Sax Player Wins LI Talent Contest

Wheatley Heights soprano saxophonist Curtis Haywood won top honors at the Got Talent? Long Island contest March 30.

Besting 19 other performers, including three from Huntington, Haywood's self-composed jazz performance won him first place prizes including $1,000 cash, a $2,000 scholarship from Five Towns College and a spot on an upcoming TV show, Live It Up with Donna Drake.

Originally from Brooklyn, Haywood is currently pursuing a masters degree in music therapy at Molloy College in Hempstead, according to an event press release. He attended the High School of Performing Arts, Berklee College of Music.

Hosted by Jen Chapin and Salvatore Valentinetti, the fourth annual fundraiser drew about 200 to the Dix Hills Center For The Performing Arts, according to event organizers. Proceeds support programs and services of the Huntington Arts Council, Inc. 

“Rising Star under 14” awards were presented to Madison Greene from Amityville and Summer Penzi from Commack; “Rising Star over 14” was presented to Trish Torrales  from Wantagh. Summer Penzi also won the “Audience Choice Award.”

Finalists from the Huntington area included the Hot Box rock band, pianist Maura Keen and harpist Ryan Taliercio. 

Celebrity judges included Martha Wash, who sang the hit “It’s Raining Men," John Platt of WFUV, casting director Donna McKenna and Robbie Woliver director of the New York Music Awards and Glenn Gamboa of Newsday.