PebbleCreek Singers on Stage
Donna Swagger
Marvelous music! Sensational singing. Exciting entertainment. That describes the PebbleCreek Singers spring concert, “A Bit of Broadway.”
Concert dates are Thursday, April 30, through Saturday, May 2. The chorus will offer a Saturday matinee performance on May 2, at 3 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater. Thursday and Friday shows are evening performances at 7 p.m. in the theater
There’s still time to get your reserved seat! Tickets are $20 each (handling fee included) and can be ordered online. Log on to pebblecreekhoa.org, then click on Things to Do > Tickets > PC Singers > Buy Tickets.
From the opening number, “Manhattan Melodies” to the finale,” I’m a Believer,” this is a “must hear, must see” concert! Great songs from Broadway musicals such as “Anything Goes,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and “Damn Yankees” will resound. The concert will feature a few “off Broadway” numbers, too. The Three Kings will give their rendition of “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” No PC Singers spring concert would be complete without some Patriotic numbers! “A Tribute to the Armed Services” honors those who have served our country in the military. “An American Celebration,” a medley of six of our country’s most celebrated patriotic songs for a grand commemoration of our heritage of freedom.
Director Jerry Drake and the choristers guarantee that audiences will be toe-tapping, clapping, and singing along as they enjoy “A Bit of Broadway!”
Gene Fioretti: “I remain on the Board of Open Mic and enjoy helping run the sound system. Occasionally, I perform by myself as well as with others. It is great to see performers of all levels of ability come to Open Mic and perform for the community.”
Open Mic Night: Meet Gene Fioretti
Carrie Mataraza
Meet Gene Fioretti, one of the founders of Open Mic Night, a life-long musician and singer, a man of many interests and talents.
Born in Chicago, Gene was adopted at 6 months old. Auspiciously, his new parents, a physician and a nurse, were told that he had come from musical parents and they began encouraging his potential beginning with piano lessons when he was 6 years old. At the time, he thought he was being punished because while he had to practice, the other kids were outside playing.
Even so Gene stayed with the lessons and found that once he heard a piece of music, he could play it by ear. He could even duplicate rock on his piano. In high school he and some other guys formed a rock band called The Intruders, playing at local events and sock hops. Senior year they entered a citywide “Battle of the Bands” competition making it into the Top Five before taking home the big prize. The Chicago Sun Times Sunday Magazine featured them with a photo of Gene representing the band, singing. As years went on he was in another highly-regarded band that Columbia Records invited to do an album. The guys had other plans, but Gene continued with his music, and added an acoustic guitar to his other instruments that included a piano, organ, and Wurlitzer electronic piano. When he transferred colleges to be closer to his girlfriend JoAnn, now his wife, he joined a new trio and according to Gene, “had a great time playing around.”
As a boy Gene had gone on patient rounds with his father and even went into the operating room where he realized how interesting and satisfying medicine was. Inspired, he gave pre-med a try. It took him twice but he stayed with it and says he “got into medical school and the music stopped” as he devoted himself to his studies and a residency at the Mayo Clinic.
Gene specialized in cardiology and practiced in Tucson, Phoenix, and Lakeside, Ariz., where he became an instrument-rated private pilot in order to fly himself to locations to work interventional cases. In time he took temporary medical assignments around the country, flying himself to jobs in Montana, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
When Gene retired in 2012, his love of music was roused anew. He responded to an ad about joining a guitar jam and hasn’t stopped playing and singing since. He’s been busy performing in some well-known local bands including PebbleRock. He has also been part of ensembles doing Peter, Paul & Mary, Kingston Trio music, and Doo Wop; played in a variety of guitar groups; and has performed in two ShowTime productions.
Gene also pursues a variety of other interests that include astronomy (he’s an amateur astronomer and has a 22” telescope) and cooking. For the past 10 years Gene has been teaching four cooking classes a year that focus on bread and pizza for LifeLong Learning.
While they were performing in Burst of Music XVI, Gene met Patti Hall, herself a professional singer who shared her idea for Open Mic Night with him. The concept excited Gene and attracted additional singers and musicians in PebbleCreek to form the club. Their persistence paid off. Open Mic Night has since blossomed into a regular monthly event in PebbleCreek. It is now held in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom with a Friday night schedule into 2027. Open Mic invites all PC residents, individuals and groups, to join and perform. So far the talented roster includes musicians, singers, comedians, and magicians. Check the schedule on their website: sites.google.com/view/pebblecreekopenmic/home. Whether a performer or a member of the audience, welcome to the fun!
Jeff Buda passing the baton to new PC Big Band Director, Blair Nuccio
Jeff Buda Passes Baton to Blair Nuccio
Jeff Buda
After 20 years of performing and directing the PebbleCreek (PC) Big Band I am retiring from an experience second to none. It has been a joy to share the stage with such fine musicians, talented vocalists, and a wonderful production staff.
Now I am happy to say that a “succession” plan has been developed. It pleases me to announce that I am “passing the baton” to Blair Nuccio, newly named Director of the PC Big Band. Blair and his wife Peggy moved to PebbleCreek in 2024 from Woodridge, Ill., after having retired from a career in Music Education and most recently as a Public School Superintendent. He is an accomplished trumpet player, earned his B.A. and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University and his doctoral degree from Northern Illinois University. Most importantly he is a great guy, fun to perform with, and a good friend. I am confident that he will continue to bring an excellent level of entertainment and sense of pride to our community.
Lastly I am grateful to you, our audiences, who have supported and inspired me through the years. I wish you all the very best.
The cast of “The Outsider” gets together for their first read-through of the script.
Introducing PC Players Fall Comedy and Cast for “The Outsider”
Carrie Mataraza
What do you get when a lieutenant governor finds himself thrust into the big job after the governor has to resign in a scandal? The new governor (small state, unknown) really likes wonky policy work and he’s no charismatic back-slapper. In truth he hates crowds; his dislike of public speaking includes giving TV interviews. He even stumbled through his swearing-in ceremony. This guy happens to be one of the last people anyone would consider could be governor.
That plot point sets the stage for PC Players October production, the political satire The Outsider, that has had audiences everywhere it has played laughing for the full two hours of the show at the funny side of politics.
The cast is chosen and has already begun rehearsals to give you their best Oct. 20 through Oct. 23 and by popular request, a matinee on Oct. 24.
Directed by Sue Tearpak with Assistant Director Debbie Stout, the cast members are some PebbleCreek favorites: Rick Bartells, Wayne Danka, Steve Jensen, Scott Beseda, Gloria Lloyd, Judi Blankenship, and Lisa Montgomery.
We’ll keep you updated as rehearsals continue, so be sure to put the performance dates on your calendar. This is a laugh–out–loud show you definitely will want to see.