Blake Grigsby dazzled the audience last year with his sleight of hand and comedic presentation at the first annual Ignite the Nite Benefit Concert for KidsMatter in Naperville. Though he graduated from Neuqua Valley High School and is now attending college in Chicago, Grigsby is back. This year Grigsby is sure to charm the audience as Master of Ceremonies for the second annual concert, to be held on Wed., April 17 at Wentz Concert Hall on the campus of North Central College, a block from Downtown Naperville.
Joining him in returning is Naperville resident and American Idol finalist Gina Glocksen, who guest starred in the inaugural concert. “I’m so excited … I can’t explain how happy I was that Ignite the Nite wanted me back to perform, “ said Glocksen in the news release. “I’m so excited to perform and see all these talented kids again…it’s a special night!”
“This is a unique opportunity for young performers to share one of the finest performance venues in the country with a nationally-recognized vocal talent,” says KidsMatter Executive Director IdaLynn Wenhold. “Our organization is all about celebrating kids and enabling them to realize the enormous possibilities available to them. This concert is a natural extension of those efforts.”
More than 100 high school and junior high performers will exhibit their extraordinary talents during the concert, including a spectacular opening act featuring 23 members of Naperville Central’s Orchesis Dance Troup. Vocalists include Miggie Snyder and Shannon Keegan ; Marion Paroo and The Barbershop Quartet from Neuqua Valley’s production of Music Man; soloists Tyra Thompson, Abigail Ayala, Brittany Lane, Brianna Reilly and Troy Butler as well members of Naperville North’s Painted Noise Ensemble, Waubonsie Valley’s Mosaic Ensemble and Naperville Central’s student-directedChorelles. Metea Valley singers Rachel Frazier and Jeanette Messer will perform their own composition “Unconsciousness.”
Dance highlights include a performance by Bollywood Rhythms, Irish Dance by Laura Kelly and Hip Hop solo by Nick Martinez, a tap duet by Kyle Halford and Katie Manzke and soloist Jeremy Gould as well as performances by Midwest Edge Ensemble and ensembles from the School of Performing Arts. Instrumental pieces for the concert include a duet by Pianist and Violinist Josh Ahn and Christina Liu, violin duet by Chelsea Wang and Vivian Chen, and a piano solo by Seven Acosta.
The concert will honor Mayor George Pradel and his family for 48 years of contributions to the well-being of Naperville area kids and families.
“From being a foster family in addition to raising their own three children, to the Mayor’s career as a police officer and ‘Officer Friendly,’ to all the things they’ve contributed to that make Naperville a family-friendly community, the Pradels have given tirelessly for nearly 50 years. It’s completely fitting that we say thank you.” added Wenhold.
Tickets are available at three levels, including student tickets ( 18 and under) at $12, general admission benefit tickets at $25 and VIP tickets including a pre-concert cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception and preferential seating at $75.
For tickets call the North Central College Box Office at 637-SHOW. Tickets are available through the Wentz Hall Box office,http://finearts.northcentralcollege.edu/ticket-information or by calling (630) 637-SHOW.
Did you know? KidsMatter is a Naperville-based not-for-profit organization that equips youth and families with tools to manage the stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources and youth recognition. We harness the power of partnership with parents, educators and an extensive network of community resources to help kids and families thrive. For more information visit www.kidsmatter2us.org.
