Kids’ Talent Reigns Supreme at Topanga Youth Services Show

November 5, 2015 - By Annemarie Donkin

Lila Kunkle was endearingly quirky as she sang, “I Speak 6 Languages.”

With a packed and appreciative audience at the Community House on Saturday, October 17, the 2015 Topanga Talent Show was a hit with kids and adults alike.

Presented by Topanga Youth Services and directed by Karen Cooke, the show was emceed by the young

(l-r) Elliot Leary, Caleb Briskman and Indy Leary brought the Community House to a fever pitch when they led everyone in Queen’s “We Will Rock You”. (Someone has sure guided a lot of the kids to some cool songs!)

Caleb Briskman, Indy Leary and Elliot Leary who provided witty patter and comic relief.

While all acts were welcome, music was the main theme with impressive performances from the Coyotes of Topanga’s Rock ‘n’ Roll to Folk, Pop, Country, original compositions and even a ukulele band.

Mikayla Williams, accompanied by Kevin Williams, could really hit the impossibly high notes in Aha’s "Take on Me."

To add variety, there were the young dancers from Melanie Kareem’s Middle Eastern Dance School and Zane Wnuck spun magic with a flow staff.

Once again, the annual show was a testament to how accomplished and brave many kids are in the Canyon to show up and perform like champs.

“The talent was really strong this year,” Cooke said. “It was a nice mix of ages and skills; there were a few kids who returned and many new people. All of them were successful.”

In addition to the kids, Cooke wanted to give a shout out to the parent volunteers who made the show possible: Jenni Billings, Rhonda Conry, Peer Anton, Karen Seeberg, Kelly Constantine, Kamakshi Hart, Lorelei Leary, Claire Chapman, Jill Williams, Dan Ubick, Murray Shaw, Neil Shaw, Tom Mitchell and Donna Fedenko Fedorowycz.

For next year’s show, Cooke is taking suggestions from the kids on her TYS Facebook page and at their website: www.topangayouthservices.org.

Honor Lucia Rodan sweetly sang Allison Gray’s “Off my Mind.”

Not only did the huge ensemble, Young Coconuts, play ukuleles for their rendition of Vance Joy’s “Riptide” but they sang in perfect harmony.”

Delightful diva Aurora Finetti sang “The Greatest Star” from Funny Girl.

Pictures don’t do justice to Zane Wnuck’s spinning illuminated Flow Staff.

Paria Grether poured her heart into John Legend’s “All of Me."

Marley Rose performed a poignant dance routine to Adele’s “Someone Like You.”

It you didn’t dance around when The Coyotes of Topanga played Kiss’ “I Wanna Rock n’ Roll” maybe you needed to check your pulse.

The Gage Brothers were a triple threat for their rendition of “Wabash Cannonball."

Sami Ferra sang Tori Kelly’s “Confetti” so sweetly.

Slater Anton played an original tribal piece, “Evening Breeze."

Marleigh Ippolito sings "Fight Song."

Levko Fedorowycz brought a little classical flavor to the show with Concerto in G Major, Op. 34 by O. Reiding.

Adorable Nora Lee, accompanied by Matt Young sang “Right Now” by Sabrina Carpenter.

Leela Ladnier sang “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” from Footloose with infectious enthusiasm and style.

Mr. Noh (Nico Savaro) played the original song, “The Sting” about misadventures with an insect or possibly romance gone wrong.

Dora Liisa Meriste sang such an incredible version of current chart-topper “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon that it was hard to stay in your seat.

Valentina Silardi sang “Georgia On My Mind” with such soul and finesse it would have made Ray Charles proud.

Topanga Messenger

Kids’ Talent Reigns Supreme at Topanga Youth Services Show

Topanga Messenger Newspaper - Santa Monica Mountains News and Arts Publication

Topanga Messenger

Kids’ Talent Reigns Supreme at Topanga Youth Services Show­­­

Topanga Messenger Newspaper - Santa Monica Mountains News and Arts Publication

Kids’ Talent Reigns Supreme at Topanga Youth Services Show