The Cranford Guitar and Music Center Showcases Students in the biggest annual showcase yet. This event will take place today from 1pm - 5:30p, at Crossroads Bar and Grill, 78 North Ave, Garwood.
The program will kick-off with beginner students who study piano, guitar and drums and progressing into more advanced student’s solo performances. Madeline Garcia, a competitor in the Mid-Atlantic Music Teacher’s Guild Regional Competition, will be closing the first set with her competition song “Over the Rainbow,” as well as “Ding-Dong the Witch is Dead.” The next two sets will consist of advanced students performing solos as well as collaborating in ensembles.
Along with previous showcase participants there will be a great many newcomers to the event this year. Returning students Rebecka Cristino, Ryan Cleary, Tori Nichnadowicz, Marty Ventoro and Dina Shimanovich will offer an incredible and highly anticipated performance of The Beatle’s “Oh Darling.” Showcase novices Marisa Sigas, (who can be seen in the current Cranford Dramatic Company performance of Carousel), and Johnny Bush, will team up with seasoned performers Marty Venturo and Rebecka Cristino in Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” Foni, a high school band including Cranford Guitar students Keane Maclelland and John Anclien, will be returning as well. The band will be performing a three-song set near the end of the showcase.
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Jose Valencia and Kelly Bennett will also be bringing back Dina Shimanovich and Vince Musanti; their students from Monmouth County. The two will perform in ensembles, as well as collaborating together on the jazz classic “Stormy Weather.” Jose and Kelly will also be bringing new performers from the area including vocalist Alyssa Blanchard, who will be performing “Stand By Me” with Mason Garnhart and “Time After Time” as a solo.
Other students will perform songs such as My Chemical Romance’s “I’m Not OK,” Stone Temple Pilot’s “Plush,” AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” and Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” On Saturday, May 6th, Lya Finston gave a preview performance of two of her songs, The Eagles “Hotel California,” and The Beatle’s “Twist and Shout” at the Cranford Street Fair. Lya gave a stand up performance to a crowd of clapping and cheering patrons. With an incredible reception, Lya nailed her debut public performance.
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Tickets will be $5 at the door, with free entry for children under 12 years old. Everyone is welcome to attend and support all of the hard work and ability of the students of Cranford Guitar and Music Center.
Cranford Guitar and Music Center is an ever growing and leading music school in the Union County area. Please contact them at 908.232.7122 or visit their website at http://www.cranfordguitar.com for more information about lessons or upcoming programs.
