CHRISTOPHER ANNINO – AN UPCLOSE INTERVIEW

Christopher Annino is a man for all seasons. Throughout his life he has seized opportunities in many different arenas. He has succeeded in successfully achieving major accomplishments in the sports, film and music fields. He has always striven to be the best even though he was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at an early age. Though out his formative years Annino acquired countless awards and accolades. During his college years, he competed in weightlifting and lacrosse. After graduating he worked at various local radio stations as well as on several publications as a freelance journalist. In recent years he has performed as a professional wrestler and strongman. He also dabbled in independent filmmaking. All the while working as a firefighter and EMT.

One of Annino‘s recent endeavors is the creation of The New England Music Hall of Fame. As a co-founder he has drafted a diverse group of celebrated musicians as the inaugural wave of inductees. A large fete was planned. Due to Covid the well anticipated event had to be postponed but this week the organization will be installing a few of the artists in a smaller affair that will comply with social distancing regulations. The proceeds from the show will benefit The Covenant Soup Kitchen and Emergency Food Pantry.

The affair will take place at the Shaboo Stage in Jillson Park in Willimantic, Ct. It will feature a performance by Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez. Ohlman, David “Lefty” Foster, Cliff Goodwin and the Shaboo Stage with Bruce John accepting are receiving their inductions into the New England Music Hall of Fame at the show.

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Christopher Annino was kind enough to answer a few questions for AMP.

AMP: I read your bio and see you were diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a child. How did that affect you growing up?

ANNINO: It was difficult growing up because I had multiple disabilities including severe physical impairments. I was told I would never make it in life and I would never go to college. At the time I didn’t have many friends and little family that understood. But who I had mattered.

AMP: Who were some of the people who made a difference in your life?

ANNINO: There was the Keogh family (Tom, Lucy, Danny) who lived near my grandparents. Tom took the time to teach me about science and history. Danny was a firefighter who was polite and brave. Lucy would talk to me when I wasn’t doing well. Then there was Brian Blair from the Killer Bees who taught me to be all I could be. Susan Tex Green, Gary Wolf (Pitbull1), Nikki Moccia, Empowered Fitness, Joeseph Mugovero, Gabe Giaza and the guys from Old School Iron all taught me how to be tough. Angel Orsini, Kadrolsha Ona Carole, Rachel Colleene, and Joy Nash never gave up on me. Caroline Cossey, Stan Lee and Billy Silverman inspired me. Robert Doc Bell, Christine Ohlman and Jurate Waller helped me find my voice. Wrestler Sam Houston, Sensei Mark Spear and Senator Heather Somers gave me hope. My mom and dad taught me about the importance of a heathy work ethic. Rodney Norman, Jeff Wade, Skip Daniels and Kalinowski taught me comedy. These are the people who matter a great deal to me. The times I feel alone, I remind myself I have these amazing people in my life.

AMP: You have been associated with many different avenues of the sports and art worlds. How did that happen?

ANNINO: It’s strange because I was told I was never good enough to do either, I think when i saw the film, The Babe, (featuring John Goodman as Babe Ruth) I also saw a person who was treated similar to me by my peers. Babe Ruth was not born wrong. He was born different. I think that after watching that film and Rudy I realized that anything is possible if you want it and you associate with the correct people. There was a trick to how I did what I have done. I was comfortable with rejection and I had an open mind. I had a list of goals I wanted to accomplish and I went after those instead of doing drugs and alcohol.

AMP: You are heavily involved in the film industry. Do you find that fulfilling?

Annino: Some people express themselves by painting. My canvas is celluloid. It’s fulfilling because it’s always evolving. I’m writing more now and I’m blessed that certain people took the time to teach me how to edit. I owe a debt of gratitude to South Eastern Connecticut Television for taking the time to teach me all I know about film production.

AMP: How did your association with The New England Music Hall Of Fame evolve?

ANNINO: It happened because I truly loved the stories I would hear about the Shaboo Stage in Willimantic.. I idolize guys like Lefty Forster and Bruce John. They helped breath musical life into the veins of New England. I wanted to bring that glory back and add a pinch of New York to it. In other words, I want to create a melting pot which will benefit both the musicians and fans. I really just wanted to create something to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices endured by local artists. It’s also an event to recognize the important contributions the New England music scene has given the world..

AMP: What’s next for Christopher Annino?

ANNINO: I’m pursuing a masters degree at Western Governors University. In the meantime I’m writing and getting ready to step back in the wrestling ring with Angel Orsini. I’m also pursuing martial arts through the Black Bear dojo in Stonington, Ct. I’m working on several podcasts with Chaplin Sarah Rashid, comedian Jay Mcbride, Mike Rand, Geoff Blanchette and Jamie Hemmings from Slam Wrestling. More importantly, I just want to be a better person and more at peace.

Amp would like to thank Christopher Annino for his time and energy and his drive in fostering and honoring the New England music community.

NEMHOF induction ceremony ————–October 18th – 4pm

                                                                     Shaboo Stage

                                                                     Jillson Park

                                                                     Willimantic, Ct.

Inductees – Christine Ohlman, David “Lefty” Foster

Cliff Goodwn, Shaboo Stage 

Performance by Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez

Charity event for the Covenant Soup Kitchen and 

 Emergency Food Pantry

 

 

 

 

 

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