It started with a cheap guitar and a love for music. Frank Giarratano, or better known as Frankie Smiles, started strumming chords since the beginning of junior high school. 

 

Starting with no formal instruction, he let his passion for the instrument guide him as he taught his hands how to play the guitar. He hit the ground running when he launched himself into the jazz scene at North Central College and earning his Masters of Music at Northern Illinois University. 

 

Frankie’s passion for music and his education and experience through college has taken him across a variety of stages at outdoor cafés, bars, private parties, and restaurants. In his 20+ year career, he's started his own cover band, Millennium Falcon, while also taking the stage for his solo act as the Frankie Smiles Project.

 

His acoustic performances consist of instrumental music ranging from, folk, classic rock, inspirational, jazz, soft rock, classical, blues, pop, alternative rock/grunge, new wave, progressive, and rock & roll. Throw an electric guitar in Frankie’s hands and he’ll bring out the hard rock and funk too!