“Really honest, intimate, and great!” That’s how Mr. Vito Monti, the creator of Walt Whitman High School’s Pianos and Poets night described this year’s 3rd annual concert on April 16th. The intimate evening of poetry and music has now been officially rebranded as Xanadu Unplugged, to lean into the cultural momentum of February’s hugely-popular annual Xanadu concert. “We wanted to ride the coattails of that energy,” explained Monti. “But more than that, we wanted to create a continuation of something already embedded in our school culture.”

The road to the stage took some extra effort this year. There’s a lot going on in and out of school in the middle of the spring semester. “We’re all so busy—the Lamplighters [Whitman’s stage crew], the band kids, the musicians. We’re all running around ragged,” said Monti. “By the time we get to April and the spring season, we’re asking ourselves, ‘Are we going to do another one?’ It’s hard to get things together and promote coming back from break. But we still want a soulful, intimate night of quiet music.” The concert always features a diverse lineup, ranging from classical piano to original poetry and full-band sets featuring students and faculty members.

This event was created because of the number of remarkable musicians who have come through Walt Whitman High School’s music program. But not every talented student joins a school music program or club. They love music but they practice their craft at home. Monti wanted to create a performance outlet for those students so they could share their talent with the community. Because that outlet is so important, Whitman’s creative community rallied at the last second and made the night happen. “I’m so glad we did because this night is special. It’s different in ways I can’t quite explain,” said Monti.

 

It’s evolved into more than just a performance opportunity for student musicians and poets. Monti is also one of the co-advisors for Whitman’s unique recording studio club known as “The Collective.” The annual Xanadu concert helps raise funds to support the club and other arts programs at Whitman. The Xanadu Unplugged live concert was professionally recorded by members of “The Collective” and is now in post-production, so the artists get the chance to be part of a live recorded album and video that will be released to the public.

Monti also sees the concert as a cathartic chance “to speak to the human condition” through music and poetry, which is something the arts have always done. “So many kids are feeling depressed or anxious, and a night like this allows us to heal together. You can speak through metaphor in profound, honest ways that you can’t achieve in normal day-to-day conversation,” said Monti.

At the end of the night it was clear the evening was a success for all those who were there, both on stage and in the audience. “We have to hold onto that initial ethos: we’re here for us,” emphasized Monti. “The artists who hold music near and dear to their hearts were all here tonight.”

 

The Collective Recording Studio & Xanadu would like to thank Walt Whitman High School principal Dr. Murphy and SHEF for their  unwavering support of arts and music in the South Huntington School District!

 

**Photo Gallery**

 

The creator of this annual event, Mr. Vito Monti, sees the concert as a cathartic chance “to speak to the human condition” through music and poetry, which is something the arts have always done.

 

The night formerly known as ‘Pianos and Poets’ still features musicians sharing their proficieny on the grand piano in the PAC, as senior Analia Cimadevilla is seen here playing “Deux Arabesques, No. 1” by Claude Debussy. 

 

Students and teachers teamed together for a few musical numbers. 

 

Musicians took their turns playing solo as well. 

 

The concert always features a diverse lineup, ranging from classical piano to original poetry and full-band sets.

 

Multiple students braved their way to the microphone to share original poetry and recieved much praise for expressing their creativity with thoughtful prose.