Ashley Jordan peforms at the talent show held in Volunteers Hall last weekend. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
“Don’t forget about the talent show tonight,” reminded my wife, Leslie, as I walked in the door Saturday after spending a good portion of the day sawing up and clearing fallen trees around the yard. With visions of juggling acts and card-shuffling tricks filling my head, I told her that I preferred to stay home and relax. She persisted, and we soon found ourselves sitting among the crowd in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library.
What unfolded over the next couple of hours was not only a remarkable display of musical talent by individuals of all ages, but an exhibition of humility and compassion as well. Whether singing or playing a musical instrument—in several instances doing both—each individual gave a heartfelt performance that spoke volumes about their passion for, and devotion to music. For me, the most moving part of the evening came just before intermission, when Ashley Jordan sang her rendition of Everything I Own as a tribute to Jessie Peterson. I’m not fortunate enough to have met Jessie, but Ashley’s song brought me, and many other members of the audience, to tears.
To Bob Eiland, Di Hall, Mark and Vinsula Hastings, Maureen Remeika, Judy Wong, and everyone else associated with Harvard Friends of the Arts who organized and coordinated the Harvard Community Talent Show, I offer my gratitude. To the participants—Steve Abrams, Justin Bartlett, Helen Batchelder, Bill Cordner, Conor Deer, Joan Eliyesil, Jeff Ewald, Wendy and Graham Feddersen, Emma Hall, Daniel Jackson, Ashley Jordan, Keith Myles, Emma and Ted Noyes, Ken Nygren, Claire Rindenello, and Erin Sullivan—I offer my sincere admiration and appreciation for turning a toilsome day into a most inspirational evening.
David Neville
East Bare Hill Road
