Milwaukee-based singer Armando el Ambiente returned to the Stein in early April for his trademark lively performance of powerful vocals and colorful stage lighting that transforms the atrium into a dance club. The children, adults and staff, joined by several of the adult clients and staff who traveled from the Bucyrus Campus, all danced, clapped, and swayed to the pulsing beats — no matter that they did not understand the Spanish words. Armando, holding a cordless microphone, often moved right out among the clients to dance with them.
Armando is among a diverse pool of local entertainers who perform for St. Ann Center’s intergenerational audiences. “Live music and entertainment do so much for our clients,” said Stein Activities Director Jamie Parsley. “It offers a break from routine, and it brings energy and happiness. Whether it’s a familiar song or a new performance, it’s a way for them to engage, reminisce, and feel part of the community. It often brings out smiles, laughter, and even dancing!”
Recent entertainers at both campuses include musicians (from guitarists to accordion players to pianists to banjo players, impersonators and more), magicians, dance companies, theater troupes, therapy dogs, the Milwaukee Police Department mounted patrol unit, tumblers, and caricature artists.
Water Street Dance, for instance, performs monthly and is a favorite of staff and clients. “The leader, Morgan (‘Mo’ Williams), is so enthusiastic, with a big heart,” said Bucyrus Activities Director Kate McCartney. “He gets all the clients involved who want to be and we all end up dancing, even the staff.”
Live entertainment doesn’t just benefit the audience it brings community members in to learn about the campus – and generally provides them with an enthusiastic, attentive audience that the entertainers love. Armando is famous for extending his performances by “one more song! One more!”
St. Ann Center is always looking for new performers for both campuses. To learn more, call (414) 977-5097 (Stein), or (414) 210-2485 (Bucyrus).