Seniors show off artistic sides on Modesto stage

MODESTO -- When Grace Lieberman started trying to find talent for the Senior Spotlight some 30 years ago, she had to woo would-be performers.

Today, people are lining up to take part in the show, held this year Sunday at Modesto's State Theatre.

About 30 performers took to the stage. Among the acts: A line-dancing group from the Oakdale senior center; a retired auto executive who belted out a Frank Sinatra song and an architect who moonlights as an opera singer.

"It's time for the seniors to do their thing," said Lieberman, executive director of the Stanislaus Arts Council, which organized the show.

About 150 people watched the seniors, many of whom are veteransingers or musicians who have been part of Modesto-area groups such as Townsend Opera Players and Modesto Performing Arts.

Take Jane Dutton-Robb of Riverbank, a retired Del Monte Foods forklift driver. The 73-year-old sang professionally when she was younger but now performs mainly at community events such as Sunday's show.

"It's a great outlet," said Dutton-Robb, who received a hearty round of applause for her rendition of "Blue Moon."

"Without it, I wouldn't be singing. At my age, where would I go? Karaoke?"

Sunday's show was a far cry from karaoke. Dance teacher and retired Townsend Opera manager Erika Townsend danced "Chinese Tea" from "The Nutcracker."

Phillip Martin, an architect who has performed in more than 27 operas, sang an aria. Ray Lill, who worked for 44 years in the auto industry, looked something like Ol' Blue Eyes as he sang "Young at Heart."

Another highlight was the group from the Gladys Lemons Senior Community Center in Oakdale. Seven women, led by their 72-year-old teacher, Karen Taylor, performed a line dance in matching red cowboy hats.

The women enjoyed taking part.

"It gives people a chance to show the talent that they still have," Taylor said.

Miguel Donoso, 73, agreed. Now retired, Donoso is perhaps best known for his activism on behalf of the Latino community.

He sang "Perfidia," a Spanish love song. It was his third time in the show.

"I do it to feel alive and to feel a part of the community," he said.

Also performing was Spike Machado, 85, a retired truck driver. He lives in Ralston Tower, a senior residence in downtown Modesto. He walked to the State for the show.

He's played the harmonica in the Senior Spotlight since it started.

"I'm just going to keep going as long as I can," he said.

Bee staff writer Kerry McCray can be reached at (209) 578-2358.