Above / The stage in the Wentz Concert Hall again will come alive with the exceptional talents of local teens during the 2016 KidsMatter Ignite the Nite on April 16. (PN File Photo)
The 2016 KidsMatter Ignite the Nite benefit concert will celebrate the talents and abilities of all Naperville youth and honor several organizations that support Youth Mental, Developmental and Behavioral Health in our community.
As a champion of the developmental assets that empower young people to be resilient, avoid high-risk behaviors and realize endless possibilities, KidsMatter is dedicated to offering programs and initiatives that support the emotional and physical health and safety of all Naperville Youth.
WGN Radio’s Steve Cochran Will Host
WGN radio personality and Naperville resident Steve Cochran will host the concert and VIP Dinner.
The annual concert, slated for Sat., April 16, at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville, will feature more than 100 talented Naperville area high-school-aged musicians, dancers and actors, including a few acts presented by youth with mental, developmental or behavioral challenges.
“KidsMatter puts a great deal of effort into supporting mental and behavioral health among our youth, choosing this focus for the concert this year seemed like the natural next step,” noted concert producer Deborah Newman.
According to Newman, the goal of the concert is to highlight the work KidsMatter does to support youth and family resiliency in the face of challenges including stress and anxiety, drugs and alcohol, bullying and cyber media abuses and more.
“We want to celebrate young folks’ ability to overcome these challenges and mental and developmental challenges as well. This concert is about triumph, expressed through the arts, and it’s guaranteed to be inspiring,” she said.
Salute to Youth Mental and Behavioral Health Champions
The event also will salute eight other Naperville area organizations dedicated to supporting youth mental, developmental and behavioral health, 360 Youth Services, Artful IMPACT!, The Education Center, Gi Gi’s Playhouse, Little Friends, Linden Oaks Hospital, NAMI, Samaritan Interfaith Counseling and Turning Pointe. All of the organizations will be honored during the concert.
Lead sponsors returning this year are Presenting Sponsor the School of Performing Arts in Naperville and Reception/Dinner Sponsor Marquette Companies, developers of Water Street District, and Ryan Hill Realtors.
VIP ticket buyers will be treated to a pre-concert VIP jazz cocktail reception and a post concert Rainbow Room Jazz Cabaret Dinner featuring a performance by Chicago vocalist and recording artist Rose Colella.
Video Auditions Welcome Now thru March 15!
Video Auditions are currently being accepted from Naperville high school instrumentalists, singers, dancers and actors, improv artists and family-friendly comedians through March 15 only. For audition and casting information visitwww.kidsmatter2us.org/event/ignite-the-nite-audition-notice.
General Admission concert tickets ($35 for adults/$15 for students) can be purchased through the North Central College box office at (630) 637-SHOW beginning March 14.
VIP Cocktail and Concert Tickets as well as VIP Cocktail, Concert and Dinner Tickets are available by calling KidsMatter at (630) 527-6562.
