Recital puts a spin on tradition ALYSSA PASSEGGIO, Senior Staff Writer, The Courier, July 17 Posted:07/19/08
Click on picture to Zoom
Musician John Albino said most music school recitals are the same: These springtime shows are used to make money.
Albino decided to break from the norm by organizing a recital for charity in the summer.
“This is just for the community. It is not about how much money we can keep,” Albino said. “This is not your typical recital.”
The students from Absolute Music Instruction, Hazlet, will be performing an array of music on stage at the King of Kings Lutheran Church, Middletown, he said.
The students, ranging in age from 4 to 84 years old, decide on a song to perform and are assisted by other students in the performance, Albino explained.
“It is really great to see all of the people perform. We even have a mother who is playing backup for one of her sons in the concert, which is really sweet,” Albino explained.
About 28 sets are planned and Art Neil will be the master of ceremonies for the event.
The music will vary from Broadway tunes to modern rock, Albino said. Songs from bands such as Nirvana, The Beatles and Paramore are on the schedule as well as original music written by students.
With 15 years of experience in the music industry, Albino said he has professional musician friends who volunteer their time to help the students perform with a full band.
“Most importantly, we do not turn down anyone who wants to play,” Albino said. “We find a place for every student.”
Albino’s children, Autumn, 11, and Jonathon, 9, will even be performing the bongos and guitar, respectively.
This is the third year the school has put on such a show and donated the proceeds to a group who needs it and can host the concert.
The hosting facility simply provides an empty room and the school takes care of the rest, he said.
BML Blackbird Theatrical Services, Secaucus, donates the lighting and sound services. Perkins and Dunkin’ Donuts of Hazlet will donate the food for the event. T-shirts are provided by Brown and Bigelow, Long Branch.
Raffles of sports and music memorabilia will also be organized, with the proceeds going toward charity, he said,
“Every possible way to make money, we do it and donate it,” Albino said.
This year the collected funds will be split between the King of Kings and the Bayshore Senior Center, Hazlet, Albino said.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, July 27 at 1 p.m. at King of Kings, Harmony Road. Tickets can be purchased at Absolute Music, Airport Plaza or at the door.
For more information call Absolute Music at 732-888-4404.
