WASHINGTON, D.C.- Mr. Clemente played on this historic Grand Piano that the Steinway Family donated to the United States of America in 1938. The same year that Mr. Clemente was born. It was the 300,000th piano made by Steinway. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Rio arrived early so he could also take a tour of The White House. Here is standing under President Reagan's portrait. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Auxiliarist Rio Clemente's journey to the White House began 10 years ago. A personal friend, New Jersey Congressman Rodney Frelinghsen, recognized Rio's talents and patriotism and forwarded his personal renditions of patriotic songs to then President George W. Bush.

Rio thought, "Playing at the White House is a personal dream for me". Both of Rio's parents were immigrants and he felt what an honor that the son of immigrant would be able to play at the White House. Shortly thereafter, 911 occurred and the dream seemed out of reach.

Recently, Rio had the opportunity to represent Flotilla 10-10 Hackensack, NJ and perform at a Veterans Day celebration at The Inn at Bowman's Hill in New Hope, PA. "Any opportunity I have to perform for the vets and I'm there," Rio said.

This performance was recorded by his girlfriend, Ali Luthy, and it was posted on YouTube. A close friend and fellow musician, Amy Otey, saw the video and called her contact at the White House, Julie Raish. Amy then called Rio to tell him, "if you call this number, there is a chance you can play at the White House." Clemente laughed. "Even though we know each other for 20 years, she never knew of my dream to play at the White house". Two days later, Rio was confirmed and making plans to fulfill his lifelong dream.

On Thursday, December 21, Rio and Ali Luthy set out for Washington D.C. It took them five hours in a rain storm but nothing would keep him from his patriotic dream. Rio recounted, "It was exciting from the moment we left".

Rio, dressed in his Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform, played in the East Wing of the White House to visitors who had been waiting years to see it decorated during the Christmas season. It was an invitation only event. He played a selection of Christmas, as well as patriotic songs.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Mr. Clemente, the Bishop of Jazz, entertained visitors to The White House in the East Wing on December 22, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Ms. Luthy passed out his "Patriotic Songs" CD to visitors. When military personnel walked into the room he would play their branch song. A Naval Officer saluted him as he played and Rio saluted back without skipping a note!

He ended his performance with America the Beautiful and God Bless America. "It was such an honor to represent the Coast Guard Auxiliary, something I will never forget. My flotilla believed in me and never gave up and I never gave up. Dreams do come true." With a tear in his eye, Rio couldn't help thinking about his mom and dad, who have passed, and how proud they would have been.

 

 

~cc 04-27-12