'Playing for Nicholas' with the Nassau Pops in Lynbrook

Louis Panacciulli, conductor of The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, will be “Playing for Nicholas” at a special concert on Friday, July 8, at 8 p.m., in Lynbrook’s Greis Park. Enjoy a delightful summer evening to help Nicholas Lakharam, who is fighting cancer.

While most young boys are playing baseball, experimenting with the latest electronic game or just looking forward to summer vacation, Nicholas, who lives in Elmont with his family, just wants to feel better. If Nicholas were well enough, he would have completed his last year at Howell Road Elementary School as a 6th grader, but early in the school year, Nicholas was diagnosed with cancer which necessitated home schooling. However, even that has proven difficult to continue on a regular basis due to the necessary chemotherapy and radiation treatments Nicholas must undergo.

In an effort to help the family who are coping with mounting medical expenses along with the stress of the diagnosis and treatment, Maestro Panacciulli (at right in photo), who taught Nicholas in his Howell Road Concert Band for two years, created this benefit concert dedicated to Nicholas.

The program, featuring vocalists Jack and Ann Cassin, will include selections from Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, a salute to the Big Apple, and a medley of television favorites. The orchestra will also perform a special piece entitled “In Their Honor” in tribute to the victims of 9/11.

Everyone is invited to join the Nassau Pops, rain or shine, for an enjoyable concert featuring the best in pops and favorite tunes.