Glade’s Henderson wows Florida crowds
Karaoke King’s voice electrifies audience over three-day performance
By ROBBI WEAVER
For The Vista
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — “Wow! What a voice!”
That is what the crowds were saying at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County after hearing Fairfield Glade resident Terry Henderson sing.
Henderson performed three nights — February 7, 8 and 9 — in a benefit for children’s charities of Punta Gorda (Fla) Elks Lodge #2606.
“Memories and Dreams” was the theme of the musical program in which Henderson played a major role. The venue seats 500 and was sold out two of the three nights.
Henderson sang “My Girl”, “Endless Love” ( a duet with the show’s director, Michelle Kossel), “Duke of Earl”, and “Dance with My Father”.
Additional singers and dancers were volunteers from the Punta Gorda area.
Henderson, a native of Lima, Ohio, sang at the Punta Gorda Elks’ karaoke night in 2012 and was asked to return this year to perform at their fundraiser. Carol and Jerry Schahrer, Fairfield Glade residents who reside in Punta Gorda in the winter and are members of the Punta Gorda Elks, hosted Henderson at their home.
The Schahrers also held a dinner party for Fairfield Glade residents prior to the Feb. 9 performance. Glade “snowbirds” and others had either flown down for the occasion or were in the Sunshine State on vacation. They included: Marge Ford, Bev and Craig Robb, Carol and Charlie Fisher, Catherine and George Falconer, Jo Ellen and Denny Nauman, Sue and Mark Carle, Chris and Mac McKinnerney, Robbi Weaver, Liz and Ron Cartwright, Norm and Judy Charest, Mike and Lynn Borre, Dick and Joyce Sessler, and new glade residents Frank and Ellen Montemarano.
The Falconers performed ballroom dance moves as background to many of the singers. An especially poignant moment was when they danced behind Henderson as he sang “Dance with My Father”. Several members of the audience were wiping tears as Henderson poured his heart into the song. In fact, Henderson received a standing ovation from the cast after performing the number.
Henderson is a painter and also holds night jobs as karaoke host at Red’s Ale House (Fridays), The Blind Zebra (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and Cannon’s (Saturdays).
“Terry ate lots of mussels, played tennis, attended parties, cruised Charlotte Harbor, sang karaoke at the Deep Creek and Punta Gorda Elks Club and made many new friends,” said one of the Glade residents that attended all the festivities. “We are proud of our “Voice” in the Glade. Congratulations to Terry on three incredible performances in Florida.”