A night of teen talent in Valley Stream

Local teens showed off talents at the Village Green bandshell last Saturday night. Despite some light rain, the young entertainers wowed nearly 100 people in attendance.

Early arrivals heard the sounds of local band Lost in Forever drift into the air. But that was just a taste of what the night held, as singers, dancers, a rapper and even a baton twirler regaled the audience, including Village Mayor Ed Fare and Trustee Dermond Thomas, with unique performances.

Nine-year-old Imani Granum, the night’s youngest performer, sang “Grenade” by Bruno Mars, and later danced to Rihanna’s “Pon De Replay.”

Also performing solo acts were Keilan Blodgett, Stefania Cuomo, Sandy Melendres, Angelica Webster, Jennifer Kandel, Brienna Ellerby, Malik Samuel, Jessica Fare and Jack Clifford. There were two bands, Lost in Forever and Stain Glass.

Cuomo, 15, of the Valley Stream Grace Thunderettes baton twirling team, had just returned from competing in the Junior Olympics in New Orleans. The Central High School student performed a baton twirling dance routine to “I Won’t Let Go” by the Rascal Flatts. “I am so excited, and looking forward to all the dancing,” she said.

Kandel, 16, who attends Central High, said she finds comfort in singing. “I’m kind of used to it after doing a lot of shows,” she said.

The performers’ family members offered support. Melendres, 18, admitted to being both excited and nervous, but was comforted that her parents, grandmother, uncle and two aunts were there. “We are all excited, and we want to be surprised,” said Ramon Diaz, Melendres’s uncle.

Valley Streamer Sal Marin watched his daughter, Emma, of the band Stain Glass, entertain the crowd. Marin complimented the show’s organizers, Darryl Granum and Joanne Cuomo of Strong Side Studios, on their professionalism. “I’ve been to these things a few times, and they are neat,” he said. “Joanne and Darryl work it so the kids have some fun and express their talent.”

Marin and fellow Stain Glass member Alicia Almonte said they had just thought of their band name right before going on stage. The ladies sang two popular songs, including “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green, while encouraging the audience to clap along to their music.