‘Love Letters to Belvedere’ talent show to focus on city’s history

‘Love Letters to Belvedere’ talent-show performers include, from left, Patty Klein, Allan Lindskog, Police Chief Jason Wu, Peyton Stein, Dorene Curtis, Sandra Donnell, Sally Burr, Rosalind Colver, Nancy Kemnitzer, Patsy Couto, Noemie Marquie, Jordan Shlain, Adam Gavzer, Bryan Kemnitzer, Paige Peterson, Kevin Burke, Mac Couto, Judith Ward, Lia Ernst and Phoebe Putney. (Via Adam Gavzer)

The history of Belvedere will come alive this September, not in the form of an exhibit or a lecture but with a multimedia talent show featuring local singers, dancers and musicians.

The ensemble showcase, dubbed “Love Letters to Belvedere,” is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 3 in Belvedere Community Park. It’s free to attend and is being organized and directed by the city’s 2021 Citizen of the Year, Adam Gavzer.

Gavzer has been toying with the idea of organizing a talent show for years. The real-estate agent, who is married to Councilmember James Campbell, says he’s always had a passion for the arts. He studied acting at Emerson College in Boston and eventually moved to London to pursue the career before transitioning to real estate in 2004.

Gavzer held auditions in June, though he pledged to find a spot for anyone who wanted to participate. About 35 people are helping to create the show, which will feature 18 live performers, as well as pre-recorded videos of Belvedere residents sharing their thoughts about and letters to the city. Mel Owen, a longtime resident and member of the city’s Historic Preservation Committee, will play the harmonica, and the local Windsor Street Blues Band will perform as the show’s house band.

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