The Leica File: The Show Stopper(s)

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy-All Rights Reserved

Walking on lower Fifth Avenue a few days ago with traveler, gastronome extraordinaire and photographer Mervyn Leong, I came across The Show Stoppers performing at the First Presbyterian Church. Naturally, we sped towards them, and started photographing like a pair of demented paparazzi.

The Show Stoppers is a group of senior citizens who perform in more than 35 shows at more than a dozen locations around New York City each year. The all-volunteer group/band, which ranges in age from 60-95, rehearses at least once a week, and aims at lifting the spirits of older people. Their performing helps not just the audience, but the participants’ health as well. These are wonderful people who are an inspiration to others half their age.

Their repertoire consists of golden oldies (as they're sometimes called)...a combination of Gershwin and Cole Porter tunes, among others. I had seen them performing in the West Village, and if I recall correctly, the same woman in the photograph has sung Dame Vera Lynn's famous World War Two song "We'll Meet Again". This song is a superb classic, and is guaranteed to send shivers down the spines of any Brit.

Only in New York!

(For larger versions, go to The Leica File blog)