Event Recap: Rutherford's Got Talent
- This Is Rutherford
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Jennifer Ersalesi
Photo credits: Jennifer Ersalesi and Raul Barquet
If you haven't already heard, Rutherford does indeed have talent. On October 18th, Rutherford residents of all ages performed at the first-ever Rutherford's Got Talent.
The Rutherford Arts Council, under the leadership of its Board (Sarah Orlowicz, Genesee Orlowicz, Jennifer Zenquis, Lou Ayala, and Raul Barquet), organized this performing arts event. Reverend Justin Warner of the First Presbyterian Church graciously allowed them to use the Karen Kaiser Parish House, which was an ideal location for this talent show..
Performers sang, danced, recited poetry, and so much more. It was a true community event, with volunteers stepping up to help with each aspect of the show. Parents assisted with stage setup and backstage, and many community volunteers helped with set-up, registration, assisting the performers backstage, selling concessions, clean up, etc.
One of the judges, Lee Boocock-Stephenson of Fred Astaire Dance Studios, told TIR, "I was very proud to be a judge for the first-ever Rutherford's Got Talent! It was exciting and energetic, and I enjoyed seeing and hearing all of the wonderful talent in the area. It was my pleasure to provide comments and feedback to help our performers hone their craft."
The Rutherford Arts Council selected a panel of community judges. Matthew Cokely, Creative Director, Councilman, and liaison to the RAC, Lee Boocock-Stephenson, professional dancer and multi-disciplinary dance instructor, Lise Avery, professional vocalist and host of an internationally syndicated radio show, Eryn Santos, professional hair and make-up artist, and Dominique Abita, trained opera singer, multi-instrumentalist, and owner of School of Rock in Carlstadt.
Lise Avery told TIR, "The first annual Rutherford’s Got Talent was delightful, great fun and amazingly well-planned. I was truly astounded by the quality and variety of talent, from an opera singer to Bali dancers, comedy, choreography, and everything in between. It was a privilege to be a judge for such a wonderful event, and I was not only extremely impressed by the talent but also by the organizers, Genesee and Sarah Orlowicz, Jennifer Zenquis, Lou Ayala, and Raul Barquet, as well as all the volunteers. Everything from the order of the talent to small details like providing the judges with scoring sheets and pens was well thought-out and literally perfect. I’m hopeful that there will be a Rutherford’s Got Talent next year and that I will have the privilege of participating in it again."
The following businesses sponsored Rutherford's Got Talent: Casano's Pizza Parlor (pizza sponsor), Allstate Dan Meredith Agency (prize and event sponsor), BCB Bank (prize and event sponsor), Fred Astaire Dance Studios (prize and event sponsor), First Presbyterian Church (location sponsor), and School of Rock (sound and tech sponsor).
"I was very proud to be a judge for the first-ever Rutherford's Got Talent! It was exciting and energetic, and I enjoyed seeing and hearing all of the wonderful talent in the area. It was my pleasure to provide comments and feedback to help our performers hone their craft, " explained Dominique Abita.
Eryn Santos told TIR, "I accepted the invitation to be part of Rutherford's Got Talent because I truly believe in supporting and giving optimism to new artists. It was inspiring to see so many talented people sharing their passions and creativity. Being a judge was an honor - it reminded me how powerful community, art, and opportunity can be when they come together."
Comments