Kudos to Jeff Goodwin

We attended a recital yesterday: Jeff Goodwin, tenor, at the Mount Kisco Presbyterian Church. Jeff has been a friend for over twenty years, and during that time he has been studying with Margaret Leary, over in Ridgewood, New Jersey.(That’s Margaret & Jeff in the photo.) His specialty is opera, but yesterday Jeff split the menu: half was Italian opera, with an emphasis on Donizetti, but also including Rossini, Bellini, Secchi, and Donaudy, and half was a collection of songs by Johnny Mercer. Jeff has sung high-powered recitals before, including an emotional performance in November, 2000 in Katonah and a shared recital in March, 2007 (both accompanied by our friend, Barbara Ciannella, piano). His technique has developed tremendously in the past years, but suddenly Jeff is sounding stronger and more relaxed. His foray into the world of Cabaret, with a mighty Johnny Mercer at his disposal, was terrific, and left the large audience applauding for more. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was Puccini’s Nessun Dorma, especially as it came only a week after his highly acclaimed performance with Curt & the NVOT String Ensemble. The aria for Turandot was spectacular. Jeff was accompanied by long-time friend, Richard Shacher, piano, and David Shaich, bass.
The after-party was held at Jeff’s home, hosted by his partner, Andy Vitrone. Together they own both Wm. Nicholas and Willy Nick’s in Katonah. The food was terrific. We especially enjoyed the spiced steamed shrimp, asparagus-prosciutto spears, and the fresh fruit kabobs. The brownies were to-die-for, and it was all we could do to not walk about with pocketfuls of them. The party also served as a open house for their new Tiki Bar, tucked away in the lower level of their beautiful home.
Congratulations, Jeff. We look forward to the next performance!