in Westport was a fitting venue for 21 music-minded teens in a night of song to benefit the .
The concept of a musical fundraiser was the brainchild of junior , a talented thespian, singer and Patch blogger who had the idea of showcasing teen performers from around Fairfield County.
Deciding to pool her own talent with that of others from the theater circuit, Weinberger brainstormed a night of popular Broadway tunes sprinkled with some modern teen-friendly hits.
Stellar piano accompaniment was provided for dozens of songs by Staples junior and co-director, Jake Landau.
Weinberger and Landau collaborated last year on the first annual “Listen to the Beat” fundraiser. This year a total of 21 students from the towns of Westport, Weston and Fairfield came together to fill the 19th century performance space, Toquet Hall, previously used as a dance hall and an opera house. Having come full circle, the venue was fitting for the considerable talent on hand.
Weinberger has joined Heart Association fundraisers since the tender age of nine when she first participated in the Heart Walk.
“My grandmother passed away from a heart attack at 60 and my dad suffers from heart disease. He had stents put in his heart at age 37 when I was only 7 years old. He takes heart medicine but he runs every day and is doing great,” said Weinberger who hopes the fundraiser at Toquet Hall will exceed the $6,000 raised last year at the first “Listen to the Best” event.
For information about the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, visit www.fairfieldcountyheartwalk.org.
