The event will be held at 25th Street and Broadway and will be headlined by Luigi and Arlette, a husband and wife singing duet who specialize in a wide range of music that includes pop, jazz, R&B, disco, and Italian and Latin tunes.
"This is a very exciting season for the Bayonne Town Center, and we are pleased to share it with the city of Bayonne," said Cathy Jakubowski, district manager for the Bayonne Town Center. "I am thrilled to announce that the extremely popular singing act 'Luigi and Arlette' have been added to the exciting line-up at this year's opening event."
Luigi and Arlette have been pleasing audiences in Bayonne at Summer Sounds by the Bay for the past few years. They merge the elements of two very different cultures into one style that is a unique and high-quality performance that organizers say has impressed audiences - especially Arlette's vast vocal range. She was selected as the official singer for the New Jersey Devils and Nets sports teams and sings the National Anthem at all of their home games. Luigi and Arlette are expected to provide a truly international flavor as they serenade the guests of the Bayonne Town Center with holiday tunes.
Arlette was born and raised on the island of Trinidad and came to New York in 1993 to pursue her studies in chemistry at Long Island University in Brooklyn. In order to help pay for school, Arlette joined an Italian wedding band and began singing at parties, weddings, and clubs throughout New York.
Luigi was born and raised in Rome, Italy. He had been working as a musician and producer in Italy since he was 16, and he came to New York in 1994 to explore the opportunities available to him in the music business. He started working as a solo act in piano bars and restaurants in New York and New Jersey.
By 1995, Luigi was ready to expand, and he began searching for a female singer with whom to work. Arlette was introduced to him by the owner of one of the clubs where she sang regularly. One year later, they were married, and they have been working together ever since.
The Board of Directors for the Bayonne Town Center invites all Bayonne Residents and guests to join in the fun. "The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5 p.m., and we encourage the public to arrive on time so that they are able to enjoy the whole show, which also includes the wonderful school choirs of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Bayonne High School's 'Sweet Harmony' as well as an instrumental ensemble from Mary J Donahoe & Henry Harris grammar schools," Jakubowski said.
The board of the Bayonne Town Center also wants to remind city residents that special guest Santa Claus will be making his first appearance on Broadway for the 2004 holiday season. Santa will make his grand entrance on a Bayonne Fire Department fire engine. All children will be invited to tell Santa their dreams and receive a gift. "This year, the Bayonne Town Center is delighted to have the City of Bayonne as its partner for all the holiday festivities, and we look forward to seeing all Bayonne residents attend," said Jakubowski.
The tree lighting kicks off the holiday season for Bayonne Town Center, which will also host other events such as Holiday Horse and Buggy Rides on Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West 22nd Street and Delmonte Drive. On Dec. 7 at 4 p.m., Bayonne Town Center will feature a Festival of Lights/Menorah Lighting at the Bayonne Community Bank, 510 Broadway.
On Dec. 18, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., a breakfast with Santa is scheduled for the McDonald's at 25th and Broadway (registration is required).
For more information on the Bayonne Town Center's 2004 schedule of holiday events, please call (201) 339-9409.
Contact Al Sullivan at: asullivan@hudsonreporter.com
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