The Sounds Of Music

By Nancy K. Crevier

Not only was the temperature hot in Newtown on Thursday afternoon, July 26, but it was a hot time in the old town at Newtown Senior Center. Through the collaboration of Michale Driscoll of Feel Good Life and Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services of Brookfield, a free acoustic open mic event there drew lots of participants and on-lookers seeking a good time.

Ms Driscoll kicked off the afternoon of entertainment, playing on her guitar an original song titled “Sweet Madeline.” With everyone’s nerves at ease, senior center visitor Carl Zlaman took the opportunity to lead the group in singing “God Bless America” and then had the whole audience chuckling at his acappella parody of “Home On The Range.” Mr Zlaman’s version took aim at the deer that range about Connecticut, to the amusement of his listeners.

Joke tellers, singers, and musical instrument players shyly took the stage, but once the karaoke got under way, all signs of timidity disappeared. Those who didn’t get up front and center were more than happy to play backup on tambourines, maracas, drums, and shakers. Particularly popular was the karaoke rendition of “New York, New York” by Cy Dennerlein, Carl Zlaman, senior center director Marilyn Place, and Phyllis Fives.

All entrants were eligible for drawings to win a gift certificate from Steve’s Diner, a birthday visit and song by Ms Driscoll, or a gift certificate for Mary Kay products. The competition was fierce, but in the end, the next three Newtown Idols and winners of the drawing were Cy Dennerlein, Ida Reiske, and Senior Center Assistant Erica Carino.