Trini Lopez Honored by The Footlighters of South Florida
By Skip Sheffield
Former Boca Raton News City Editor Dale King now has his own
public relations firm. One of his clients is The Footlighters of South Florida;
a charitable organization of show business veterans. I was unable to make it to
the Footlighters Valentine’s Day special last Sunday at Seminole Hard Rock
Live, but Dale filed a report which I shall pass on.
Guitarist-singer Trini Lopez was presented with the Connie
Francis Lifetime Achievement Award, with Ms. Francis in attendance. Connie
Francis was the first to receive the award in 2014.
Lopez performed a short set; the highlight of which was his
version of “La Bamba,” which had the crowd on their feet, singing along. Among
Trini’s actor friends in the audience were Tony LoBianco (“French Connection”),
singer-actress Lainie Kazan and Gianni Russo (“The Godfather”).
Also honored was veteran talent agent Stanley Seidenberg,
who amazingly is in his 62nd year in show business in which he has
worked with such greats as ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Fats Domino and the
Supremes.
Others on the program were The Classics performing their
1963 hit “Til Then.” Rodi Alexander performed three numbers and was followed by
legendary South Florida comic Woody Woodbury, who is still working at age 92.
Ana Anello sang The Beatles’ “Something” with new lyrics
tailored to Trini Lopez.
Brett Wheeler, a vocalist discovered by Footlighters member
David Foster, wowed the crowd with “The Prayer.” Gianni Russo sang the theme
from “The Godfather,” in which he played Don Corleone’s son-in-law Carlo Rizzo.
The event was a fundraiser for the Footlighters Foundation
for Indigent Entertainers and Musicians. The group also raises scholarship
money for music students at Florida International University.
For more information on the Footlighters, call 561-632-2397
or e-mail Dale.king94@yahoo.com.
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