Gina Glocksen joins Naperville teens to support KidsMatter
When the curtain goes up tonight on the "Ignite the Nite" concert in Naperville, organizers hope the spotlight shines brightest on the community's young people.
Area students and former "American Idol" contestant Gina Glocksen will perform to benefit KidsMatter, a Naperville-based, nonprofit organization that encourages building good relationships with youth.
"It'll cast the light on what we feel is our future - our young people," said IdaLynn Wenhold, KidsMatter executive director. "They're our future teachers, future government officials, the future parents of our (community's) children. They are going to 'Ignite the Nite' with their talents and gifts."
The evening also will honor KidsMatter's founders, Mary Ann Bobosky and Marianne Boyajian.
Students from Naperville Unit District 203, Indian Prairie Unit District 204 and Benet Academy will perform along with Glocksen, a Naperville woman who appeared during season six of "Idol." The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave.
The idea for the fundraiser came from the popularity of student performances on Mondays in June at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. Students showcase their talents and Malnati's donates a portion of the proceeds to KidsMatter.
The packed houses inspired KidsMatter supporters to propose a larger event featuring the best of the best youth performers.
"The whole evening will be inspirational," said Elic Bramlett, the show's director. "It's kind of like these kids are really poster children for what kids can and should be. This is what we want to raise our children to be - not necessarily performing artists, but to go for it and try to achieve their dreams, whatever they might be."
Student performers will include the Naperville Central Orchesis' 27-member dance ensemble, who will perform "Starting Something." Neuqua Valley students Anna Dvorchak and Hanna Elmgren will perform a duet of "In His Eyes." Metea Valley's nine-member women's a cappella group, The Muses, will sing "Forget You."
The five-piece instrumental jazz Van Dril Quintet from Naperville North will play "Nigerian Marketplace." Alexis Hill will give a solo tap performance, and Nick Martinez will offer a freestyle dance.
Waubonsie Valley's 16-voice a cappella Mosaic Ensemble will lend an international flair, while vocal soloist Josh Blue will sing "Una Furtiva Lagrima." In addition, there will be musical performances by Claudia Dockery and Alec Kapisac, musical theater performances by Miggie Snyder and Emma Wichart, and a dance performance by Danielle Fattore.
The School of Performing Arts Dance Ensemble will take the stage with "Rumor Has It." Magician Blake Grigsby will show off his sleight of hand.
Glocksen takes the stage last. Now married and living in Oswego as Gina Glocksen-Ruzicka with her husband and Neuqua Valley teacher Joe Ruzicka, she's currently touring with the show "Ballroom with a Twist" - a combination of participants in "Dancing with the Stars," "So You Think You Can Dance" and "American Idol."
Proceeds support the organization's annual events, such as its job and volunteer fairs, as well as other educational presentations and workshops and a communitywide Internet safety initiative that begins in October in conjunction with the school districts and the police department.
"KidsMatter is about celebrating our kids and really helping them realize that the possibilities are endless," Wenhold said.
"We want them to feel that and know that we as a community support them and support their gifts. We're supporting, applauding and encouraging them to continue to use these gifts in the future."
Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for students and $65 for VIP seating, plus a cocktail reception prior to the show.
For details, call (630) 637-SHOW or visit kidsmatter2us.org.
If you go
What: “Ignite the Nite” concert
Why: Proceeds support KidsMatter's teen job and volunteer fairs and other programs
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19
Where: Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Cost: $35 adults, $15 students; $65 VIP seating and cocktail reception prior
Info: (630) 637-SHOW or kidsmatter2us.org