Memories of The Copa

Bayside resident Terri Stevens Norbeck happily shared some of her memories and photographs with author Kristin Baggelaar to contribute to the recently published book “Images of America: The Copacabana.”
In 1948, Norbeck auditioned to be a singer at The Copacabana, and performed as a production singer at the famous club in 1948, 1949 and 1950. Baggelaar learned about Norbeck through the charity, Society of Singers, which is receiving part of the proceeds of the book.
Baggelaar, who is also the author of “Folk Music: More Than a Song” and “The Folk Music Encyclopedia,” said that the history of The Copacabana has been a long-time interest of hers, especially since she grew up with the music. In doing her research for the book, which was published in December by Arcadia, Baggelaar said that she decided to tell the stories through photographs.
The photos that Norbeck, a former Ms. New York Senior America winner who is still active with the organization, contributed to the book provided a behind-the-scenes look at The Copacabana, which has rarely been seen.
“It was very exciting,” Norbeck said of her years at The Copacabana. “It was a very glamorous time for people to be living.”
Baggelaar and Norbeck will be at the Barnes & Noble in the Bay Terrace shopping center on Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m. for a book signing.
“The Copacabana is just so unique,” Baggelaar said. “There wasn’t anything like it before The Copacabana and there hasn’t been anything like it since. I was very intrigued as to why it would be this club that caught on more so than any other.”
For more information on “Images of America: The Copacabana,” visit www.arcadiapublishing.com. The book can also be purchased through numerous booksellers such as www.amazon.com.