'Ignite the Nite!' celebrates youth, their talents
The lyrics and spirit of the song "Corner of the Sky," from the Tony award-winning show "Pippin," have special meaning for Axel Hageman.
The 15-year-old freshman at Naperville North High School will perform the song about finding a place in the world when he appears in "Ignite the Nite!," a benefit for KidsMatter, on Saturday, April 16, at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall.
Hageman said he chose the song for deeply personal reasons.
"I wanted to make it my own," he said. "The reason I picked the song is because, recently, a close family member passed away."
A member of Naperville North's show choir, Hageman said he performed the song in a statewide choir competition in Danville, scoring 98 out of 100.
Musical theater is his passion. He's currently involved in a Westmont production of "Footloose," and in his high school's rendition of "Grease." And he's a member of the a cappella choir at Naperville's School of Performing Arts.
Carrie Dean Bramwell, a staff member of the performing arts school, is directing the KidsMatter show, the fifth annual "Ignite the Nite!" fundraiser for the Naperville-based nonprofit organization.
The evening will feature a select group of area middle and high school students from both public and private schools, said KidsMatter Executive Director IdaLynn Wenhold. The evening will include dance, vocal and instrumental performances by individuals and groups, she said.
"We typically include about 100 performers throughout the night," she said.
Performers were selected after submitting online audition videos, Wenhold said.
" 'Ignite the Nite!' is a celebration of our young people. It's all about showing off our kids and the talents they have," she said. "This year, we purposely sought out young people with special needs and their talents. One hundred percent of us are touched by some type of mental, developmental and physical challenge - and this event brings all of us together to acknowledge and celebrate these challenges that bind us as one."
Hageman said this is the first time he'll appear in the show, though he has been in the audience for a couple of past performances.
He said organizers' efforts to include special-needs performers is commendable.
"It's their time to shine," he said.
WGN radio's Steve Cochran will host the event, which will be preceded by a cocktail reception and followed by a cabaret-style dinner featuring live entertainment. Elic Bramlett, artistic director at the School of Performing Arts, will improvise songs and jazz artist Rose Colella will perform, Wenhold said.
Wenhold said KidsMatter usually raises about $25,000 through "Ignite the Night!," enabling the organization to present programs aimed at helping children learn how to balance stress and use their talents to help others.
The event is not only a fundraiser, she said, but a way to celebrate youth and recognize and salute social service agencies that partner with KidsMatter.
Hageman said he's looking forward to the show and he's grateful for the chance to be part of it.
"It's such a great opportunity to work with any of these people because they're so talented," he said.
If you go
What: "Ignite the Nite!" benefit for KidsMatter
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 16; 6 p.m. cocktail reception
Where: North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Tickets: $125 for VIP concert tickets, reception and dinner; $75 for VIP concert with reception; $35 for concert-only tickets for adults; $15 for students through 12th grade; available at the Wentz box office or (630) 637-7469
Info: kidsmatter2us.org or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu