Charles Chiarenza

Charles Paul Chiarenza, (April 13, 1930 - March 14, 2013), born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Matteo and Domenica "Mamie" Chiarenza who immigrated to the U.S. from Sicily, Italy. Charlie graduated from Niagara Falls High School and also served in the United States Air Force.. At a young age, Charlie learned to play the guitar, studied under local musicians, and played for various events and at many local music hot spots in Western New York. In the 1950s, Charlie moved to Los Angeles and like his good friend, Tommy Tedesco from Niagara Falls, became a studio musician.. In the 1960s-80s, Charlie recorded, toured and gave national television performances with Julius Wechter and the Baja Marimba Band, and with Burt Bacharach. In addition, Charlie musically performed as a screen extra in many television programs and motion pictures.. From the 1980s and on, Charlie co-owned and operated several restaurants in the Los Angeles area. This included his first Italian restaurant called Pasta Michi's in Sylmar, CA, and a popular Jazz club called Alfonse's Restaurant in Burbank, CA, and Charlie's in Valencia, CA.