The History of Motown

From left: Audience member, Librarian Kassundra Miller, Stephen Fuller, and Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Saturday, February 10, 2018, Pear Tree Enterprises presented “The History of Motown” featuring music by Stephen Fuller.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta gave a 45 minute talk on Berry Gordy’s Motown artists, followed by live music from Stephen Fuller (https://www.fullersounds.com/).

The audience sang along and danced to artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson.

To see when the next program is visit Pear Tree Enterprises at https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

To book this program for your school, library, or senior group, contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

 

 

“The Life and Music of Freddie Mercury”

Rob Fusari and Maryanne Christiano Mistretta (photos by Jayne DiGregorio)

Pear Tree’s Learn & Listen Series presented “The Life and Music of Freddie Mercury” (February 4, 2018) at Kinnelon Public Library, Kinnelon, New Jersey.

Maryanne, a Queen fan since the 1970s, began the presentation by talking about the life of Freddie Mercury, born in Zanzibar, an island on the East Coast of Africa; how he worked at the Kensington clothing market in England, and soon became a member of Queen; his life with Mary Austin and Jim Hutton; and his solo career.

Audience members were invited to share their memories of Queen.

Maryanne ended the “Learn” portion of the show by reciting the lyrics to the Queen song “Teo Torriatte” first in Japanese, then in English.

Then Maryanne made the audience clap to the tune of “We Will Rock You” to cheer Rob on to the stage.

Rob Fusari, three-time Grammy Award winning producer, put on an incredible performance, singing, playing keyboards, and guitar, and telling stories about each song. He performed “Radio Gaga,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Are the Champions,” and “The Great Pretender.”

Rob ended the show by encouraging the audience to sing the chorus of “We Are the Champions.” The energy in the room was electrifying! The audience wanted an encore, and several audience members cheered for an original, which he did.

It was a show many will never forget! Freddie Mercury would be proud.

Rob Fusari (photo by Jayne DiGregorio)

For more information on Rob Fusari, visit: https://www.robfusari.com/

For more information on Pear Tree Enterprises, visit: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

Charlie Fusari Recreates the Magic of Michael Jackson

Charlie Fusari

Charlie Fusari is a college student and a huge Michael Jackson fan. He expresses his admiration for Jackson through song; and truly recreates Jackson’s magic!

Tuesday, January 9, 2018, Charlie was a guest of Pear Tree Enterprises, and sang Jackson’s songs for the presentation, “The Life and Music of Michael Jackson” at the Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park, New Jersey.

Prior to the performance, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, presented a bio on Michael Jackson, giving the audience the opportunity to share their Michael Jackson memories and ask questions. During the lecture, Charlie wowed the audience doing Michael Jackson’s signature dance move, “The Moonwalk.”

Jackson songs performed by Charlie included: “I’ll Be There,” “Human Nature,” and “She’s Out of My Life.” Charlie ended the show belting out a heartfelt version of “Ben.”

When the show ended, the audience wanted an encore, so Charlie Fusari performed his original, “Trying to Find My Lane.”

During the performance, Charlie was assisted on keyboards by his uncle, Rob Fusari, who is a three-time Grammy Award winning producer.

Charlie Fusari and Rob Fusari

To hear Charlie Fusari’s music, both originals and covers, visit SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/charlie-fusari

And you can hear his single on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/trying-to-find-my-lane-single/1316307936

For more information on Pear Tree’s Learn & Listen series, visit: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

 

 

The Life & Music of Nat King Cole at Cliffside Park Library

Stephen Fuller and Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Maryanne Christiano Mistretta, of Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) and Stephen Fuller (http://www.fullersounds.com/) proudly presented “The Life and Music of Nat King Cole” at the Cliffside Park Library, Cliffside Park, New Jersey, on Sunday, May 7, 2017.

“Learn and Listen: The Life and Music of Nat King Cole” is a one-hour presentation, with Maryanne sharing the biography of prominent jazz legend, followed by a half hour of live music with the expressive, soul-stirring vocalist, Stephen Fuller as Nat King Cole! (http://www.fullersounds.com/)

Songs included: “Unforgettable,” “LOVE,” “Mona Lisa,” and much more.

This presentation is available to libraries, senior centers, assisted living facilities, Jewish Community Centers, etc.

For rates and availability, please contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: 908-276-1514 during business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

We look forward to sharing with you an “unforgettable” performance!

Pear Tree’s Learn & Listen Series Holiday Edition

Keith Beck and Maryanne Mistretta hanging out prior to performance

Tuesday, December 13, 2016, Pear Tree Enterprises (www.https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) presented the holiday edition of the Learn & Listen series at the Maywood Library, Maywood, New Jersey.

The holiday series featured the music of John Lennon and David Bowie, including their famous holiday songs “Merry Christmas/War is Over” (Lennon) and “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth” (Bowie).

Maryanne Mistretta spoke told the audience the “Behind the Music” stories about both songs; followed by live entertainment from Keith Beck (http://www.zigmanbird.com/)

The Learn & Listen series is an hour presentation; a half-hour biography on a famous entertainer, followed by live music. Pear Tree has the following artists: David Bowie, John Lennon, Johnny Cash, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Keith Beck

For pricing and availability, contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com 

Amani (Peace)

Meet Amani!

Amani means “peace” in Swahili. The group was formed to share the concept of peace through music, performing for people of all ages, races, and religious affiliations.

The core group includes veteran musicians: Marty Eigen: sax and flute; Fred Fischer: keyboards; and Stephen Fuller:vocals. In addition, Amani has a pool of talented musicians that can be added as needed.

Amani performs hits from a variety of genres including The Great American Songbook, Gospel, R&B, jazz, Bossa nova, and Broadway. The extensive repertoire can be tailored into a program that will make your event a joy for all who are lucky enough to have the experience of hearing the group.

Their repertoire includes the following favorites:

Fly Me to the Moon – F. Sinatra

Kansas City – W. Harrison

Fields of Gold – Sting

Volcano – J. Buffet

Stand By Me – B. E. King

Can’t Help Falling in Love – E. Presley

Old Man River – Show Boat

Waiting in Vain – B. Marley

AMANI is available* to perform at libraries, festivals, art centers, weddings, corporate events, bar and bat mitzvahs, restaurants, clubs, senior facilities, house parties, and all special occasions.

*Where wheelchair accessibility is available.

For pricing and availability contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at 908-276-1514

Pear Tree’s “Learn & Listen Series” Now Has Johnny Cash Tribute!

Hello, I’m Johnny Cash

Maryanne Christiano Mistretta, of Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) is proud to add a brand new program to the “Learn and Listen” series, available to libraries, senior centers, assisted living facilities, rotary clubs, Jewish Community Centers, etc.

Now on board with Pear Tree, Keith Beck brings his talent to the stage featuring the music of Johnny Cash. 

“Learn and Listen: The Life and Music of Johnny Cash” is a one-hour presentations, with Maryanne Mistretta sharing the biography of the the artists, followed by a half hour of acoustic music, featuring Keith Beck (http://www.zigmanbird.com/music) performing the songs the legendary Johnny Cash made famous.

UPCOMING DATES!

Check out this amazing new addition to the Pear Tree “Learn & Listen” repertoire at The Boonton Library, 621 Main St., Boonton, New Jersey, on Friday, July 1, 2016, 6:30 p.m.

Thanks so much to Stephanie Gableman for having us back for the third time this summer!

Keith Beck performing earlier this year at Boonton Library

Don’t miss out on the fun! Book us today!

The “Learn & Listen” series features the following acts: Johnny Cash, David Bowie, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.

To find out more dates, please follow Pear Tree at:  https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

Pear Tree Enterprises is updated monthly — so mark your calendars! All events are FREE!

For rates and availability, please contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: 908-276-1514 during business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

“The Life and Music of Nat King Cole” (Learn and Listen Library Series)

Nat King Cole

Maryanne Christiano Mistretta, of Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) is proud to present the third of the new “Learn and Listen” series, available to libraries, senior centers, assisted living facilities, rotary clubs, Jewish Community Centers, etc.

“Learn and Listen: The Life and Music of Nat King Cole” is a one-hour presentation, with Maryanne sharing the biography of prominent jazz legend, followed by a half hour of live music with the expressive, soul-stirring vocalist, Stephen Fuller as Nat King Cole! (http://www.fullersounds.com/)

For rates and availability, please contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: 908-276-1514 during business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

We look forward to sharing with you an “unforgettable” performance!