The Kids from FAME reunited for an Italy benefit concert on Dec. 5, performing many of the songs of the 1980s.
Erica Gimpel, Lee Curreri, Carlos Imperato, Nia Peeples, Valerie Landsburg and others were all in attendance.
Back stage ready to go pic.twitter.com/AuTMXKaSyN
— Nia Peeples (@nia_peeples) December 5, 2015
MMA Crossfire Vault: Kids from FAME reunite for Italy show
MMA Crossfire Vault: Erica Gimpel talks love, life and loss
MMA Crossfire Vault: A conversation with Erica Gimpel
The concert also produced some special moments.
Gimpel celebrated her mother’s 80th birthday by bringing her up on stage and serenading her with a song called Love Stays.
Surprising my mother with my song LOVE STAYS in honor of her 80th birthday… Dreams do come true. So grateful! pic.twitter.com/NygoW60Juz
— Erica Gimpel (@ericagimpel) December 8, 2015
“I asked Carlo Imperato to help me with this surprise, he went into the audience and brought her up on the stage and then I sang to her,” Gimpel said on her Facebook page. “It was the greatest gift I could give. Truly celebrating how our relationship has evolved and grown over the years into one of deep profound love and friendship… She is my mother and my friend. To be in Italy together and to surprise her in this way was an incredible gift. A moment we will remember forever!”
Courtesy Gian Piero Villa.
There was a tribute number to deceased member Gene Anthony Ray, even a duet between two generations of FAME leads.
A beautiful moment with Nia Peeples @nia_peeples sharing in the music… true joy! pic.twitter.com/P0Yy5s6s4k
— Erica Gimpel (@ericagimpel) December 8, 2015
Such a great group shot and amazing night with the whole cast #fame #famereunion https://t.co/vLO7KjSAot pic.twitter.com/H3KL9Eb6ME
— Nia Peeples (@nia_peeples) December 8, 2015
Proceeds from the concert went to the children’s charity Ger Onlus.
Courtesy Gian Piero Villa.
Their numbers may not be as visible as other groups, but it’s clear there is still a loyal FAME following.
“As we sang together performing the old songs and new ones realizations began to emerge,” Gimpel said. “It became clear that as we mature we have the incredible opportunity of becoming more grounded in who we truly are. I began seeing everyone with new eyes while also acknowledging our profound shared connection of being a part of the Fame Series and understanding its lasting impact on people to this very day.”
More footage from the concert and pre-amble can be seen on The Kids from FAME Facebook Media page.
@nia_peeples I love this one! pic.twitter.com/xmgK8pQm68
— cristy71 (@Cristy_1971) December 7, 2015
Photos courtesy Danila Corgnati.
