AmericaFest To Feat. PCDA Kids’ Choir With Maximo Marcuso

Children and teenagers with special needs who are clients of Professional Child Development Associates (PCDA) will join Tenor Maximo Marcuso to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” at AmericaFest presented by Honda on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at the Rose Bowl.

PCDA’s newly formed choir of approximately 15 children ages 6 to 14 have been rehearsing for the performance under the direction of music therapist Sarah Badano, MT-BC. According to Sarah, “For some of our clients, performing is a way to express themselves and share their passion with others. The opportunity to perform at the Rose Bowl is a once in a lifetime experience, and we are delighted that PCDA can facilitate our clients’ inclusion in this community celebration.”

Leading this special rendition of the Star Spangled Banner will be Maximo Marcuso, Tenor of the Americas, an accomplished and highly trained opera crossover singer, who has been honored by the California State Assembly and the California State Senate for his contributions to the arts and education. Recently, Maximo performed the national anthem for the Pasadena Symphony and Pops’ “A Night at the Oscars” concert, was soloist for “The South Nevada Symphony” “Voices of Glory,” and was also guest soloist for the Golden State Pops Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops Spectacular.” Maximo aims to be the new bridge for the next generation of music lovers to discover classical music and opera, and he has been a long-time supporter of PCDA’s work with children.

This year will be the 91^st annual AmericaFest Presented by Honda at the Rose Bowl. The event will begin with a Military Spouse Day of Pampering and Family Fun Fest in the afternoon, followed by a full evening of entertainment featuring a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Pathfinder’s Mission to Mars and live performances by the action-packed TNT Freestyle Motocross Show and the Liverpool Legends – The Complete Beatles Experience. The renowned extravaganza concludes with Southern California’s largest fireworks show. Maximo and the PCDA choir will perform at the start of the evening program at approximately 7:00 pm.

For almost twenty years, PCDA has improved the quality of life for children with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families. Using a play-based and family-oriented therapeutic approach, PCDA clinicians help over 1,000 children, teens and young adults annually reach developmental milestones, live more fulfilling lives, and enjoy warm and loving relationships.

“The joy of singing together is shared by all of these children. Our music therapists do an amazing job of helping each child to participate in this wonderful experience,” says Dr. Diane Cullinane, PCDA’s Executive Director. “We are so proud that PCDA’s clients can contribute to the AmericaFest celebration.”

For information about Maximo, visit maximomarcuso.com. For information about AmericaFest Presented by Honda, including tickets, visit www.rosebowlstadium.com/events. For more information about PCDA, vist http://www.pcdateam.org/.