By: Dale King
Flossy Keesely
Here’s an indisputable fact. Boca Raton is populated with many talented people.
This is true for just about every vocation and avocation. But lately, the vocal, instrumental and dance talents of many people, young and old, have been featured on two local stages.
Flossy Keesely brought talented performers to the Mizner Park Amphitheatre April 22 for her annual “Pathway to the Stars” concert.” And just this past Saturday night, the Rotary Club of Boca Raton presented its ninth annual “Future Stars” performing arts competition.
My wife and I attended both – and found them to be tops in entertainment. We both noted the common denominator. Ms. Keesely, who just turned 98, organized the “Pathway to the Stars” program and was also the Title Sponsor for “Future Stars.”
Her love of entertainment may have developed when her husband, Nick, was involved in the production of radio and television programs many years ago. Many of you may not know that Flossy was the co-host of TV’s first morning talk show on the old Dumont network back in 1948. (This was the same network that originally produced “The Honeymooners.” I remember that because my family owned a Dumont television during the 1950s and 1960s.)
Let’s talk a bit about these local shows. “Pathway to the Stars” offered entertainment of all sorts. The Broadway Ziegfeld Entertainers danced to “One” from “A Chorus Line.” Mark and Rio combined for a beautiful duet. Betsy Wickard of the Florida Follies was aglow in a fan dance. The Vogans brought a garage band beat to Mizner Park.
But wait. There’s more. Brett Loewenstern, discovered as a finalist on “American Idol,” presented a couple of tunes. Margo Joy was an absolute joy, vocalizing a version of “Time to Say Goodbye” that rivaled Sarah Brightman. And 9-year-old Briana Kahane wowed the audience with violin expertise. It’s said that Flossy calls her an “Angel of Music.”
Also, Megan Saslow, Lizzie Sider and Melanie Sierra – all previous winners of the “Future Stars” show – were featured in the “Pathway” event to give the audience a taste of what was to come.
When the “Future Stars” show took place at the Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University this past Saturday, that trio was front and center – and Megan and Lizzie ended up taking home special awards.
It would be an injustice to name some of the performers and not list all of them. But as a group, they were incomparable. What was particularly remarkable was the fact that many were in middle school, and displayed talents indicative of those who are much more mature.
Overall, the vocalists didn’t choose easy songs. Some of them composed their own. Two singers selected the same song, Barbra Streisand’s famous tune from “Funny Girl,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” I’m told that’s a very difficult song to sing because of its quick-changing beat.
The show was amazing. It’s hard to believe that any one community or region has so many young people who can sing, dance and emote so well. Bravo to the Rotary Club of Boca Raton for giving us a night of entertainment that we won’t soon forget.
Boca, you should be proud of what these performers have done.