NEPA Sings: Meet the Contestants

Marina Rinkunas, left, and Cody Wiley

It takes passion and determination to turn something you love to do into a career. Especially when it comes to music.

While Cody Wiley and Marina Rinkunas are at different points in their journey, they both have that same passion and determination.

Marina, 16, is making plans for her future in music. An eight year student at Northeastern Music Academy, and a three year musical theater performer, Marina has plans to pursue this love for the rest of her life.

“(Winning) would be a great achievement,” she said. “I feel like it could really kick off my career in music and theater since that is what I want to major in at college.”

And while winning is the goal, Marina is happy to be involved with NEPA Sings and CASA of Luzerne County and the mission to give a voice to children who need one.

“I think it is extremely important for today’s youth to be heard,” she said.

For Cody, 29, life revolves around music and family. Music has always been important, but more than 10 years ago, it transformed from a hobby to a passion. Thanks to determination and a second-hand guitar, Cody writes his own music and lyrics and plays all over Northeast PA.

He hopes that his involvement in NEPA Sings will allow the children that CASA serves to be able to follow their own dreams as well.

“It’s amazing to be part of this organization,” he said. “I hope that I can be a positive influence.”

Marina lives in Clarks Summit and attends Scranton Prep. According to her dad, Marina has been singing since she was able to talk.

Cody lives in Cressona with his fiancé and their two children, a five-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl. Cody is a self-taught musician and hopes to use his music to give his family “everything they deserve.”

To hear Cody and Marina on April 11, you can get your tickets online here, or by visiting the CASA office, the Greater Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce, or the Kirby Center for the Performing Arts at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston with cash or check.

For $25 your ticket gets you a one-hour cocktail reception with food and wine, and beer from SBC, along with performances from Cody, Marina, and nine other amazing performers. You’ll also have the opportunity to win a $250 gift card to Ruth’s Chris. Children 12 and under are FREE!

NEPA Sings: Meet the Contestants

Talia Johnson, left, and John Toussaint

“Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow till you find your dream”
 – The Sound of Music

As musical theater performers, Talia Johnson and John Toussaint seem to be taking that advice from The Sound of Music to heart.

Talia, 21, and John, 17, both found and nurtured their love of music on the musical theater stage.

“My middle school drama teacher, Holly Baker, inspired me to get involved with the magic of theater,” John said. “And from that time on, it’s been a part of me that I treasure.”

Talia got her start in music the same way, and has been performing for more than 13 years.

They both have also spoken so graciously about their involvement in NEPA Sings.

“I think it’s one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had,” John said. “These volunteers show kids every day that someone is there, that someone is their voice, and is helping guide them to be able to someday be confident using their own voice.”

John, who is competing in NEPA Sings for the second year in a row, is glad to be able to use his gifts to help others.

“I love that I can also use my voice to bring recognition, donations, and support to these children and hopefully bring some musical enjoyment to anyone involved in NEPA Sings.”

Talia’s desire to help children has extended beyond the stage and into her studies.  

“I am truly honored,” she said. “I am soon graduating college to become a clinical psychologist to help children. I want to make this impact on and off the stage. It is so important, especially in this day and age, to give children a voice for they truly are the future.”

Talia, who is from Nazareth and attending college at King’s, is influenced by Whitney Houston (which is what she’s singing at NEPA Sings!), and once performed in front of The Phillies’ Chase Utley at a Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs game.

John lives in Dallas and attends Dallas High School. As much as he’s an avid musician, he’s also an avid tennis player. His team was crowned district champions last year and he was also voted The Citizen’s Voice Boys Tennis Player of the Year for 2018.

Performances from Talia and John are certainly not to be missed at this year’s NEPA Sings. To hear them and our other finalists lift their voices for children in need, click here to get your tickets!

Tickets for the April 11 show are only $25 and include a one-hour cocktail reception before our singers take the stage. Children 12 and under are admitted for free! Tickets are also available at the CASA of Luzerne County office, the Greater Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce, and the Kirby Center for the Creative Arts at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston.