Villagers Diana and Joe Arlt started the Showcase of Talent shows more than five years ago to provide opportunities for local performers – and raise scholarship money.
They have succeeded in both categories.
The Arlts will present a $6,000 check to the Opera Club of The Villages at 7 p.m. Friday at La Hacienda Recreation Center.
“Diana and Joe have been incredibly generous to us over the past year, giving us $11,000 for scholarships,” said Gerri Piscitelli, president of the opera club.
Next month, on Feb. 15, the Arlts will present another $6,000 to The Villages Jazz Club for their scholarship program.
“The Showcase of Talent has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships in the last 5 1/2 years to young performers to help to keep music alive,” Diana Arlt stated.