TOWN OF ULSTER—Christina Kokonis-Viggers typically shied away from putting on a show outside the confines of a theater.
Although the Leeds resident had performed classics at open-mic nights, the thought of singing spontaneously in an everyday setting made her nervous.
“I get quite nervous about doing an outburst in a random spot,” she said.
It was therefore out of character for her to pick up a microphone connected to a karaoke machine in a Town of Ulster store on October 20 and sing as if no one were watching.
But Kokonis-Viggers said she was glad she did. Her rendition of “Maybe This Time,” from the musical Cabaret, quickly drew broad attention and led to invitations from regional media.
She recalled initially doubting a friend’s prediction that the recording would travel far beyond the store. That changed when the number of viewers began climbing the same evening.
The response was meaningful to her not simply because of the attention, but because listeners wrote to say that the performance had lifted their spirits during difficult moments.
“The other thing is putting a smile on somebody’s face,” Kokonis-Viggers said.
By day, Kokonis-Viggers worked in consumer-fund services, safeguarding funds for people with developmental disabilities. She described that work as rewarding, while acknowledging that she would pursue singing professionally if the opportunity developed.
Known to friends as Stina Marie, Kokonis-Viggers said she had no classical vocal training. “Most of what you guys got to see is just hard work and practice,” she said.
The Staten Island native was also involved with a Hudson musical-theater organization, working with area students to stage productions. She said she was particularly drawn to traditional show tunes and admired vocalists including Julie Andrews and Barbra Streisand, while also enjoying the challenge of blues and soul material.
Amid the attention, Kokonis-Viggers said she was trying to remain focused and hopeful that the right opportunity would emerge.
Her ambition was straightforward: to build a career in singing that could support everyday life. Whatever came next, she said, she wanted to retain the humor and grounded outlook that friends knew.