When Diana Arlt hits the stage, a distinct voice reaches out to the audience.
Arlt, the director of Showcase of Talent, decided to hold a memorial show for Karen Carpenter as a means of honoring a vocal icon who is beloved by many in The Villages.
“She was charted as having the most perfect voice,” said Arlt, of the Village Santiago. “Now, years after her death, she is so much more loved, and we use the show as a tribute to remember her. I just enjoy her music.”
Arlt had previously held a tribute event, which was enthusiastically welcomed by Villagers who remembered her songs fondly. The tribute event was put on pause when the epidemic began, but Arlt is now seeking for a chance to present it again while also adding new talent.
“I have always loved her music, and when I take to the stage singing her music, I just feel like I’m in heaven,” Arlt said. “I love looking at the audience and seeing just how many remember her music by watching them sing along.”
When the news broke in 1983, Arlt was sad because she had lost the voice of someone she adored.
“I just couldn’t believe she was gone,” she said. “So now, when I perform her music, I just hope I am doing her justice.”
Linda Succi, of the Village of Calumet Grove, has previously attended the Tribute to Karen Carpenter performance.
“When Diana gets up on stage, she does amazing,” Succi said. “Her song selections told a beautiful story about the music of Karen Carpenter, and it brought back wonderful memories.”
Succi stated that being in the crowd during the event caused her to ponder Carpenter’s life.
“She was truly gifted,” she said. “She had a wonderful three-octave vocal range, and her music was touching.”
Arlt stated that Showcase of Talent was created to highlight the talents of Villagers who many may have been aware of but may not know much about.
“Mark Steven Schmidt approached me and asked if he could sing during the show,” she said. “I told him to wait and see the show first. After the show, he approached me again saying he was glad I made him wait and changed his song lineup to be something that amazed the crowd.”
