Alannah Judd. Photo by Gary Pope. GaryDoesAlot.com.
by Mark G. Auerbach
Alannah Judd, a 13 year old Westfield Middle School student, and some of her musician friends, will perform a benefit concert for Shriner’s Hospital for Children on Tuesday, March 26, at 7PM at The Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA. Dan Kane is producing the event, and Dave Madsen of Western Mass News will emcee. Westfield Bank is the concert sponsor.
Alannah, an alumna of the annual Dan Kane Summer Singing Enrichment program at the Majestic., has assembled a group of vocalists she’s worked alongside before. “You can expect to hear Freddie Marion, Traci Mnich, The Dk8, and some alumni of the summer enrichment program at the Majestic Theater: Alexis Anamisis, Shea Braceland, Ally & Lauren Carnes, Ayslin Dziedzic, Sophie Lawry, and Allie Masciadrelli. These amazing people, and all of the other participating singers all have a special place in my heart.”
According to Ms. Judd, “Expect a very wide variety of genres from pop, to standards, and my favorite ballads, “I first sang “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” at the summer enrichment program at the Majestic Theater. The show will include that classic as well as other selections from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway arrangements, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and The Carpenters. I especially love doing ballads, and if you sing them correctly, you can captivate the audience. You can tell so many amazing stories through the art of music.”
Ms. Judd became interested in music, when she was four. “I started participating in school talent shows and the children’s choir. I have been studying with Dan Kane for the last 2 years and been performing with the Dan Kane Singers at venues throughout Greater Springfield. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t met him. He has taught me how to control my voice, how to branch out and try singing new things, and most importantly, he made me realize that if I work hard enough, I could conquer my dreams.”
Alannah Judd and Friends selected The Shriners Hospital for Children to benefit from the concert proceeds. “The care they provide has touched so many in my life. When the group of singers that will be performing at the Majestic toured the Shriners Hospital in Springfield they all shared stories of friends and family that needed leg braces, or low radiation x-rays, or rehabilitation services. Years ago, my brother was diagnosed with scoliosis. At first it wasn’t bad, but over time it grew worse and worse. Not too long after, the doctors found that the scoliosis was hereditary, and I had it as well. By going to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, both me and my brother, Matt, did not have to have any surgery. But, the idea that other children were not as fortunate broke my heart. I know what an amazing job the Shriner’s does for so many children, and any way I can support them, I will. I am honored that the Shriner’s was kind enough as to let me host this concert to support them and all of the children in need”.
Tickets for Alannah Judd and Friends, priced $20 and $18, are available at The Majestic Theater Box-Office. For details: .413-747-7797 or https://www.majestictheater.com/index.html
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Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat Radio for 89.5fm/WSKB.
