Livingston Students and Attendees Enjoy Joyful Musical Evening at LACD’s Talent Show

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Everyone who performed in and attended the Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities’ (LACD) 2024 Talent Show proved that music is the universal beat of happiness as they listened and danced along to tunes that students chose to sing, play on instruments or dance to.

The evening began with the Noteworthy Orchestra, founded by Livingston High School sophomore Kayla Fang and made up of LHS and middle school musicians Rena Wang, Emma Wang, Jessica Yu, Annie Jiang, George Yang, Hubert Zhang and Hadrian Zheng, who played “Do Re Me,” “Under the Sea” and a montage of songs from the movie “Frozen.”

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The acts included the following (in order):

• Danny played Stevie Wonder’s soulful “I Wish” on steel drums in sweet Caribbean tones.
• Robert sang a spirited rendition of Ringo Starr’s “It Don’t Come Easy.”
• Eric displayed some fancy footwork dancing to “Better Place” from “Trolls.”
• Summer danced to “I’m Finally Me” from “Zombies 3,” impressing the audience with her moves and a split. She even wore a cheerleader outfit like the characters in the movie.
• Anthony danced enthusiastically to “Waka Waka.”
• Peter played the beautiful and haunting song “Hallelujah” on keyboards.
• Fred, Ryan and Joshua of The Little Sunshine Chorus, part of LACD and co-founded by Valentina Zhang and Rena Wang, sang the sweet tune “You Are My Sunshine.”
• Christopher acted out and sang the fun “Oompa Loompa” song from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
• Anvika played two lovely songs called Vandemataram and Lingashtakam on the keyboard.
• Sanya, decked out in a festive outfit with cute accessories, danced enthusiastically to Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”

After the solo performances, everyone did “The Chicken Dance” together in the front of the room.The smiles and laughter were contagious throughout the evening. Each performer received a necklace with a medal on it and could choose a stuffed animal prize.

LACD Chair Bob Gebroe was assisted by student Kavya Narayanan, who announced the performances, signed up and coordinated the students and more. Volunteers Siyana Hajariwala and Samay Malde helped her keep the show running smoothly.

“The LACD Talent Show is always one of my favorite events of the year,” said Gebroe. “The performers, many of whom return year after year, were so excited to once again shine in the spotlight.

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“There were many members of the general population in attendance to help support the special needs kids, which added to the success of the event and brought the community together."

The LACD has been offering programs to the special needs population and improving their lives for four decades. The organization hosts a Winter Holiday party, a Halloween celebration, Santa’s September Splash, a private day at Livingston’s Kiwanis Karnival and more. The LACD’s free programs throughout the year include after-school sports and arts and crafts programs.

Each April, the LACD collaborates with Livingston's Senior, Youth and Leisure Services (SYLS) department for Shine A Light on Autism Night, an event with speeches by Livingston students, fundraising for Autism New Jersey and a walk around the Livingston Memorial Oval in order to raise awareness.

To volunteer or receive additional information about these programs, contact Gebroe at (973) 970-4441 or gretto12@aol.com or visit the LACD Facebook page BY CLICKING HERE .

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