By John Hayden
He’s the Music Man of Wilton Manors . . . in all the good ways.
If you’ve spent any amount of time in the city’s entertainment scene, you’ve heard his work and may have caught a glimpse of him at the piano. Rick Leonard is a lifelong musician who has found steady work in an industry that doesn’t lend itself to long term employment.
“I’ve never had another job in my whole life,” Leonard told OutClique. He began his career 47 years ago at the age of 17. He was raised in Philadelphia before spending more than 25 years in the Manhattan music scene.
In 2006, after countless trips up and down slushy subway stairs, he’d had enough of winter and moved to Wilton Manors. “What’s happening in Wilton is that it’s emerging into this entertainment and recreational center, even more so than Palm Springs! Wilton offers so much to people,” he said.
These days he has several gigs up and down Wilton Drive, including The Well, Myth Gastrobar and West End Lounge. But his most high-profile job is as entertainment director for Tropics Grille.
“We want to keep live entertainment there seven nights a week and maintain a certain elegance standard,” Leonard said. “It’s the most elegant venue on The Drive.”
His coolest new project is the Tropics n Concert series. It’s an evening of classical music that comes with a three course, prix fixe menu. His plan is to have the evening once or twice a month. “We want it to resemble a proper supper club. People really like that environment.”
Leonard uses his NYC connections to help draw fresh performers to South Florida. “I like showcasing younger talent.”
“Rick brings incredible joy to our Tropics patrons,” Bobby Blair, Tropics’ executive business manager, said. “His extraordinary talent to deliver night in and night out the most amazing shows is time tested for decades.”
Leonard may not officially have a favorite performer to work with, but you often see him accompanying Eric Swanson, who performs as cabaret star Miss Bouvèé.
“The thing about Miss B. is she’s a true entertainer and captures the imagination of the audience,” Leonard said. “The character is instantly appealing to the audience. It’s something we are building and expanding upon. [Swanson] loves having a live musician behind him.”
Leonard still likes to skip town every now and then. He takes his talent to the high seas. He’s a veteran of Atlantis events, as well as Outbound and Vacaya. He’s visited 48 countries via LGBTQIA+ travel companies.
“I enjoy musical direction. It’s my favorite thing to do,” Leonard said. But when it comes to types of music, he loves them all. “There is no favorite musical genre. I have a broad repertoire. I love doing all request shows.”
With all the coming development to the Wilton Drive area, Leonard knows his South Florida opportunities are only going to grow. “I’ve watched it grow to what it is now and it’s only gonna get a lot bigger.”
Most importantly, Leonard knows he’s had an excellent career and life.
“Every time I climb on stage, I still love what I do. I’m 63 and I’ve lived my entire life supporting myself very comfortably in a career I adore. I am very, very lucky for that.”
