'Talent' Veterans Join Forces, Hope to Reach the Top (Hat)

What does a performer do when it seems like every single time they perform at Morristown's Got Talent, they're so close, yet so far, from the promised land?

You join forces.

That was the thinking behind Morristown High School seniors Danny Dones and Joey Gatto, who most recently performed piano and , respectively (and, separately), at last year's Morristown's Got Talent.

So, this year, the two performers have combined with fellow MHS seniors Aidan Keeler and Kiana Davis, and 21-year-old Morristown High School alum Sean Horan, and formed Top Hat, which will perform at .

For Joey, it wasn't just about winning–finally. "I love all these kids," the pianist and beatboxer said. "It's more fun to be in a band."

Danny, , agreed. "We wanted to try something different," said the performer, who will again sing and play piano for the group's medley of John Legend's "Ordinary People" and Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke."

"We wanted to include something modern and slow, and something classic," Danny said. "We wanted to appeal to everyone."

Kiana, a singer since elementary school, called it an honor to be included in the event. "It's such a fun event and I can't wait to get to perform in front of a sold-out crowd," she said. 

Saxophonist Horan, who has seen the annual event every year since its inception, said, "it's amazing to actually be in it this time."

In a sense, this year is do-or-die for the two MGT vets, with Danny noting he's off to college next year. But, it's not that big of a deal.

"The backstage is such a fun experience anyway," Joey said. 

Still, the outgoing beatboxer has a plan to hopefully sway public opinion, if perhaps just a little–swag.

"My hat's definitely going into the crowd," he said. 

 will be held Feb. 29 at the . For more information, check out our MGT 2012 guide.