Swingin’ into Spring, a benefit concert for San Miguel Program, was an incredible night of music. Frank Shiner was the driving force behind the production, which took place on Saturday, May 14th at the newly renovated Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. The 22-piece Orchestra 914, conducted by incomparable Russell Gerr, and three fantastic backup singers, accompanied Frank and filled with theatre with music, song, and energy that had everyone in the sold-out crowd tapping their toes and occasionally dancing in the aisles! The audience was treated to a surprise performance by Frank’s daughter Lindsay Shiner, who also did a duet with her father, reminiscent of the golden age of Big Band.
The highlight of the evening for San Miguel Program was when the San Miguel Academy choir joined Frank Shiner on stage. After singing ‘That’s Life’ with Frank, the choir performed a medley featuring Lean on Me, which brought the house down. Having rehearsed for months with Choir Director Ralph M’Vore, the choir–dubbed ‘The Miracles’ by Frank for their transformation from barely audible to bold and confident singers–received a standing ovation.
Frank Shiner is a successful businessman turned entertainer whose company, Frank Shiner Music, covered the cost of the entire concert with one hundred percent of the ticket price going to San Miguel Program. “It was a magical night,” said Executive Director Father Mark Connell. “The performance was electric with the talent of Frank, his daughter Lindsay, Orchestra 914, and our students. The audience was happy — singing and dancing and just feeling alive. We are so grateful to Frank and his family for embracing our school, our students, and making an enormous difference in their lives through music and this concert.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Swingin’ into Spring. It truly was a magical night at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center!
