Saturday evening‘s concert was a HUGE success, in every aspect. Pam and Joel Jancko graciously hosted a well attended, outstanding performance from the dynamic duo – Ken Double and Daniel Mata. Ken is charming and polished in every way. Not only did he play selections in keeping with a St. Patrick’s Day theme, but he also delighted us with his humor (ie memory joke of “writing it down”) . Naturally, that advice was taken as I ferociously “wrote down” on my notepad. The first hour his pieces included Strauss’s Voices of Spring, London Derrierre (Danny Boy) and ‘Ain’t She Sweet.’ Next, Ken introduced us to the Magnificent Magical Mr. Mata. Step aside Marvelous Mrs. Maisel! He was melodic, mesmerizing, monumental, and moving. This young man of 23 years, brought standing ovations, chills to all, and brought the house down. Ken gave a brief bio of Daniel’s achievements and all of his accolades. He is one of triplets, born in Caracas, Venezuela, lives in Marietta, Ga. His voice training is operetta and he enjoys singing with the theater organ the past 8 years. At age 15, he won the ‘Stars of Tomorrow‘ talent show, produced by the Atlanta Fox Channel. He is also a Fulbright Scholar (from 9000 candidates). Daniel sang Elvis tunes; “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” … “It’s Now or Never.” Intermission was filled with yummy home baked items, CD sales, and new membership signups. Susan Tuchkloper, our president, gave a warm welcome before the second half and reminded us that “Music is Medicine.” In a first time unique move, Stephen Brittain introduced the staff volunteers individually, had them stand and come forward, and thanked the event helpers for their participation. It truly is a labor of love from this wonderful team. Before the music began again, Ken gave a lesson in theatre organ, describing the parts,,,clarinet, trumpet, whistle. He told us that the right hand plays melody, left is orchestra, and what the combination of pedals do. The 3 keyboards; top is main melody, solo stops middle, and fill-in is bottom. Part 2 started with five tunes from Finnian’s Rainbow — beginning with Look to the Rainbow, and concluding with ‘How are Things in Guacamara. He then played a jazz tune with the Grand Piano chiming in, “Alright, Ok, You Win.” Next, Ken introduced a young theatre organ student named Addison. She is from Stuart, FL and was in attendance with her grandparents. Hopefully, in a few years, she will be on the program to perform. Happy Birthday was sung to Grandma. The mighty Wurlitzer went into accompaniment mode and brought back Daniel’s vocals; opening with “Cry Me a River“. He sang a song to commemorate the end of WWI; Roses are Shining in Picardee, and the closing was “Be My Love.” Once again, we were all blown away, amazed, and astonished. |
