COLUMBUS, Ind. — One thing seemed apparent the moment Columbus North High School sophomore Kate London finished a nearly dead-on perfect rendition of Shocking Blue’s 1969 hit “Venus” Thursday before about 900 people at Judson Erne Auditorium. As the song says, she’s got it. Yeah, baby, she’s got it — that vocal gift, stage presence, and this-is-my-moment sensibility that makes the annual American Pie: The Magical History Tour such a unique experience to rock your world.
The scene also decidedly demonstrated that the full band, pop-rock concert that now-retired teacher Ed Niespodziani launched in 1985 to better interest students in history is still creating a chorus with a whole new generation. Because London’s singing father, Tony, was a part of the inaugural American Pie performers.
Also, in 2016, North student Nathan Patton, son of Niespodziani’s original drummer, performed. But London acknowledged that her singing was better in Wednesday’s dress rehearsal — a time when some students were playfully bowing low in homage to peers who had just nailed a classic tune.
“Actually, I think my voice is still a little hoarse from all the clapping and screaming for everyone yesterday,” London said.
This is to report that those in the venue might still be in that same boat this morning. Some of the veterans connected with the show that spans tunes from the 1950s to the 1990s, with historic events commentary in between courtesy of Karen Allen, mentioned that this group of performers in the 26-song set might have been among the best in years.
If nothing else, they demonstrated their commitment to be true to the artists they were representing.
For example, North student Austin Clark, singing the 1976 EltonJohn/Kiki Dee hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with Alaney Parker, sported Eltonesque oversized square glasses adorned with faux diamonds and a striped, electric blue suit that would have made the keyboard king proud.
“I got it all on Amazon,” Clark said of his prime wardrobe.
For the complete story and more photos, see Saturday’s Republic.
The American Pie Band and American Pie Horns perform with Frankie Polyak, Fisher Mantooth and Kingen Burbrink as they sing the song If I can Dream by Elvis during the annual American Pie concert at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, April 28, 2023.
