Passersby in front of Café Mozart last Wednesday stopped to peer through the windows. Peering was literally the only thing you could do, as Café Mozart was packed. Getting a table, or even a seat inside was impossible. A table outside was also out of the question. Though some could only stand, all were very happy to be there. First to take the stage was Edgar Caruana of New Rochelle and he took the stage like a pro. Accompanied by Scott Pollack, a volunteer pianist who accompanied all singers. "It is so nice to see all of you here." Said Caruana. "I think I know all of you." He then sung the classic Italian song Guitarra Romana (Roman Guitar). His voice was strong and did not need a microphone. Gesturing with the song, his face was proud. After the hearty applause Caruana spoke once more. "I would like to dedicate this song to all the fathers in the world. I had a great one, and I’m sure you had a wonderful one too," said Caruana. That night, Caruana was one of twenty-five participants in the First Annual Senior Musings Talent Show. Scheduled to start at 7pm, most guests had already arrived by 6:30pm. Some carried musical instruments or wore costumes. Oil paintings and sculptures leaned against walls and on the side of the counter. Not a single soul looked nervous. The talent show is proof itself of just how much can be created from a single inspiration. Last December, Frank Sisco held an office party that most would consider different. A local CPA and Financial Advisory for many years, Sisco invited his clients, coworkers and friends to share a talent with the crowd. Several guests did read stories, poems or even sang songs. "After the party, many attendees called me and told me how much they enjoyed the evening," said Sisco. "They also wanted to contribute to my website – www.seniormusings.com." Sisco’s website, www.seniormusings.com has been up for nearly a year; inviting seniors to share their thoughts and ideas in any creative form they wish. It was then Mr. Sisco was inspired to develop a radio show. "It became clear that people, ordinary regular people, love to share themselves with others. Everyone involved has an inspiring, uplifting time," said Sisco Sisco decided to develop a radio program for the community, based on the appeal of his website. Senior Musings is a 1460AM WVOX program, aired every Thursday evening from 8-9pm. The show is co-hosted by Frank Sisco and Jean Busatti. Each show features ten or more guests per show. Each senior is given between three and four minutes to share the best of their best. "It is very fast paced," admits Sisco. "This is a bigger turn out than expected," said Sisco to the crowd. To accommodate and properly judge many talents there were nine categories to win first place. Winners would be given a special trophy, a gold plated microphone trophy from Senior Musings Radio Show. Gift certificates from local merchants would be given to each participant. Judged by: Jean Ostlund, president of New Rochelle TheatreWorks; Tom Sullivan Vice President of New Rochelle TheatreWorks and David Allyn, a singer and recording artist. Twin brothers Irvin & Paul Gordon sing and play the ukulele. "We have been playing for nearly a million years," said Irvin Gordon. Both are SAG members. They were disappointed to have forgotten their harmonica, but were confident it would not affect their performance. The Gordon brothers have appeared recently on the Jon Stewart Show. They are modest professional musicians. "Keep in mind that if we lived on this stuff, we would’ve starved a long time ago," said Irvin Gordon. "We just love to play, love the audiences and having a good time." Swing dancers Vinny LoPreto and his partner Joan Bonforte
took the stage in elegant eveningwear. LoPreto explained they
would perform swing dance and the lindy to the song Boogie Woogie.
"Hopefully we can make it to the end of the song,"
said LoPreto modestly. The crowd erupted into laughter, knowing
full well that LoPreto and Bonforte have been dancing together
for twenty years and could have danced to six songs in a row.
Both work at A Dance Studio in Mamaroneck. LoPreto teaches tap
dance and ballroom and Bonforte is the Administrator. "No
matter how tired you think you are, dancing wakes you up,"
Visit Senior Musings at www.seniormusings.com. To appear on Senior Musings at WVOR call Frank Sisco at 381-2727. Congratulations to: Best Performance of a Song, Poem or Story: Edgar Caruna, singing Guitarra Romana. Best Composition by a Group: Vinny LoPreto and his students Louise Forlenza and Ann DeFiore from A Dance Studio of Mamaroneck for their tap dance routine to American Bandstand. Best Writing: Jean Busatti for her excerpts The Immortal Rogue. Funniest Writing: Hal Wickliffe for his comedy skit "Don’t Take Me Out to the Ball Game". Most Amazing True Story: Frank (Bud) Sisco for his arduous journey to meet up with his older brother Joe on the island of Saipan in the South Pacific during World War II. Bud was a Seabee and Joe was a Marine. Best Composition of a Song, Poem or Story: Cecil Minor for the poem "It’s never too old". The poem composed by friend Irving Berger who died three years ago. Best Performance by a Group: Twin brothers Paul and Irvin Gordon who sang a duet "Roll Your Bones" and played their ukuleles. Winner-In-Category: Kitty Fabrico displayed her oil painting portrait of her mother, and her pastel portrait of her grandson. Winner-In-Category: Matty Kahn displayed several sculptures she had created. |