T'Was Night of Stars At StageLeft

StageLeft, a new and vibrant restaurant in Lutz, Florida just outside Tampa was a natural venue for a Koss kids night out.

Tuesday nights is usually open mic at StageLeft, but the night of Tuesday, April 7th  was special. In place of the usual Open Mic last Tuesday night, StageLeft's neighbor, The Koss Music and Cultural Arts Institute literally took over the stage with a powerful Recital featuring over 20 acts. Although the age group ranged from 6 years to 70 plus, it was the young musicians that were the stars of the night. The students of several ethnic backgrounds demonstrated that music is a unifying factor. All of them nailed their sets in the diverse variety of music they played.

Tony Melia, an accomplished singer and entertainer opened the Recital on Stage at 6:30pm and was followed by a series of more junior acts but well trained and choreographed students of the Koss Institute. Greg Koss, Executive Director, coach, accompanist and chief cheerleader was excited about the families that turned out and more importantly, the high level of performance of his students.  He consistently commended each performer on their "spectacular performance". Koss said that he is "most grateful to the Foundation of Caring and Community Foundation of Tampa Bay for their support." He added his sincere appreciation for the families and friends who turned out to support the students. Also important to the student performers were some of the other music teachers who were present to cheer them on. Steve Fowler, a professional singer and voice trainer at the Koss Institute could not contain his excitement. He was like a proud dad watching his kids scoring three pointers at a basketball game.

Adriana at the keys while Koss looks on

Ariana Rebelo, an eighth grade Middle School student began her love for music at school and learned to play the guitar. She has been studying at the Koss Institute for the last 2 years. The talented Ariana played the piano with a level of grace, poise and control that made it seem she had been training in music for a lifetime. As with the other performers, Ariana was fearless notwithstanding the full house that night. She performed her set with the utmost confidence and precision. It is not surprising that  Ariana expects to pursue her studies as a neurologist while continuing to excel with her love for music. Ariana's family was present to support and cheer her on and were obviously quite proud of her performance.

Some performances worth special mention were Robbie Calco and daughter (duet), Violinist Deandre Satche and Timmy Calco on guitar.

Violinist Deandre with Koss

The Calso's and Koss

Robbie Calco has been a long time supporter and teacher at the Koss Institute.

 

 

 

 

 

See a list of other performers below:

                                                           


Matt Lewindowski     15     violin
Laney Brinson            10     violin
Emily Leal                   9      violin
Chris Leal                  10     piano
Sage Anderson            9     piano
Reese Anderson          6     piano
Sylvana Pesolo           13    piano/guitar
Jessica Amen               9    piano
Jackson Jasinski         15   guitar
Adalin Pop                 16   guitar/vocals
Shreesh Byready        10   guitar
McKayla Phillips        13   guitar
Liam Montanez           15    guitar
John Larson               11    guitar
JJ January                  12    guitar
Nora Cloutier            adult   flute 
Summer Scott            11     guitar
Jillian Scott                  9      vocal
Grayson Fisher           11    drums
Sean Zupnick             14   drums
James Dube               10   drums
Kaitlyn Wall               13   guitar

StageLeft is located at 24400 State Rd 54   Lutz, Fl. 33559. For events and menu, they can be contacted at 813-777-7029 or online at: http://www.stagelefttampa.com/

The Music and Arts Institute is a non-profit organization. It is open for auditions and new students daily from Monday to Friday starting at 3:30pm. Appointments are preferred. The Institute is located at 1922 Oak Grove Blvd, Lutz 33559. You may contact Greg Koss at 813-949-6881 or email at kmcaigreg@gmail.com. Please visit the website for more information at http://www.kosskidsmakemusic.com.

This blog is written and produced by Harland Henry, SunBiz Showcase Alliance on behalf of the Koss Music and Arts Cultural Institute.