Garden City Library Holds Ninth Annual Summer Talent Show

The Garden City Public Library Children's Department put on its ninth annual summer talent show Wednesday night, featuring more than 15 acts.

Children's librarian Sandy DeCarle hosted yearly event.

Performances ranged from singing, dancing, hula hooping, a karate exhibit, jump roping, gymnastics and Irish step dancing. Siblings Philip and Lana Hess did a comical duet dance routine that hit home with the audience and the Irish step dancing by Maeve Kinney and Emma Gillen was professionally done.

The dance routine by Ellie Jewell and Olympia Van Blenis featured strong choreography skills, the violin playing by Sarah Wu and Grace DeAngelo sounded crystal clear and the impressive karate exhibit by George Arianas caught everyone's attention.  

Singing performances included music by Katy Perry, Ke$ha and a song from the soundtrack to the Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid. Julia Bedian, who sang "Part of Your World," received a thunderous applause following her performance. Olivia Hanna sang "Firework" by Katy Perry, pouring her heart and soul into the lyrics. These were among the many highlights of the evening, where each performer received a round of applause and gift afterwards.

"We're very fortunate to have such talent in our town," said DeCarle following the show. "It gets better every year, and it's wonderful to see a variety of acts. I'm proud of all the kids."

Junqi Wu, Sarah Wu's father, was very proud of his daughter's performance. "She started playing piano, and then picked up violin," he said. "She's been practicing for a year now, and it's great to see her perform like this."

Manuel Santos, father of dancer Lelia Santos, added, "It's wonderful to see your daughter up there enjoying herself and expressing her talent. She's been dancing since she's been born, and I'm very proud of her."

Part II of this two-part talent show takes place July 20 at the library at 7 p.m. No registration is required to attend the show and all ages are welcome in the audience. This program, however, is limited to Garden City residents only.