Talent show very entertaining

by Nathan Keefe
Grand Island Dispatch, March 24, 2006

There were many good acts, but a couple of them dazzled the audience when Grand Island High School’s annual talent show was held on Thursday, March 16.

There were a number of vocalists on the program. These included: Chelsea Bergmann singing “Candle on the Water”; James Weatherston and Melissa Affuso singing “Come What May”; Shannon Farmer performing, “Out Tonight,” and Cassie Ungaro, singing “Blessed.”

The duet by Weatherston and Affuso was very good in the way they sung their song and the compassion they both put into it. Weatherston’s vocal started soft and slow, but built to a powerful ending. Affuso’s singing was lovely and had a professional quality.

A touching moment was when Sarah Calvaneso sang “There You’ll Be,” in memory of Zac Zarbo, a Grand Island High School student who passed away in October 2004. Zarbo was an honor student who was vice president of the Spotlighters drama group.

Aside from the singers, there also were seven bands on the program, a dancer and a rap duo. “I liked the bands,” said sophomore Genna Nuchereno. Also there was one piano player who was great – Kelcie Hanaka. Hanaka played “Fantasie-Impromptu.” She let nothing get in the way of her piano playing – not the size of the crowd or the difficulty of the piece.

Two people really made the show with their funny antics, clever introductions and wacky performances. These were the emcees, James Rayhill and Jason Voltz. They were joined at times by Zack Tondera.

Not everyone in the audience felt all of the acts were qualified to be on stage that night. “I feel that some people should not have made it,” said Toni Thomason, a sophomore at the school. “Also, they should not have the music so loud for the old people.”

However, most students said that they liked it. “It was very upbeat, and I will be going next year,” said Sean Duff, a sophomore. “I liked it quite a bit,” said senior Mary Kate Duff. “The acts were fun to watch,” said Ashley Curry.

“I liked the last act,” said sophomore Autumn Kaiser. She was referring to “Cell Block Tango,” a performance that included singing, dancing and speaking. It featured Sara Calvaneso, Angie Jaeger, Monique Dhand, Alex Davis, Ashley Marien and Toni Kaufman. It was funny, with a serious twist.

“I liked Kevin Holzle, said Stephanie Samland. Holzle played guitar accompaniment to singer Chad Moran, performing “Why Georgia.”

“I liked it,” Richard Vanthoff said of the show. “I thought it was funny.”

“I will be attending next year and I enjoyed it,” added Justin Raiser.

“I liked the emcees and the rap by Carl,” said Justin Vanderbrook. Carl and Adrian Grant performed “So Sick.” A group of fans rapped right along with the performers.

Singer Cassie Ungaro received praise from Kaiser, and classmates Lauren Stanwick and Alicia Fisher. Ungaro’s voice was smooth, with awesome dynamics and an accurate pitch.

Closing Act 1 was Lee Becker, who stunned the crowd by dressing up like the old man in the Six Flags Darien Lake commercial and dancing to “We Like to Party.” His act and several others had the crowd clapping along.

The faculty advisers for the show were Jodie Rudney and Julie Porter. “I thought it went very well,” Rudney said.

High School Principal Dr. James Dempsey said 650 people attended the show.