Talented Elburn teen takes first in state competition

Posted January 21, 2013 12:07 pm

Submitted by Pat Szpekowski

Two Fox Valley teens did Kane County proud when they competed against other talent show winners in a state competition.

The Kane County Fair announced that Nicole DiSandro, 14, of Elburn won first place in the Junior Competition at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fair talent contest on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

DiSandro performed her theatrical vocal solo, “Gimme Gimme” from “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which she also performed at the Kane County Fair Talent Contest in July. DiSandro competed against 68 other participants to win the first-place prize, a trophy and monetary award.

Because she won first place, DiSandro will perform at the Illinois State Fair which runs Aug. 8-19 in Springfield.

Eric Luminais, 19, of Geneva earned a strong seventh place in the Senior Division for his unconventional and complicated flute solo titled “Three Beats for Beatbox Flute, Beats 1 & 2”. His seventh place faired very well as he beat out 36 other acts in the Senior Division.

“All of us from the Kane County Fair were very pleased to see our talent shine during this competition in Springfield,” said Larry Rossi, RPM Creative Music, longtime coordinator of the Kane County Fair Talent Contest. “It shows the tremendous amount of talent throughout the entire state and how our young people in Kane County are the best.”

George Fewkes, IAAF president, said, “The IAAF really appreciates all of the excellent local talent. This competition showcases our youth and was a highlight during this 103rd annual convention. The state winners will be performing at the Illinois State Fair.”

At the talent contest intermission, “The Blend” from Energy, Illinois, performed a cappella. They were the talent show winners eight years ago, which launched their career performing in 17 states including Branson, Missouri, today.

While entertaining the crowd, they encouraged the county fairs throughout the state to continue the competitions for these aspiring talented youth.

The Kane County Fair Talent Contest is open to any person or group (school/organization) residing in Kane County. More details about the 2013 Kane County Fair Talent Contest auditions will be available soon. Auditions are usually held in June, and the 2013 Kane County Fair will be held on July 17-21.

For information and how to enter future contests, contact Larry Rossi at (847) 622-9935 or email KaneCoTalent@aol.com.

Eric Luminais, 19, of Geneva beat out 36 other acts in the Senior Division at the state talent competition. Courtesy of Kane County Fair

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