Singers, dancers, actors, instrumentalists and a painter add talents to celebrate efforts of ParentsMatter, Too.
Usually parents support their kids, but on the evening of April 23, student performers will take the stage to support the efforts of ParentsMatterToo, a KidsMatter initiative focused on empowering parents to help kids navigate choices about heroin, alcohol, bullying, and other at-risk behaviors in order to save their lives.
Ignite the Nite, presented in cooperation with the School of Performing Arts, will feature scores of junior high and high school students from School Districts 203 and 204 and Benet Academy in an hour-long celebration of the hard-work, focus and determination that makes great performance. The concert honors the ParentsMatterToo Steering Committee, who conceived and initiated the support program two years ago, and the conversation circle facilitators who have committed to training and leadership of parent discussion groups throughout the community.
Showtime: 8PM Thurs., April 23
Naperville Magazine Publisher Leah Rippe will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the annual concert, slated for 8PM Thurs., April 23, at Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Art Center, located at 171 E. Chicago Ave. on the campus of North Central College.
“The impact of ParentsMatterToo is felt throughout our city every day, and it is through the foresight and commitment of the ParentsMatterToo leadership that many families are better equipped to deal with whatever tough challenges their children may face as teens and young adults,” said KidsMatter Executive Director IdaLynn Wenhold in a news release. “Our parents are finding reliable resources and helping their kids deal with critical issues in ways that maintain dialogue and respect. Having this resource has helped parents deal with drugs and alcohol, thoughts of suicide, bullying and more, before the worst might happen.”
Chicago Jazz Recording Artist and School of Performing Arts Music Director Rose Colella will provide vocal jazz entertainment for a VIP pre-concert Jazz Cabaret in Madden Hall. During the pre-concert event from 6-7:30PM, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, pasta and dessert stations will be included in the VIP ticket price. A silent auction also will be offered for guests. Additional lead sponsors include Marquette Companies and Ryan Hill Realty, the Thompson family and Linden Oaks at Edward.
The cast of Ignite the Nite 2015 includes:
- Bailey Cochran – MVHS – “Thinking Out Loud” – vocal solo with guitar
- Chorelles – NCHS “Pure Imagination” – all girls a cappella choir
- Cloud Nine – WVHS – all guys a cappella choir
- Audrey Hare – Benet – “More to the Story” – vocal solo with piano
- Isabella Isherwood – Jefferson Junior High – classical piano solo
- Main Melody Show Choir
- Seven Acosta-vocal solo with guitar
- Shweta Manoharan – NNHS – violin solo
- Pink Notes – WVHS – all girls a cappella choir
- Brianna Reilly – NCHS – “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” – vocal solo with piano
- Derek Rippe – Benet – “The Impossible Dream” – vocal solo with piano
- Korgan Robb – NCHS – original song vocal solo with piano
- School of Performing Arts Dance Ensemble
- Christopher Hutchison- ARTFUL Impact! SPECTRUM Special Needs Arts Program
- Lucy Wang – NCHS – Classical piano solo
Artist Kaden Robb will provide painting accompaniment to the performances live on stage.
Director Carrie Bramlett promises plenty of delightful moments throughout the program and a finale sure to please.
“We are so blessed to have had so many talented young people want to take part in this extremely important cause,” noted Bramlett in a written statement. “We’ve asked them each to consider their performance and how it relates to the KidsMatter mission of empowering kids and families to realize endless possibilities. You can expect to see that expressed in very moving and uplifting ways throughout the program.”
“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,” added 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 and critical to providing funds to continue our work supporting parents through ParentsMatter Too.”
Tickets!
Tickets are available at three levels, including student tickets ( 18 and under) at $15, general admission benefit tickets at $35 and VIP tickets including a pre-concert cocktail and hors d’oeuvre Jazz Cabaret reception and preferential seating at $85.
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.
KidsMatter
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.
ParentsMatter, Too!
ParentsMatter Too is a network of connected parents committed to providing nonjudgmental opportunities to share struggles, provide support, and ultimately strengthen the fabric of families and the community. The organization helps build resilient kids and families who say NO to destructive behaviors and YES to endless possibilities. Program offers parents a safe environment to discuss at-risk situations and be strengthened to challenge their children’s choices about social issues, drugs and alcohol. For more information visit www.kidsmatter2us.org.
