70.3 F
The Villages
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Patriotic spirit roars to life during annual Showcase of Talent event

Melody Hart came to America from China seven years ago. She captured the moral essence of this country in her voice and heart Friday night, singing “America the Beautiful.”

“I felt good singing that song because it’s about freedom,” said Hart, who lives in The Villages with her husband, Greg, and son Ben. She performed at the Showcase of Talent in La Hacienda Recreation Center.

Hart’s performance was a profound moment in a 90-minute show filled with patriotic songs and dances.

“I like America and living in The Villages,” Hart, 50, said. “Here, age and who you are doesn’t matter. In America, you can be what you want. I’m going to college, because I want to learn.”

Greg Hart had some butterflies watching his wife on stage.

“I was really nervous when she got up there,” he said. “But she was great and that song meant so much to her. It was very moving.”

Frank Davis was in powerful form singing ‘American Trilogy.’

It was almost as powerful when Frank Davis sang “American Trilogy.” Davis brought his own unique style to the song made famous by Elvis Presley.

Patriotic emotions were running high all through the event, hosted by Diana and Joe Arlt. It was the fifth anniversary of the Showcase of Talent. As part of the celebration, the Arlts made a donation of $6,000 from ticket proceeds to The Opera Club of The Villages.

“We want to do everything we can to help young performers here in all styles of music,” Diana Arlt said.

Members of The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps showed their patriotic spirit.

“Diana and Joe have done so much to support music in The Villages,” said Mary Boczkowski, vice-president of the Opera Club. “This will do so much to help students and young people here.”

It was a special night for Diana Arlt, who also celebrated her birthday. Ava and Dashiell Haga, her two grandchildren visiting from San Francisco, performed a song and dance onstage to “Wake Me Up” by Avicii.

Even the old-timers in the audience were digging the modern music – especially the dance moves by Dashiell. “They are my best birthday present,” Diana Arlt said of the duo.

Evolution Dance puts on some 1940s boogie-woogie at the Showcase of Talent event Friday night.

America will soon be celebrating its birthday and the show took notice of the upcoming holiday.

Evolution Dance Company kicked things off with some swinging 1940s sounds on “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Evolution Dance will hold its annual “Flags, Freedom and Fireworks” show July 1 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Savannah Center.

John Muller brought vocal fireworks to a George M. Cohan medley of “Grand Old Flag,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “Over There.”

Melody Hart offered a moving version of ‘America the Beautiful.’

Dick Steeves set the red, white and blue mood with “God Bless the USA.” Irene Pierce brought deep emotion to a special rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” called “Hallelujah Veterans Version.” It was written by a female Navy veteran known as Sailor Jerri.

The Travelin’ Shoes Cloggers saluted the Armed Forces, as well as Uncle Sam and Miss Liberty, with a number called “The Great Defenders.”

The Travelin’ Shoes Cloggers paid tribute to the Armed Forces.

Among the performers: Edna Lyle and Stanley Martin representing the Army; Armando Ocampo, Navy; Robert Grable, Air Force; and Thomas Lyons, Marines.

Things slowed down with Patrick O’Brien and His Sweethearts singing “Let Freedom Ring.” Juanita Doyle delivered a heartfelt version of “For All We Know,” while the Celtic Boys – Jim Boerman, Dan Howard and John Alnwick – strummed their way through such traditional American songs as “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home,” and “Baby Face.”

The Villages Drill Team in a solemn moment.

The Villages Drill Team offered another salute to the Armed Forces and closed their number with reverent hand gestures while signing the words to “God Bless America.”

That set the stage for an explosive exhibition of precision movement, baton twirling and drumming by The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps. They marched in the room with drums banging and batons twirling and performed “Only in America” and the “United States Armed Forces Medley.”

Diana Arlt fittingly closed the event by leading the audience in singing “God Bless America.” 

The Arlt family, top row, from left: Apryl von Arlt, Diana Arlt, Joe Arlt, Robert Haga. Bottom row (children): Dashiell and Ava Haga.

The world knew we had a strong leader in Trump

A Village of Fernandina resident looks back on the record of former President Trump. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.

Finally allocating funds to the golf courses!

A Village of Hadley resident said he is happy that more money is being allocated to the golf courses. Read his Letter to the Editor.