‘Unity Through Diversity’: Molloy Concert Celebrates Artists Of All Abilities

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — At Molloy University, a Friday night concert was more than a chance to take in some song and dance. It was a “Unity Through Diversity” show, which school officials said highlighted artists from the neurodivergent community and gave them a platform to express themselves through music, dancing, poetry, storytelling and visual art.

The full title of the event was "Unity Through Diversity: Celebrating All Abilities in the Arts,” taking place Friday night, May 1 at the Madison Theater on Molloy’s campus. It was the seventh annual unity through diversity concert, presented by The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy at Molloy. Nearly 100 performers took part in the celebration.

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“What began as a vision to create a platform for authentic expression has grown into a powerful community movement,” TRC Founder and Executive Director Dr. John Carpente said. “This year's event elevated neurodivergent voices and talents through music, art, and collaboration, reaffirming our belief that music is not only a form of expression, but also a pathway to connection, empowerment, and equity.”

Among the people trying to travel that pathway were groups like “The Golden Band,” who performed the Backstreet Boys’ "Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” in what Molloy officials said was a high energy song and dance performance. Also performing were Molloy President Jim Lentini and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michelle Piskulich, and Rebecca Center participant Jason Germaine.

Germaine got the crowd involved during his performance of a Bob Marley medley that featured “Three Little Birds,” “Stir It Up” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” while the co-hosts of the event — Molloy student CJ Allen and alum Kyra Ganci-Barnes — performed Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors.”

To close out the night, Lentini played guitar and Piskulich lent her voice as a supporting vocalist, in a performance that brought Molloy music students, a cappella and performing arts groups, music therapy students and community participants on stage together.

All of the proceeds from the concert will be donated to teh Rebecca Center Client Scholarship Fund, which gives students scholarships to make Rebecca Center programs more accessible to a wider range of students.

In total, Molloy officials said the night was a “powerful celebration” that almost 500 people attended.

“This event is always a highlight of our year,” Rebecca Center music therapist and concert organizer Diana N. Abourafeh said. “We are so proud to showcase the amazing neurodivergent-run businesses, artists, performers, and hosts who make this celebration truly special.”