NCC Student to Perform at Hofstra Fundraiser

Story by Andrew Coen

A young singer/songwriter who attends classes at Nassau Community College in E. Garden City is lending her musical talent for a film scholarship fundraiser at Hofstra University this weekend.

Nineteen-year old Trish Torrales, who hails from Wantagh, was a finalist in the 2011 MSG Varsity Talent Show. She will be performing on a live streem at htvilive.com during the 12th annual Friends of Max Kolb Telethon at Hofstra.

The annual 90-minute show, which kicks off at 9 p.m. Sunday, raises money for a film scholarship in the name of Max Kolb, a film major at Hofstra who was tragically killed in 2001. 

Torrales has been active on the music scene since a young age. In addition to her success on the MSG Varsity Talent Show two years ago, she won the songwriting category for Rockville Centre’s Respect Life Contest with her song “Measure Of Love.” She also captured "Best Rising Star" at the Got Talent? Long Island competition held at Five Towns College in March 2012.

"I feel like it's my duty to really give back and raise money for great causes," said Torrales, a 2011 graduate of Kellenberg Memorial High School. "I am very excited to raise money for the telethon and grateful to take part in such an amazing fun event."

Torrales has recently been performing different genres of music all over Long Island, including singing alongside the The Como Brothers Band. She also has a musical group called Trish Torrales & The Premier, which consists of Will Ahrens on lead guitar, Rafe Tangorra on drums and Brian Watala on bass.

Prizes will be made available to those who donate during the May 5 telethon. For further information, click on the event's website.