As a transplant from Flint to Grand Rapids, I have always enjoyed our very vibrant art scene from day one. And while many changes and emergent styles have occurred within the arts over the last few decades, one area that has stood the test of time is the cabaret performer, and we have folks like Rick Santamaria to thank for that today.
Over the years, Santamaria, a very talented musical artist with infectious vocal chops, a rapid-fire wit, and impressive keyboard skills, has entertained us in a variety of venues and often with a stellar guest vocalist in tow.
His latest cabaret act, Kelly and Rick, is a musical partnership with Kelly Carey, an area songstress who also boasts an impressive voice and resume that has been known to bring the room to tears (and laughter) with her vocal skills. (I am still in awe of her work with Robby Reminga at the first and only Holly Jolly in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum.)
These two artists have played venues all over Grand Rapids and often during the summer months you will see them traveling to festive venues like the popular Show Bar at the Dunes Resort in Douglas.
On Sunday, Nov. 24, Rapid Growth invites you to come out and celebrate these two performing artists of our community on the occasion of their new CD, “
Kelly and Rick: By Request,” at downtown Grand Rapids’ the Apartment Lounge.
This special release party will feature both artists who will be previewing the CD, as well as autographing copies of this new CD for their many generations of fans.
Rick Santamaria and Kelly Carey represent a fine example of the talent that often flies below the radar in our city over the ages. I am still a fan after all these years of their talent and contribution to making Grand Rapids truly grand.
If this is your first time hearing of these two talented musicians in our city, then please come out to meet and support them at this special happy hour CD release celebration in a downtown bar where our LGBTQ+ community has flourished for decades.