BY HILLARY VIDERS
SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
HAWORTH, N.J.—On Feb. 2, the Haworth Coffeehouse and Haworth Arts Committee welcomed the public to one of its famous Open Mic Nights, a free event that showcases local talent of all ages.
The Haworth Municipal Library was the venue for the musical extravaganza, and it was filled with dozens of proud parents, grandparents and friends of the performers.
The event was organized and hosted by the Haworth Arts Committee under the direction of Claudia Gaard, along with committee members Greg Holden, Tara Kohut, Alexandra Weiss, Vivian Stern, Stephanie Porowski and Sharon Grosso, who served as the emcee.
To recreate a Greenwich Village-style coffeehouse, volunteers set up microphones, streams of lights, a piano, and cozy tables next to the stage. Beverages and light snacks were sold in an adjoining room and proceeds will be donated to support future coffeehouse events and other local arts and recreation programs.
The performers began signing in at 6 p.m. using a “first come, first up” format. Artists aged 12 and under performed from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by adult performers who took to the stage from 8 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. The roster included 16 children and 15 teens and adults.
In addition to the many vocalists, there were guitar and ukulele performances. Although most of the performers were amateurs, there were professionals as well, and several of the youngsters were students of celebrity music teacher Carol Kenny, who also accompanied the singers on the piano.
The songs performed ranged from pop, rhythm and blues and show tunes from “Les Miserables” and “Hamilton.” Many of the young performers had an impressive stage presence, such as 8-year-old Celine Choe, who delivered a heart melting version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and 12-year-old Lauren Szukics, who sang “On My Own.” Eleven- year-old Andrew Zwernemann enthralled the audience with his soulful guitar and vocal number.
Over the last seven years, the Haworth Coffeehouse has provided a welcoming venue for singers and musicians, as well as poets, story tellers, dancers, and comics. Performers in the coffeehouse Open Mic events, which take place several times a year, enjoy the spirit of community, and the audience and staff are always appreciative and supportive of their efforts.
Looking back on the success of the Feb. 2 show, Gaard said, “The best thing about last night is that we had at least 10 teens who chose to spend their Saturday night, sharing their musical talents with the community, while enjoying and literally clapping to the music of the older performers. There was a small band with a husband/wife duo (that were in their 70s) and the teens adored them. The love of music defies all ages!”
The Haworth Arts Committee is a huge asset to the town of Haworth, which is home to some 3,000 residents. In addition to the Open Mic Coffeehouse shows, they produce the annual Midsummer’s Night Jam and at Halloween, “Ghost Stories at The Pond.” All of their events are filled with talented performers and lots of enthused spectators.
Photos by Hillary Viders