A musical twist on classic bingo draws praise from Longboaters

By Dana Kampa
| 3:00 p.m. July 1, 2026

Gregg Vesta became the round one winner at the introduction of "singo" on June 29 at The Paradise Center. The game is a musical twist on bingo, prompting players to listen to a song snippet and mark its title on the card. The evening was a fundraiser to support the center's summer programs.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

The Paradise Center was rockin' this week while guests sang and bopped along with the music at the introductory "singo" game night fundraiser.

This twist on the classic game of bingo has players listen to clips of music from a particular genre, then mark the matching song title on their card.

The June 29 game night, which also offered hot dogs, walking tacos and other snacks for sale, doubled as a community fun night and fundraiser for The Paradise Center's summer programming.

The joyful crowd, while concentrating on marking their cards, couldn't help joining the chorus for tunes like "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" and "Take a Chance on Me." In fact, the only verbal complaint one player launched was that, "For some songs, I just want to hear the whole thing!"

Experienced bingo caller Reneé Fannin coordinated the introductory event, and, based on its popularity, said the center may consider making it a monthly staple.

The center also drew the winner of its month-long 50/50 raffle with a pot of about $1,000.

Even with the smaller summer population on Longboat Key, the center offers a variety of events focused on health, education and community connection.

In July, the center is offering classes on topics including tai chi, qigong, mahjong and chair yoga. Regular bingo takes place 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Visit TheParadiseCenter.org for the full calendar and rates.

Shook Hall was packed as community members turned out for a game night to support The Paradise Center on June 29. Experienced bingo caller Reneé Fannin gave out the music cues for 'singo.'

David and Laney Pitt join in a game of 'singo' at The Paradise Center. The clues for that round included hit tunes from the '70s.

Reneé Fannin checks Gregg Vesta's card after he calls bingo — or rather, singo — at the musical game night. He was the first winner at the new event at The Paradise Center.

'Singo' competitors got clues from song snippets in different genres, from classic rock to hits of the '70s.

Lindy Terry and Kristy Plum each won a round of 'singo.'

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.