By Susan Russo
On a sparkling Sunday afternoon this October, my husband, Vincent, and I attended a lovely concert at the Long Beach Public Library.
Lyric Soprano, Eileen Polis, Librarian at the Long Beach Public Library, enchanted the audience with a full concert of beautiful arias from many diverse operas, as well as popular songs from Broadway musicals and movies. Most touching was her beautiful rendition of “Over the Rainbow” from the Wizard of OZ. Eileen selected that particular song because her son, Kristos (TAPA student extraordinaire!) selected the Tin Man as his favorite character from the movie. When asked by his mom why he selected the Tin Man, Kristos responded,“because he has a good heart”……which fit perfectly with the theme of the afternoon.
Kristos, the surprise guest artist, ended the concert by singing (with his mother and his aunt) a lovely selection of patriotic songs such as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “God Bless America”. The concert was presented with love by Eileen, a Long Beach Native, to celebrate the strength and resilience of Long Beach in the face of adversity following Superstorm Sandy.
What a beautiful way to start the fall Season!
