Participants in Westmoreland Diversity Coalition’s Leadership Karaoke say that the organizations’ co-chair Carlotta Paige has a particular talent for getting people to sing at the event.
It’s called arm-twisting.
Everyone who performed at the second annual event, held March 7 at Ferrante’s Lakeview in Hempfield, was happy to have their arms twisted for a good cause, though.
Some had a musical background, like Seton Hill University Dean of Students Adriel Hilton, who said he sang in the choir at Morehouse College — and some said it was their first time behind the microphone, like Westmoreland County Community College President Tuesday Stanley.
All showed the confidence and stage presence of seasoned performers, nevertheless.
The line-up included:
• Mandy Zalich, CEO of Westmoreland Community Action: Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead”
• Tay Waltenbaugh, former CEO of Westmoreland Community Action: Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road”
• Stanley: Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”
• Hilton: Harry T. Burleigh’s “Steal Away’
• State Sen. Kim Ward: Meghan Trainor’s “Dear Future Husband”
• Rachel Shaw, mediator with the state Department of Labor: Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’”
• Robert Gregerson, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg: Elvis Presley’s “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You”
• Theresa Matson, vice president of Adelphoi Village: Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire”
• Attorney Jessica Rafferty: Johnny Reid’s “Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World” — which turned into a performer and audience sing-along.
Everyone also got to sing a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” to coalition and event co-chair Rabbi Sara Perman.
Emcee was Alex Graziani. Special guest performers were Garment of Praise, Gia Marino and Delaney Swank of Stage Right and Lauren Condon and Vanessa Beggs, also known as The Heavenly Biscuits, who served as talent coordinators and voice coaches.
