The annual Xanadu / Collective Concert was a huge success, unequivocally expressing Xanadu’s mantra that Creation Is Activism. Musicians and poets act as activists when they come together to use their talents to make a difference. The special evening of entertainment, organized by Whitman’s award-winning online literary magazine, xanadulitmag.com, and the high school’s recording studio club, The Collective, provided a wonderful showcase for our school community’s numerous talented poets, vocalists, and musicians.

 

Xanadu founder, Walt Whitman English Teacher Joe Pipolo said, “These artists gather up supporters, sell tickets, tune their guitars and put on a wildly fluid night of fundraising and fun. This was another terrific piece of evidence that our community of poets and musicians matter.  The winter…this world …can be punishingly bleak and cold and cold-hearted. Nights like this matter. Creative activism fills these young human hearts.”

 

This year’s concert raised more than $3,000 for the high school’s arts and music program. The evening’s success is all thanks to the efforts of Xanadu performers, musicians from The Collective, and Walt Whitman’s National English Honor Society members. The Collective, Whitman's Recording Studio Club, is a unique school program that showcases the extraordinary talents of our student musicians and songwriters, representing the creative and artistic spirit of the South Huntington community. It gives our students an outlet to practice their craft in songwriting, recording and sound engineering. 

 

Chairperson of Music, Art and Dance and The Collective advisor Matt Hoffman, and co-advisor Vito Monti, would like to thank Mr. Pipolo, for being the “backbone and grit behind all of the beauty, soul and artistic expression” that encompasses this event each year and for contributing to the recording studio’s growth. Each year, a large portion of Xanadu ticket sales help to support the Whitman recording studio program. 

 

This year we also extend a special thank you to Walt Whitman High School Class of 2011 alum Mallory Braun, owner of The Next Chapter bookstore in Huntington, for sponsoring this creative and collaborative event!

 

Xanadu students and advisor Joe Pipolo, and The Collective students, co-advised by Vito Monti and Matt Hoffman, delivered yet another stunning evening of student and faculty talent from Whitman. Thank you to our musicians and poets! 

 

Mr. Pipolo would like to thank the National English Honor Society and Honor Society President, Maeve Fallon, for the ticket sales and support.
Also, Matthew Hoffman, Vito Monti, Greg Modelewski, Joseph Vetack and David Rickmers for all the backstage and onstage support, and musical intelligence.
Thank you Jon Varlamos for bringing his voice and love. 
Thank you to Dean and the entire custodial staff for their help and patience. 

 

See more photos from this year’s event here.

Missed the show? Check back soon for a recording of this year’s concert!

 

Whitman’s students took the stage at the annual concert to show off their musical and creative talents. This year, the stage was sponsored by Huntington bookstore owner Mallory Braun from The Next Chapter.

 

 

A number of students took turns on stage between music acts to recite original poetry. 

 

 

High school faculty members, including Mr. Hoffman and assistant principal Mr. Varlamos, collaborated with student musicians for a few tunes. 

 

 

Crowd members added to the ambiance of the show as they lit up their phones during the evening performances. 

 

 

Thank you to everyone who came out in support of this always memorable evening of creation!