It’s official. The Third Annual Senior Idol held June 18 in the Louise Corning Center auditorium, was a success. In fact it was a huge success as more than 200 people enjoyed 18 acts from around the Capital Region. From Elvis, to Liza, with a little opera, some gospel, bluegrass and jazz, the show had something for everyone.
The evening started off with a wonderful medley by Capital Connection, a female barbershop quartet. Emcee John Gray, Fox 23 news anchor, kept the night moving along, introducing acts like Two Old Friends, Dennis Bailey and Russ Reed doing the Everly Brothers, Naomi Clarke and Al Williams, a brother/sister jazz duo with Naomi on piano and vocals and Al on upright bass, and the Highsteppers, a group of 7 talented tap dancers
Later in the evening, Charlie Peterson of Troy, sang a moving “Oh Holy City” followed by a surprising performance from Justine Caldes. Caldes, 72, from Rensselaer, began her act demurely with a version of Stormy Weather, but quickly changed her tune. With a turn of her back and a yank at her skirt, she spun around to reveal Liza Minnelli, complete with bustier, garters and stockings and commenced to belt out a lusty version of Cabaret, causing the audience to cheer and emcee Gray to comment, “Well, now we’ve gone from heaven to hell.”
Several acts featured Senior Services’ own, including Sarah Lee Trotter of Albany performing a one-of-a kind dramatization on the dangers of smoking, and the newly formed choir from the Westview Senior Center featuring the powerful vocals of John Caldwell. And no one in the audience could resist singing along with Jackie Hilton of Albany as she sang touching acappella Amazing Grace.
There was more of course, Elvis in the form of Dwight Moss, and Roy O’Dell of Amsterdam, swinging to a song from 1957, Party Doll. Diane Russo, 82, a returning star of Senior Idol past, performed a steamy version of Someone to Watch Over Me.
Closing out the night, Stan Simkins took the stage and wowed the crowd with a big, beautiful Italian aria.
Performers had to be over 60, (with a few exceptions made for younger members of the Highsteppers) and everyone had to audition for a spot on the program. From the 40 acts that auditioned, 18 were chosen to represent the best senior talent around. This year, the event was sponsored by MVP Gold, with help form Atria Shaker and the Spotlight Newspapers., and according to Senior Services’ Executive Director Jane Schramm, “Were already planning for the 4th Senior Idol, and it’s going to be even bigger and better.”
