Pianist Puts Pizzazz In Performance

By Nancy K. Crevier

It was as sunny inside the Newtown Senior Center Tuesday, August 26, as it was outside, when keyboardist Robert Clark brightened the main room of the center with an energetic music program.

Mr Clark, a 25-year veteran pianist and vocalist who performed with US Navy bands all around the world while in the service, entertains at private parties and other gatherings, and teaches piano and music theory, kicked off the 1 pm program with the rhythmic “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and had the crowd singing along before the first verse was over.

Originally from New Fairfield, Mr Clark now resides in Maryland but is happy to put on a show whenever he is in the area visiting friends. Tuesday’s program was the third such performance during his “vacation” up north.

Accompanying himself on the electric keyboard, Mr Clark led the audience in singing several “gumdrops” like “Ain’t She Sweet,” “My Blue Heaven,” the smooth sound of “Take The ‘A’ Train,” interspersing the melodies with witty jokes that had everybody chuckling. A rousing rendition of “The Pennsylvania Beer Barrel Polka” was too hard to resist, bringing several center members to their feet to kick up their heels.

“He’s just wonderful,” said Senior Center Director Marilyn Place. “We’re really lucky to have him here today.”