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The Bessette Family Trio will perform at The Conncert April 7 and 8. Left to right: Donna, Yvie and Andre Bessette. Courtesy photo.

WOODSTOCK — Andre and Donna Bessette along with their daughter Yvie are set to appear at the upcoming Broadway Live production of “The Conncert,” April 7 and April 8 at the Center for the Arts at Woodstock Academy. It is a fund-raiser for the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center in Putnam.
Tickets are $20 and are available at the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center in Putnam or on-line at www.theconncert.com
“The Conncert” is a special musical collaboration of 30 regional and local performers backed by a 16-piece orchestra performing music from Broadway, Jazz, Rock & Roll and Classical pieces for all ages.
The Bessettes are no strangers to the stage or singing in bands for great philanthropic causes. Donna has been making music for audiences both young and old all of her life. Growing up in New York she performed a variety of roles in musical theater productions with the Port Washington Play Troupe and the Harbor Theater Company as well as in productions at Connecticut College. She also performed and recorded with the professional women’s a capella group, Calamity Jane. Locally, she has been seen in a variety of Broadway Live Productions at the Bradley Playhouse, numerous events with VOICES, and a children’s performer. She is the lead female vocalist and keyboardist for the Pomfret-based band, nine6teen. Donna is currently the director of the Performing Arts Department at Rectory School.
Her husband Andre has performed in a cappella ensembles, rock groups, and numerous musicals and revues since the age of 15. His credits include the male lead in 1940s Radio Hour, the Courier in 1776, the American in Cabaret, Godspell, a host of VOICES benefit concerts, and a cameo as the “Middle-Aged Angel” in Grease at the Bradley. He is a founding member of Groovecamp Worldbeat Percussion Ensemble, the drummer and vocalist for nine6teen, and is an original member of Broadway Live’s…VOICES. By day, he is chief psychologist at DKH’s Child/Adolescent Behavioral Health and clinical supervisor at TEEG; and can be found competing in triathlons and other endurance events around New England. He is also actively involved in the Griffin Hockey Program both as a player and a coach.
Their daughter Yvie is a sophomore at Woodstock Academy and has been very active in the musical and chorus programs both at Woodstock as well as Rectory School where she played “Belle” in their 2016 production of “Beauty and The Beast.” Yvie has been dancing at The Putnam Dance Center for 12 years and has received recognition and awards at dance competitions throughout New England.
“Both Donna and Andre are incredibly talented vocalists and musicians,” said David T. Panteleakos, executive producer. “Over the past 18 years I have witnessed their talents and the growth of their family. It amazes me that they have maintained their established professional careers, raised three amazing children Nathalie, Yvie and Henri; and they still find the time to perform and collaborate for philanthropic causes.
We couldn’t be more proud and pleased that they are joining us for this exciting event.”