Last Friday night’s 25th Annual Xanadu Concert was a huge success after coming back to Whitman’s South Cafeteria venue for the first time since the pandemic. The special evening of entertainment, organized by Whitman’s award-winning online literary magazine, and the high school’s recording club studio, The Collective, provided a wonderful showcase for the community’s numerous talents.
Xanadu Advisor and Whitman English teacher, Mr. Joseph Pipolo, shared his thoughts as he thanked everyone who contributed their talents and efforts to the special evening. “Friday night was one more wonderful dose of evidence that ‘Creation IS Activism.’ You activated the souls of the folks who listened and applauded…You activated real dollars to create more real activism. You activated fun inside a not so easy time in our world,” said Pipolo. “Small acts like yours that accumulate into a substantial effect, make a difference. “
Xanadu students and advisor Joe Pipolo, and The Collective students, co-advised by Vito Monti and Matt Hoffman, delivered yet another stunning array of student and faculty talent from Whitman. Thank you to our musicians and poetry readers: Gianna Vozza, Gabby Finochio, Samantha Regalado, Steven Granados, Noor Khan-Collins, Zahra Choudry, Andrew Lorenti, Chris Ortez, Anthony Maraboli, Maddie Franz, Vito Monti, Matt Hoffman, David Rickmers, Jon Varlamos, Frank Yolongo, Liz DeMonte, Priscilla Ramirez Grajeda, Chris Ramirez, Priscilla Reyes, Alex Feliciano, Andrew Fogel, Aaron Cimadevilla, Julia Crapanzano, Sarah Cruz, Anthony Maida, Marc Malafronte, Adelrhany Georges and Colin Murphy.
Senior Gianna Vozza on the flute and Senior Gabby Finochio on keyboard opened up the evening of musical performances.
Senior Maddie Franz was one of several poetry readers that showcased original works.
Audience interaction added to the ambiance of Whitman's South Cafeteria.
Whitman teachers and district staff took the opportunity to show off their musical talents on stage for students to hear.
Xanadu Advisor, Joe Pipolo (left), and The Collective Co-advisor, Vito Monti (right), shared their gratitude at the beginning of the night, acknowledging how special it was to be back performing in-person after a number of years using a virtual platform.
In the 25 years of Xanadu's existance, Mr. Pipolo noted that this was the first year an accordian was featured, special thanks to WWHS Junior Priscilla Ramirez Grajeda.
Andrew Lorenti (right) did a number of DJ sets with a Latin twist with Chris Ortez by his side.
Seniors Anthony Maida (not pictured), Marc Malafronte (left), Adelrhany Georges (right) and Colin Murphy (not pictured) closed out the evening of performances with some spot-on covers.
Senior poet Sarah Cruz shown above reading her piece, "Angeles." Thank you to everyone who peformed and to all who attended to make this year's concert a memorable one!