Santa Maria Has Talent! Oh my, does it ever! If you have any doubt, you have only to attend Rotary South’s annual talent show, which is now firmly established in the local fundraising firmament.
The third such talent show in the club’s history took place March 8, 9, and 10 at the Santa Maria Veteran’s Memorial Community Center. I couldn’t guess how many folks turned out for the audience, but it was hard to find a parking place. That tells you something!
On Thursday and Friday evenings, March 8 and 9, more than 20 contestants strutted their stuff each night, hoping to win a place in the Saturday night finals and have a crack at the Coast Hills $1,000 Talent Award for first place.
I asked our resident playwright (think Murder in Tuscany and Death in Morocco) Diane Balay a probing question: Where do these kids (8-, 9- and 10-year-olds) get their pipes?
There was an impressive display of youngsters belting out songs with mind-boggling Whitney Houston-like gusto. Balay is the show’s director and chief mother hen.
The performers—singers, guitarists, dancers, a violinist, a martial arts practitioner—of all ages got tons of applause, as did Mrs. David Bixby’s homemade chili, available at the snack bar (along with nachos, pizza (an early sell-out), hot dogs, and drinks.
Co-host Roxanne Ventriglia opened the festivities by singing “All That Jazz” at the beginning of the program on Friday. Honestly, that song must have been written just for her. She is some swell songbird. Actor and comedian Robert Byrne was Roxy’s very smooth co-host.
Three of Friday night’s contestants won top honors at the finals on Saturday: Jasmine Binney’s powerful voice and professional delivery won her first place and $1,000. She’s going to use the money for her upcoming wedding.
The Sun’s executive editor, Ryan Miller, was first runner-up. He wowed the audience with his rendition of Professor Harold Hill’s “Ya Got Trouble” from the Broadway musical The Music Man. Miller was ever so charming and delightful; he hit the high notes just right—literally and metaphorically.
Young songstress Skyler Addamo, no slouch in the stage presence department, was voted “Santa Maria’s Favorite.”
Women’s Network Women of Excellence Dinner
This popular, festive event attracted 109 people. The dinner was held on Wednesday evening, March 7, at the Santa Maria Inn.
At this yearly dinner, the Women’s Network honors four women who have made significant contributions to the community. The 2012 winners were Sheri Hughes (uber-volunteer and activist), Debbie Jeffers (works with Relay for Life), Iva Larkin (works with health care for the homeless), and Isa Ponce-Jimenez (most recently head of the Literacy Council).
Etta Waterfield did emcee honors, and she’s a very entertaining lady! Ask her how she met her husband. The story is a hoot.
I was delighted to share a table with Waterfield, club president Donna Randolph, former club president Christine Gerber, Sara San Juan, and Patti Elswick (dubbed the club’s “celebrity sighter” (at Saks Fifth Ave. in Santa Barbara).
San Juan, sales manager for the Santa Maria Inn, chaired the dinner committee.
Of course, there were raffle items: baskets donated by the members. All attendees took home a handmade gold-tone wire necklace made by Sharon Duncan.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Mar 22-29, 2012.