PCA’s 3rd Annual Carousel of Talent Celebrates Creativity, Community and Connection
Older adults from across Philadelphia took center stage during Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s third annual Carousel of Talent, held at the Philadelphia Senior Center on the Avenue of the Arts and recently featured by 6abc’s Art of Aging.
The showcase included about 50 participants from seven PCA-funded senior centers, with 11 acts ranging from choral music and solo vocals to dance, spoken word and cultural performances. Featured performers included Grupo Alegria from Norris Square Senior Community Center, dancers from On Lok Senior Services Center, soloists from Firehouse Active Adult Center, the Lutheran Settlement House Singers and the Southwest Senior Center Choir.
Several performers shared what makes participating so meaningful. Marlene Bennett, one of two spiritual-singing soloists from Firehouse Active Adult Center, said she has been singing since she was 3 years old and loves it because it relaxes her. Yvette Simone Smith, who performed a dance to Michael Jackson’s “You Rock My World,” said she has loved Jackson’s music since childhood and is always dancing. The story also highlighted 95-year-old fan favorite Lois Kukcinovich, who PCA Chief Operating Officer Laura Weinbaum said “comes alive when she gets behind the keyboard.”
The event highlighted the creativity, joy and diversity of Philadelphia’s older adults while underscoring the important role senior centers play in building community and connection. PCA Chief Operating Officer Laura Weinbaum shared that events like Carousel of Talent help older adults showcase their abilities and take part in the activities, meals and services offered through PCA-supported senior centers.
Watch the full 6abc story here: Art of Aging: PCA’s 3rd annual Carousel of Talent showcased a variety of acts
