin's legitimate business is a concrete company, but he's actually a high-level collector for the mob. Feared on the street, he's got money, and for sure he's heavily connected, but to whom? Mom remembers a friend, Johnny sees a lifeline, but Johnny’s Nana sees a mobster and she’s right.

 

What starts out as all about the music, seems to blossom into more for everyone, but following your dreams, and making it to the big time runs smack into mobster trouble. 

 

The good news is what doesn't kill you makes you stronger; the bad news is not everyone survives.

 

At a time when all seems to be lost, it's the strength of family, friends and the unlikely legacy of one good-hearted, karma-believing mobster that triumphantly emerges to save the day. 

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