Talent of all ages showcased at East Falls library concert

The quiet hush of the Falls of Schuylkill Library was replaced on Monday night with the sounds of music, applause, chatter and laughter.  

Following the annual Friends of the Falls of Schuylkill Library meeting, the group hosted a concert for the East Falls neighborhood to showcase local performers of all ages. 

Brooklyn, the head Diva Doll for the young musicians group Diva Dollz, kicked off the night with a rendition of “Wonderful Woman,” a song about mothers. The group, directed by Dianna Coleman, consists of kids between the ages of 3 and 17. Coleman says the group sings and raps “clean, age-appropriate lyrics about both serious and light issues.” 

The Wendellas, a group of seven singers led by East Falls resident Wendy Moody on the piano, also took to the stage to sing a variety of show tunes written by Johnny Mercer, including “Something’s Gotta Give” and “Moon River”.

Wendella performer Linda Duttera said she appreciated the diversity in the night’s lineup. 

“Everybody is local so its really nice to see local talent,” she said.

A string performance was put on by Dante DeStefano, an eighth-grader at The Waldorf School, on the classical bass and Lansdowne Symphony violinist Darrin McBride. Both performers were accompanied by Caroline Davidson on the piano.

Frank Kaderabek, former principal trumpet for the Philadelphia Orchestra, also performed. 

Hank Harrison said this was the first community concert he had attended at the Falls of Schuylkill library branch.

“I thought it was a terrific concert,” Harrison said. “And I greatly enjoyed the variety of music and entertainment.”

After the concert, attendees gathered around the homemade refreshments to eat, laugh and catch up with their neighbors. 

Hope Janelle Berninghausen is a Temple University student.  This piece was produced for Philadelphia Neighborhoods in collaboration with WHYY/NewsWorks.