FINDING CHRISTMAS CD AVAILABLE!
We hope this message finds you well and still enjoying the warmth and joy of the 2023 Finding Christmas, Naughty Versus Nice Benefit for Building On Love. Your presence at this special event not only added to the magic of the evening but also played an important role in supporting families in need during this Holiday Season and throughout the year.
As you reflect on the wonderful memories created that night, we are excited to offer you an opportunity to keep a piece of the magic with you. We have created a commemorative album featuring the Peak Music performers from the evening. This album is not just a memento of a delightful evening but also a way to continue your invaluable support for Building On Love. The album can be purchased as a CD or streaming code so you can digitally download the music.
By purchasing this album for $20, you are extending your hand further to families who rely on our assistance. Your support is a testament to the power of community and compassion. You can purchase either format here: https://www.peakmusicstudios.
We are also offering bulk discounts so you can give the gift of music this holiday season. Please contact Crystal Moore at Peak Music to obtain the bulk discount 518-727-3401 (voice or text) or [email protected].
Thank you once again for being part of our journey. Together, we are building more than just love; we are crafting a legacy of kindness and generosity.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
Jeff Yule
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL EVENT PROGRAM
We have created a digital event program for the 2023 Finding Christmas event which can be found by clicking here! Here, you will find the event program, bios on our performers and more! Check it out prior to the show on your phone so it is ready to go once you are in your seats!
Building on Love, Inc. and Peak Music Studios will host “Finding Christmas” a holiday themed extravaganza on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 2:00pm at the historic Palace Theatre in Albany, NY.
This event will celebrate local musicians, singers and artists including Angelina Valente and features the talented performers of Peak Music Studios including Derek Defreest, Julia Wojcik and many more. The event will be hosted by Greg Aidala and will include special performances by the School of the Albany Berkshire Ballet and The World of Dance.
The dynamic duo of Crystal and Jeff Moore, the co-owners of Peak Music Studios have been hard at work producing an event to celebrate the enchanting mystery of the holiday season with ‘Finding Christmas: Naughty or Nice?’ where the magical journey to discover the true spirit of Christmas unfolds! Join our hosts as they traverse through melodic whimsical winter wonderlands, explore heartwarming stories of love and forgiveness, and perhaps even encounter a mischievous elf or two, revealing whether the magic of Christmas chooses to reward the naughty or the nice.
Ticket prices are $27 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Honorary committee tickets are available for $65 each and the price includes an event CD and an invitation to a post event reception with the cast.
Tickets are onsale now at the Palace Theatre and online via https://www.palacealbany.org
This event will benefit Building on Love’s Family Grant Program which provides funding to individuals/families facing a recent life-altering medical diagnosis. The program funds essential non-medical living expenses to approved grant recipients.
Thank You to our Generous Sponsors
Meet our Partners
The School of the Albany Berkshire Ballet offers exceptional dance training for recreational and pre-professional students of all ages in ballet, pointe, and modern. The school is located at 25 Monroe Street, Suite #210. Albany, New York. 12210 and can be found online at: by clicking here.
Located at 1995 Central Avenue, Albany, NY, 12205, World of Dance offers tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, ballet, technique in all genres, core class, musical theater and now acro. Classes start with students as young as 1 1/2 and go to adults. Dancer’s range from beginner to competitive levels. They pride themselves on having the best staff around. They know how to give positive criticism and how to get the best out of every student. They are passionate and talented. They can’t wait to work with your children. Find them online by clicking here.
Meet our Performers
Angelina Valente
Building on Love and Peak Music Studioes are excited to announce that Angelina Valente will be performing at Finding Christmas on December 10 at the Palace Theatre.
Angelina is a gifted singer, songwriter and musician who has garnered significant acclaim including this article in the Schenectady Gazette https://tinyurl.com/2cc6922n
Angelina recently released her latest album titled “Sing” which can be found here: https://angelinavalente.hearnow.com/
Jennifer Seguin
Jenn is a native of Troy, NY and has always loved singing and performing. As a student, she was active in theater and Glee Club. She was also a member of the Dorothy Welch Choir in Mechanicville for several years.
Having experienced medical challenges with her own family, she appreciates Building on Love’s mission. Jenn shared, “They take the financial stress off of these families which allows them to breathe easier and focus on their loved one, where their focus should be”.
Ms Bunny
With a fresh and unique approach to music, Ms. Bunny adds a touch of authenticity to anything she touches. Her distinct style complements the other artists in any collaboration, contributing to the track’s unique sound. Ms Bunny is excited to sing and shine in front of an audience from her hometown!
“I absolutely Love Christmas it is my favorite time of year, and I am honored to be apart of such an amazing event with Peak Music to benefit Building on Love.”
Derick Defreest
Derick is 16 years old and has been singing since he was five. Over the last 11 years Derick has won multiple awards as an Elvis Tribute Artist. A talented singer, musician, and artist, he loves music and has a wide variety of Tributes he likes to perform including KISS & Bon Jovi.
Tegan Mann
9-year-old Tegan loves to perform and show her personality on stage. She is most comfortable when she is performing. She has loved to sing since before she could form words. The Palace is particularly special because she gets to be on stage in a setting similar to her favorite place – Broadway.
Allision Ferracane
Allie is 12-year-old girl who loves Broadway musicals, theater and performing on stage. Her favorite songs to perform are the Star-Spangled Banner and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. She shared that Building on Love is special because it brings community members together to support local families in need.
Crystal Dea Moore
Crystal is co-owner of Peak Music Studios, and is a vocalist, bassist, and guitarist. She got her first recording contract at four years old when her grandmother recorded her singing gospel songs into an old school tape recorder. Crystal believes that singing together is one of the best ways to connect and unite people, and that everyone should sing together every chance they get. One of her passions is teaching youth singers in the studio and experiencing the joy and enthusiasm they bring to her life. Crystal also writes and performs music with her most important passion, Jeff, her husband.
Jeff Moore
Step into the sonic world of a Jeff Moore whose strings sing stories — a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose musical journey began at the age of five. Educated at the Berklee College of Music and armed with a Master of Science from Regis University, he has mastered the fretboard alongside global guitar legends and is as much a scholar as a melody maker. Certified in diverse vocal techniques, he has a knack for nurturing the raw, unique talents of motivated guitar, voice, and songwriting students. His latest passion is transcending the norms of music and dance with songs written for ballet. Not only is he a promoter of the arts and a teacher of voice and guitar, he is also on the cusp of publishing a book, along with his wife and partner, Crystal Moore, addressing the most pressing voice questions asked by aspiring singers. Jeff’s firm belief is that everyone has a unique musical voice that should be honed, cultivated, and used often.
Sunny Le
My name is Sunny Le. My love for singing has always been present, even prior to lessons with Peak Music. From car rides to hot showers, and even while brushing my teeth – I’m always singing and/or listening to music. I’m a huge fan of genres such as R&B, Soul, and Pop. A few of my vocal inspirations are Usher, John Legend, and Bruno Mars.
I’m a Process Safety engineer for Haleon, a local factory that manufactures Sensodyne toothpaste! When I am not working or singing, I’m either enjoying a round of golf or at home trying out new recipes for dinner.
I’m excited to have an opportunity to help raise awareness for Building on Love, their mission and purpose is powerful and hits close to home.
Zoe Veino
Zoe just turned 11 years old. Zoe loves penguins, her friends and family, crafting, and performing. She has been singing for fun since she was a toddler, but her first stage performance was in her Kindergarten play as the starring role of the cow in “E-I-E-I-Oops!”
Zoe loves to perform because she loves to use her talent to bring a smile to other people’s faces.
Zoe really cares about helping others and is excited that the upcoming performance at the Palace will be her biggest stage performance with the biggest chance to make a difference in the community with Building on Love.
Aubreigh Premeaux
Aubreigh, also known as Aubs, is 7 years old. This is her first year with Peak Music!
She is learning that performing really is what seems to make her the happiest! Besides singing and dancing, Aubs other favorite things to do include arts and crafts, gymnastics, and spending time with her family, especially her cousins. Oh, and we cannot forget the frequent trips to her local candy shop, she is a regular there.
Aubreigh is excited to sing some Christmas classics at The Palace and is very thankful for the opportunity and warm welcome from her Peak Music family.
Camtron5000
Camtron5000, a rapper from Albany NY, has been creating alternative hip-hop music since 2016. Making music that he hopes will break the stereotypes of what it means to be a rapper, Camtron5000 channels a dynamic yet playful energy with his skilled lyricism. Sporting a logo crafted from his own gapped smile, Camtron5000 is a musical personality unlike any other.
Camtron5000 is well known on the music scene. Recent performances include Albany’s Alive at Five concert series opening for hip-hop legend Rakim, the Palace Theatre opening for their annual Rocky Horror Picture Show event, and the second annual Nipperfest hosted by Nippertown. As well as notable local venues including Empire Underground, Fuze Box, Cap Rep Theatre, Savoy Taproom, The Hollow, Albany Distilling Co, Lost and Found and more.
Camtron5000 shared, “As a rapper, performing to support Building on Love not only gives me the valuable chance to showcase my talent but also allows me to contribute to a cause dedicated to providing amazing help to those who truly need it. Getting to be involved during the holiday season adds a special touch, emphasizing the spirit of giving and community upliftment here in my hometown. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this wonderful event!”
Ryleigh Goss
Ryleigh has always enjoyed performing. Her first stage performance was as a dancer at 3, theater at 6 and singing all along the way.
At 9, Ryleigh loves to sing because it gives her the chance to express different emotions. Ryleigh has performed in 9 different musical theater productions the latest being Matilda in Matilda the Musical at SLOC.
Ryleigh is excited to be a part of this event because she can use her voice to help raise money for families in emergency situations.
George Krakat
George is a singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Albany, New York, USA. He performs regularly as a solo artist on the New York Capital Region music circuit.
George’s musical influences include classic rock, folk and country. He draws from personal experiences combined with imagination to write songs that tell heartfelt stories of life, from love’s joy to loss and relationships.
In 2020, George released two albums including his debut studio album “Truth & Dreams” and “George Krakat Solo Acoustic from Cohoes Music Hall”. In 2021, George released Rick’s Picks, Live from Caffe Lena.
In addition to his performing, George is a custom acoustic guitar builder. He crafts boutique high-end instruments for his clients under the brand Krakat Guitar.
www.georgekrakat.com
Alex Hengsterman
Alex is a 19-year-old YouTuber, powerlifter, and singer. He is co-host of “Alex at the Movies,” a Siskel-and-Ebert style film review series, with NYC-based writer/director Mas Bouzidi.
A proud Special Olympics New York Athlete, Alex is a member of the ABC Spartans, the premier powerlifting team of SONY’s Capital Region.
When he isn’t lifting or talking about movies, he is working on covering songs from a wide variety of genres. He especially loves singing and collaborating with his friends at Peak Performance.
Alex lives in Clifton Park with his parents, Stacey and Rick, his brother Jackson, and his sister Lauren. He has a dog Bouré, who he adores, and a cat, Luna, who he tolerates.
Maeve Murphy
Maeve is a fun loving student who attends St Mary’s School in Ballston Spa, NY and enjoys playing basketball, learning to play the Saxaphone and singing. Maeve will be turning 10 on Christmas Eve and is very proud to be a member of Peak Music. Maeve’s service heart and personal experience with her best friend Olivia’s diagnosis of cancer at age 3 gives her a deeper understanding of the importance of supporting families who have experienced a serious medical diagnosis.
Alex Hunter
Alex Hunter is from Averill Park, he is 13, in the 7th grade. Since the age of 3, Alex has shown a great interest in the piano. He has a wide range of musical interest.
Alex is a self-taught pianist, playing by ear and memory. He enjoys the works of brilliant composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Bach and more. He has been able to play for all audiences and thoroughly enjoys the opportunities given to him. He is excited for this opportunity to play The Palace in support of Building on Love and Peak Music.
Alex will be performing in lobby prior to the show and during intermission.
Dave Wojcik
Dave, a talented guitarist from Troy, NY, has been mastering the strings for over two decades. With 23 years of experience, Dave has become a local icon, having played in two bands within the area. His recent accomplishment is a heartwarming rock rendition of “Silent Night,” which he arranged and performed alongside his daughter, Julia, showcasing not only his musical prowess but also the beautiful bond he shares with his family. Beyond the stage lights and guitar solos, Dave finds true joy in spending time with his daughters, fostering a love for music in them and often collaborating to create memorable tunes. His passion for music and family blend harmoniously, making him a unique figure in Troy’s vibrant music scene.
Julia Wojcik
10-year-old Julia loves to sing because it makes her happy. She loves singing for her family because it always makes them smile. She likes to write songs with her dad. In addition to her passion for singing, she has been taking Ballet for 7 years.
She is excited to sing at the Palace because she is going to be performing a song she and her dad worked on. She loves being on stage with all her friends from Peak Music!
Miranda Carr
Miranda is a 14-year-old freshman at Shaker High School. Miranda has always loved performing on stage and says it is a dream come true to perform at the Palace.
Her favorite artist is Ariana Grande and hopes to have a career in music when she grows up.
Lille Mulford
Lillie is 12 years old and loves to sing. Singing has come naturally to Lillie since she could talk.
Lillie shared with us that, “The performance at the Palace is special by spreading Christmas cheer for families in need. Building on Love is a very special organization and I’m happy to have been a part of this the last two years.”
Cora Fredette
Cora is 16-years-old and very excited to sing at the Palace Theatre. She loves to sing and always has, especially when doing musical theater. She loves being able to channel her emotions through singing. Addicted to musical theater since she could walk, Cora is fun and energetic, and the future is bright for her as a performer.
Introducing Russ Testo, a legend in the bodybuilding world, acclaimed as the ‘Physique Artist Extraordinaire.’ With routines that redefine excitement and entertainment, Russ has been a standout in the sport for over four decades. His journey began with a personal invitation from Arnold Schwarzenegger to perform at Mr. Olympia, an event that marked the start of his illustrious career. Since then, he’s dazzled audiences at three more Mr. Olympias, five Arnold Classic Expos, and numerous competitions across the globe. But Russ isn’t just about muscle and showmanship. His talents have graced prestigious venues across the globe. He’s also combined his passion with purpose, touring Hawaii with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and appearing on Fox News Channel’s ‘Fox & Friends.’ Featured in Sports Illustrated, Russ stands out as a natural bodybuilder, advocating for health without shortcuts. His philosophy? True strength comes naturally, a belief he’s shared at fundraisers, trade shows, and corporate events. Russ Testo is more than a bodybuilder; he’s an icon, inspiring audiences with his artistry and commitment to natural athleticism.
Eva Corbett
Eva’s first love is musical performance. She began entertaining at family gatherings until inevitably finding the stage, performing in talent shows and musicals. She sings to be happy and bring joy to others. Eva, age 12, is a second year vocal student at Peak Music Studios. She’s also involved in orchestra studying viola and earning an invitation to perform at NYSSMA.
Joyce Fitzgibbon
An accomplished, popular performer. Lead singer in rock bands, headliner in night clubs. Joyce enjoys performing in musicals and variety shows. Joyce possesses a wide vocal range and sings with great emotion. Joyce been recognized for her talent on numerous occasions. Joyce is excited to perform at the Palace Theatre and in support of Building on Love.
Lilly Jean Stone
Lilly Jean Stone is 11 years old. Lilly shared that, “singing has been my passion since I could talk. I am very excited to perform at the Palace Theatre and to be helping Building on Love. I am blessed to have my singing talent and to be able to use it to help others in need”.
The Forever Young Singers are a group of mature adults that sing contemporary music with their whole hearts! Their performances include songs such as Don’t Stop Believin’ and We are the Champions among others. The group has been together since April of 2022 and already have 12 performances under the belt! The group is sponsored by Highmark and Colonie Senior Services and is directed by Jeff and Crystal Moore. The Forever Young Singers are the warmup act for the show to get you in the mood for Christmas classics and other songs and dance.
Tom Szalowski
Tom’s biographer provided this bio… We think you will enjoy it.
Is he a man… A myth… A legend?
Nah but he’s definitely Tom.
A rock climber coach, axe throwing instructor, podcaster and singer… A true powerhouse of initiative and creativity… The true definition of human spirit.
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