The Cast of Singing with the Stars (from left) are Bob Zaccheo, Carla Holbrook, Karin Leone, Carley Moss, Terry Barber, Stacy Ranieri, Linda Weiksnar, Elizabeth Casalini, Michael Izzolo, and Shelley Keelor. Not pictured are Jonathan Cummings and David Dew.STUART — You may have seen your favorite band on stage at The House of Blues or shed a tear at Les Miserables on Broadway, but have you ever wondered what hidden talent resides right here in Martin County?
Artists for a Cause is excited to reveal the pitch-perfect group that will grace the stage at their inaugural event, Singing with the Stars. Pairing “unsung” community notables with professional singers, each duo will select a song, practice, and prepare and then compete on stage at the Lyric Theatre in historic downtown Stuart on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 7 p.m.
The amateur singers were chosen through an open application process, through which many applied. The performers -- listed with the amateur first and then the professional -- include: David Dew and Shelley Keelor; Michael Izzolo and Elizabeth Casalini; Carley Moss and Karin Leone; Linda Weiksnar and Jonathan Cummings; and Bob Zaccheo and Carla Holbrook.
The event is the brainchild of co-chairs Terry Barber, internationally acclaimed countertenor and founder of Artists for a Cause, and Stacy Ranieri, chief illuminator of The Firefly Group, a public relations and marketing firm. Though not competing, this pair will also be performing a duet during the event.
“We thought this new event would be a great way to connect with talented individuals who have a love of singing but have spent their time singing in their cars or showers and never had the opportunity to perform on stage in front of a crowd,” said Barber. “I also love that this event is supporting great artists in our network. The audience will be treated to some of the best talent there is, and get to watch the cast compete for a great cause!”
Singing with the Stars is a new fundraiser for Artists for a Cause, a national, nonprofit organization that improves communities using art as a catalyst. In additional, another local nonprofit, Keep Martin Beautiful, has also been chosen to be a recipient of a portion of the proceeds from this year’s inaugural event.
Sponsors who have already committed to providing support include: Anchor Home Health Services, Crary Buchanan, Price Wealth Management UBS, Forest Hills Funeral Homes, and Family Private Care, and NisAir, Wallace Automotive, YourVoice Weekly and Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers. The event is actively seeking additional sponsors who are sure to receive tremendous media exposure given the inaugural launch of this entertaining new fundraiser.
For more information on sponsorships please visit http://www.a4ac.org, call 772-419-8778 or email info@a4ac.org. Tickets are $75 and are now available through The Lyric Theatre at http://www.lyrictheatre.com.
About the Cast of Singing with the Stars:
David Dew is a real estate broker from Stuart and chair of the Martin County Democratic Executive Committee. Dew will perform with professional Shelley Keelor, who has been entertaining audiences regionally and internationally on stage and in concert for nearly two decades. Keelor is becoming known for her one-woman shows. Her current show, A Broadway Love Story, is being performed throughout South Florida.
Michael Izzolo, owner of the Michael Leonard Salon in Palm City, is known in the community for his volunteer work. He will sing alongside Elizabeth Casalini. Casalini has her BFA in musical theater and recently won the 2013 Broadway World Award for Best Actress in a Play.
Carley Moss, the marketing and event coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, is preparing to belt out a ballad with help from partner Karin Leone. Leone has been nominated for several awards for her work in New York and Los Angeles, and was most recently seen on The Lyric stage in last season’s rock musical Next to Normal.
Linda Weiksnar, attorney with Crary Buchanan, will channel her experience singing in church with assistance from her partner Jonathan Cummings. Cummings sang back-up for Barry Manilow and now performs at many local venues, including The Lyric Theatre.
While Bob Zaccheo, the executive director of Project LIFT, has never performed in public, his talents will be on display with partner Carla Holbrook, who toured with the Salvador Santana Band, and recorded with Salvador Santana and Carlos Santana. Since returning to the Stuart area, Carla has been playing different venues across South Florida, singing with notable musicians and has also been involved with several professional theater productions at Starstruck Performing Arts Center, most memorably in Dolly Parton's role as Doralee in 9 -5 The Musical.
About Artists for a Cause
Artists for a Cause is a Stuart-based, national, nonprofit organization that helps visual and performing artists to use their talents for community improvement. Artists are not asked to give up their livelihood, or to work without some remuneration; art is not just for art's sake. Some programs help artists and charities get the most out of their collaboration, while others produce results directly, by feeding the poor, healing the sick, or solving other problems through unique artistic solutions. Current programs include Dance for Food, Therapeutic Arts, Donated Instrument Closet, Classical for Schools, A4AC Scholarships, A4AC High School Clubs and Benefit Performances – all of which improve communities through artistic endeavors. By bringing together artists, community, and support, we can significantly affect change. To learn more about A4AC please visit http://www.a4ac.org, call 772-419-8778 or email info@a4ac.org. Registration is available for artists, charities, and volunteers on the website.
