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Community Corner

Sayville's Got Talent: Indeed It Does

Twenty acts take to the stage at the Common Ground for the first annual event.

There is no shortage of talent in this small town. The first ever Sayville’s Got Talent Show was held at The Common Ground on July 6 and the performances dazzled the crowd.

There were 20 different acts throughout the course of the evening, which showcased musical abilities, with one gymnastic performance.

Judges for the event were Sayville’s Pamela Raymond, Ginny Fields and Town of Islip Councilman Steve Flotteron. Raymond brought along 20 different hats, one to wear for each performance.

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The Cherry Bombs opened the show with “Taking Care of Business.” The band consists of Jimmy Cummings, Joe and Sam Zanchelli and Sam Stubbleline, a group of 11 and 12 year olds from Cherry Avenue Elementary School. Dara Scolnick performed the Glee version of the classic Journey song, “Don’t Stop Believin.” Eleven-year-old Carleigh O’Donoghue did a gymnastics number, followed by Stephanie Varricchio singing “Where the Boys Are.”

Kat sang an A cappella version of “I Believe I Can Fly,” and was followed by Jimmy Cummings, who played a Billy Joel medley on the keyboard. “He’s only 11 years old. You have a blossoming future as a piano man. Billy Joel is probably shaking in his boots,” said Ginny Fields.

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Madison O’Hare sand “Jesus Take the Wheel.” Next up was a barefoot Nick Russell on ukulele performing “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” by George Harrison. Jennifer Croce sang “On My Own” from Les Miserable in A cappella. “You have a nice, strong voice,” Ginny Fields said. “You have a bright future as a Broadway star.”

Eileen Monahan sang “Ghost of You,” by Selena Gomez. “Wow you are only 12 years old. I’m going to be 50 and I can’t sing anything like that,” said Steve Flotteron. Shannon Hickey played guitar and sang “If I Die Young.” Next Gregory Beaudin performed a drum solo. Melissa Casey sang Carrie Underwood's “Before He Cheats,” while Ashley Kaan, Erica and Victoria Johnson performed “Our Song” also by Taylor Swift.

Katie Beth VanDorn played the guitar and sang yet another Taylor Swift song, “Tim McGraw.” Kate Donohue sung “Hallelujah,” followed by Chelsea Burnside’s performance of “Back to December” by Taylor Swift on vocals and keyboard.

Twelve-year-old Elizabeth Hedbawny sang “The Story of Us” and Alexis Skalowski performed “Our Song” by Taylor Swift. Ending the evening was an original song by Carey Maya called “Honey” on guitar and vocals.

The top winner was Nick Russell. Katie Beth VanDorn placed second, while the Cherry Bombs came in third. Everyone went home a winner thanks to generous donations from local businesses such as , , Spelman Studios, , Chris Vultaggio Photography, , , , , , and more. The Greater Sayville Food Pantry also benefitted from the talent show, as each attendee was asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate.

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