What a night it was! On July 24, 2025, on the stage at Temple Dor Dorim, the Weston Music Society presented “Summer Sounds”, and those sounds were magnificent. Toby Feuer, VP of Events, commented, “Thanks to the hard work of our WMS volunteers, our student volunteers, and a great response from the community, Summer Sounds was a spectacular hit this year. Thanks also to the support of community businesses, we were able to add many items as door prizes. This added more fun to the festivities.”
The program featured Chris Santiago and a trio from the South Florida Symphony Orchestra in a program from the American Songbook. Not only was Santiago a most melodious singer, he delighted everyone with his trumpet solos. The trio solos were equally superb, with Connor Rohrer on keyboard, Mike Ramos on bass and Lucas Apolstoleris on drums. Two highlights were “Bennie’s from Heaven”, a most humorous take on “Pennies from Heaven”, and the finale, Santiago’s outstanding rendition of the Ella Fitzgerald favorite, “Mr. Paganini”, which brought the audience to their feet in appreciation of an evening of really great music.
The Weston Platinum Circle Award in Recognition of Support for the Arts was awarded to Senator Nan Rich. Rich has always supported cultural activities in her roles as a Florida State Representative, a Florida State Senator, and now as a Broward Commissioner. As National President of the National Council of Jewish Women, she saw a program called HIPPY – Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters – aimed at helping provide a nurturing interest in preparing 2–4-year-olds for school through family involvement in reading, writing, coloring and much more. What an ideal way for youngsters to begin their education with an appreciation of culture. She served one year as Broward Mayor and is currently also Chair of the Area-Wide Council on Aging of Broward County, Chair of the Coordinating Council of Broward County, Council Member for the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, and Immediate Past Chair of the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition. In all her roles, she is passionate about what the Arts can do to enrich our lives and bring us together.
WMS President Lou Marett summed it all up perfectly. “The Weston Music Society is thrilled to be able to fulfill the dual function of providing fine musical entertainment as well as being able to honor one of the giants of our community.”
