YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown duo of Mary Jo Maluso and Rick Blackson last year brightened a range of events with their New York-style piano and vocals music.
In the spring, the two performed for special events at The Grand Resort in Howland, Squaw Creek Country Club in Vienna, and Emmanuel Community Care Center in Girard.
A summer of private parties was followed by a fall schedule that ranged from a sold-out Supper Club Saturday show at Leo’s Ristorante in Howland, to appearances at the grand opening of Boscov’s in Bridgeville, W.Va.
In the fall, the duo joined Maureen Collins of Easy Street Productions in “Close to You,” a cabaret at the DeYor Performing Arts Center that paid tribute to the music of The Carpenters. Both nights of the show were sold out, and “Close to You” will be reprised Feb. 16 and 17.
In November, the duo took part in Easy Street’s “Gotta Dance!” revue from Broadway shows.
The duo performed at the downtown Youngstown DoubleTree Hotel during the city’s holiday parade, at Youngstown Country Club’s holiday kickoff, and at private parties.