With only himself, his keyboard and backing tracks of drums, bass, and rhythm guitar, 12-year-old Port Jefferson student Matt Luca jammed out the classic rock anthem "Tom Sawyer" originally performed by Canadian rockers, Rush.
On March 1, Luca joined 30 other performers and crewmembers at the annual Port Jefferson Middle School Talent Show to benefit Port Jefferson-based non profit Friends of Karen. According to a statement released by the school, the organization "works to provide emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with a life-threatening illness and their families in order to help keep them stable, functioning and able to cope."
“When I started the show eight years ago, a colleague recommended sending the proceeds to Friends, and we have worked together ever since,” English teacher Allison Giannusa is quoted as saying in the statement.
This year, the show raised $1,300 from admission and raffle ticket sales. The school said that the show has raised over $10,000 for the organization since it started.
On the YouTube page where this video appears, it says that Luca "performed all the keyboard parts (synth pads, Moog strings and leads, Oberheim bass pedals, and Prophet solo) along with the vocals live."
At 12, Luca's tastes range from new to older stuff, influenced by both his father and older brother who, according to his father, has "no affinity for the classics."
"So, Matt has the choice," the elder Luca said in an email to Patch. "I guess he goes with the stuff he feels works for him as a player."
Luca also performed "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder on Friday night. Last year, he performed "Pressure" by Billy Joel on his keyboard.
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