There weren't any judges critiquing the 17 brave souls who performed inside the social hall of the Los Gatos United Methodist Church, nor were there any agents jumping in to sign the singers to recording contracts. But there was definitely a whole lot of energy in the air.

"The turnout was awesome," says Debbie Kranefuss, director of the Live Oak Senior Nutrition and Service Center, who helped organize the event with Linda Gallo, the town's senior coordinator. "The seniors really got into it—not only the performers, but the audience as well. We're hoping it will gain even more steam in the future."

First to rock the stage and blow audiences away with his Luciano Pavoratti-like voice and dramatic hand gestures was Santa Cruz resident Myron Kropp, singing "Once Upon a Time" from the musical All American.

"I chose this song because it has a lot of meaning," says the 68-year-old. "It's a song about being young and able."

Kropp, who calls himself a late beginner, took on his new singing hobby in 1995 after his vision started failing him. He was an active choir member in high school and played the clarinet in college. Although he had a love for music, he decided to put his passion on hold to pursue a career in teaching.

"In this type of field, you gotta be either No. 1, 2 or 3," he says. "I didn't think I could rank that high, so I settled for being a teacher."

Kropp, who is legally blind, adds that the show serves a purpose other than having fun.

For him, it proves that although he has a handicap, he can still do things he once loved.

That's the same mentality that Monte Sereno resident June Thatcher had when she took control of the microphone with karaoke duet partner Kranefuss. Together, the two—and several members of the audience—swayed their heads and hips to the gentle tunes of Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable." Kranefuss also performed a special dance number during the musical interlude.

Thatcher, 85 years young, says it's been almost 10 years since she last sang in front of a large crowd. Many years ago, as a young high school girl, she once sang for a radio station in Des Moines, Iowa. She also sang in a church choir.

"I guess I did so-so," smiles Thatcher, all dolled up in a skirt and a knitted sweater. "I didn't sing loud enough. I forgot I had the mic. I haven't done this in so long."

The show not only boasted singers, but a variety of talents. Kropp's wife, Anita, sizzled the audience with her sexy black outfit and two interpretive dances to jazz songs "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries" and "The Hot Honey Rag"; the nine-member Galliard Recorder Group fluted "Mood Indigo" and "Calon Lan"; and comedienne Adrienne Juliano from Mountain View did her Martha Stewart impressions.

"All of the performers were fabulous," says Kranefuss, who originally was trying to get a choral group going. "The show is a different venue for seniors who want to interact with the community. It allows the seniors to let their true selves shine. A lot of these seniors have some real talent that needs to be let out. But most importantly, it's something fun for them to do."