I’m a Bel Air native – born and raised – though the first part of my career was in PR/Marketing for the tourism community in Baltimore – working for Visit Baltimore, a hotel group and finally Director of Marketing and Sales and Communication for the National Aquarium. In 2015, my father, Joe Noto – who founded Music Land in Bel Air in 1971 – passed away and I left my career to take it over and keep his legacy going. I’m a stand up comedian on the side, sing in a jazz band Larry Noto & The Little Big Band and authored the book “The Opening Act: Comedy, Life & The Desperate Pursuit of Happiness.”
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m single – Italian, father was born in Sicily and came to the US when he was 16, and uncle and Godfather to two little nieces.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
See above.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Liberatore’s, Pairings Bistro, The Local.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived here my entire life and started working here in 2015 when I took over Music Land.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
So many great musicians and customers from the past 5 decades – but the most interesting was the man who literally taught my dad English when he first came to the country!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Godfather, Annie Hall and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Focus on what you HAVE and what you HAVE achieved vs others accomplishments.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
So many things are gone – from the old movie theaters to entire portions of the Mall – its really a testament to my father and his team that Music Land has survived for over 50 years.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’ve been lucky to have met a lot of my comedy heros but I think Mel Brooks would be hysterical to actually have lunch with…. maybe a nice Italian sandwich at Savona.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the people… how some leave but come back… it’s like a family. Even though I always lived here, taking over Music Land was really a big homecoming for me.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully Music Land is celebrating its 65 anniversary and my new band is still going!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I wrote one book… but I have two others in the works… and would LOVE to make an independent movie one day!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I think the restaurant scene here in Bel Air is a 10… you go to DC or NYC and I’d put some of our restaurants up against most of them!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Parents. Hardworking. Family Oriented. Community Based. And my nieces… I work every day so I can help provide them with experiences!
Q: What community service or volunteer work do you participate in for your local community?
Board member of Maryland Center for the Arts, The Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District, SIAB and Co-Chair of the Galbani Maryland Italian Festival.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
HOME IS EVERYTHING.
