Night of 1,000 Stars showcased talented Taos youth
ARRIVING 15 MINUTES BEFORE
the start of the Saturday evening performance of Night of 1,000 Stars, I found myself driving to the far reaches of the TCA parking lot to find an open space. Walking into the performing arts center, the venue was already buzzing with packed house energy.
The curtain opened on the 16th annual performance showcasing Taos’ young and fledging talent, with young Emma Atkinson sitting at the TCA’s large, black grand piano. As she began to perform, “On and On,” it occurred to me that the last time I saw a performer play that piano while sitting on the cushioned bench was music legend Judy Collins. It was easy to see the young Collins in Atkinson, and vice versa.
The show consisted of two acts with a brief intermission. After her initial welcome, Night of 1,000 Stars Director Cindy Freeman-Valerio was, for the most part, able to sit and enjoy the performance — her months of dedication fully evident as the young performers took ownership of the show. They alternated introducing the performers and added personal anecdotes — letting the audience learn more about why a certain song was chosen, a dedication to a loved one, and in one case, that a solemn monologue taken from “Our Town,” is a challenge for Anastacia Santistevan to perform, “because she’s so happy and bubbly.”
The introductions and personal commentary helped remind us that we were watching adolescents and young teens perform, because when they took to the stage, it was easy to forget just how young they were. Taos resident Leigh Gusterson, who attended the 16th annual event for the first time, commented on the young talent, “You can see the adult emerging in front of your eyes.”
With a stage full of stars, the onstage hosts and backstage crew were stars in their own right. In an increasingly divisive and competitive world, camaraderie and community took center stage. Before introducing the next performer,
the hosts complimented the previous performance — that is, after the applause died down. And there was a lot of applause.
Freeman-Valerio commented on the camaraderie she has instilled (but would never accept credit for), “It was incredible to see these young people shine. I am amazed and inspired by what they can do on and off stage. It’s a United Nations of smart, talented, kind, compassionate people working together.”
Host and performer Jimena Ballesteros, whose rendition of Lily Goodman’s, “Una Vida,” which she dedicated to her supportive mother, had the audience applauding mid-song, commented on the experience, “Hosting was fun and it was amazing to be able to mentor kids and teens who have never done a show like this. The whole experience has been enlightening and beautiful.”
Brooklyn Maestas, who had the Swifties in the audience singing along as she performed Taylor Swift’s “All Too
Well,” echoed Ballesteros’ experience. “This was my first ever time being a part of Night of 1,000 Stars and even seeing it. I truly think this experience is one I will never forget. I will definitely come back to host — it has been a magnificent learning opportunity,” Maestas said.
Life’s learning opportunities generally come with some bumps — after all, it is only when we step outside our comfort zones that learning takes place. Stepping onto a large stage with a packed audience takes courage. The young performer’s faces, as Gusterson noticed from the audience, conveyed the joy of achievement.
In the second act, Selen Duran, who sang “Burn,” learned how to overcome her nerves. “I felt pretty nervous and I was scared that I’d mess up. But I didn’t! I went out there and did my best.” The young performer recognized the support and team effort required for an event to succeed. “I think our whole cast and crew were amazing and we couldn’t have done the show without them.”
Night of 1,000 Stars culminated with the talented and energetic Taos High School Mariachi Band, El Tigre, performing seven songs. Host Anastacia Santistevan, who also performed a monologue and a ballet, summed up the three-performance event. “When Night of 1,000 Stars ends it’s always bittersweet. You wait all year for it to happen and just like that it’s here and then it’s over. Everyone did such an amazing job this year.”
As I walked out of the TCA lobby filled with friends and family celebrating the successful event and into the dark evening, I smiled. Even the wind had begun to howl in approval.