Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's 3rd annual 'Carousel of Talent' showcased a variety of acts

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Older adults lit up the stage at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's third annual 'Carousel of Talent,' held at the Philadelphia Senior Center on the Avenue of the Arts.

"This is an event that we're always excited about having," says Julie Nelson, Center Manager of the Philadelphia Senior Center on the Avenue of the Arts.

Laura Weinbaum, Chief Operating Officer for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, says the show is an opportunity for older adults to "showcase their talents."

Grupo Alegria from Norris Square Senior Community Center performed, as well as the dance group from On Lok Senior Services Center.

"It's a great way to really highlight the different cultures in Philadelphia," says Nelson.

"We have about fifty participants," says Weinbaum. "From seven PCA-funded senior centers."

There were eleven acts, ranging from choral music to solo vocals to spoken word.

There were two spiritual-singing soloists from Firehouse Active Adult Center, Leberta White and Marlene Bennett.

"I been singing since I was three, so I've been singing on a choir all that time," says Marlene Bennett, participant in PCA's 'Carousel of Talent' show.

Bennett says she loves singing, because "it relaxes me."

"We're helping older adults live their best lives, whatever that means for them," says Weinbaum. "Our senior centers serve people ranging from about age 60, or even a little bit younger, all the way up through their nineties."

Fan favorite Lois Kukcinovich is 95.

"She's just amazing and really comes alive when she gets behind the keyboard," says Weinbaum.

"We have three participants from our center," says Nelson. "We have a singer who's returning for her third time."

Her name is Alice Flamer, and she sang the 1950s hit song by The Platters, "The Great Pretender."

"One young lady is doing a Hawaiian dance," says Nelson.

That Hawaiian dance was performed by Alcira Laurenzi to Don Ho's "Tiny Bubbles."

"When you're a senior, you're not just retired, but it's a time to try other activities and let your talent shine," says Nelson.

Yvette Simone Smith wowed the crowd dancing to "You Rock My World" by Michael Jackson. She says she's loved Jackson's music since she was a little kid.

"It's just something about that beat," says Yvette Simone Smith, participant in PCA's Carousel of Talent show. "I'm always dancing here."

The Lutheran Settlement House Singers represented, singing "More Today Than Yesterday" by Spiral Staircase. And the Southwest Senior Center Choir rounded out the show with a spiritual song.

"It's just a really great time," says Weinbaum. "We definitely encourage all older adults to come participate in the amazing activities, meals, services, that our senior centers offer."

Weinbaum adds that it's PCA's goal to build that sense of "community" and "connection" for older adults through events like this one.

If you'd like to participate in activities such as this, you can find a senior center near you at PCACares.org.

For more information:

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) | List of PCA's Senior Centers in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Senior Center on the Avenue of the Arts
509 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147