'You Raise Me Up' concert benefits Special Olympics

The seventh annual "You Raise Me Up" Concert to benefit Special Olympics Illinois will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at College Church, 332 E. Seminary St., Wheaton.

This year's concert will feature the talents of The STARS of College Church, Clear Confusion, Late Night Blues, Beyond Glee and The Village Vocal Chords. In addition, Special Olympic athletes from the area will share their personal experiences.

The STARS of College Church have performed in every "You Raise Me Up" Concert. The ministry group of performers is made up of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and they are called STARS (Seeking to Always Reflect the Savior) because they shine for Jesus.

Clear Confusion, winner of the 2015 Illinois State Battle of the Bands, has taken the experience of being exposed to classic rock, alternative, pop, blues, acoustic and punk and mixed it all together to form their unique blend of original music. The band describes itself as an "original band that also plays cover songs as opposed to a cover band that also plays original songs."

Clear Confusion recently played in the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove, and performs regularly at Mullen's in Lisle, Ballydoyle in Downers Grove, the Moose Lodge, and other locations in DuPage County. The band also plays block parties and festivals in the Chicago suburbs.

Beyond Glee is a mixed adult community chorus that sings a wide repertoire of songs. Founded in September 2012, and under the direction of Paul Sirvatka, Beyond Glee has gained the reputation as being one of the premier choral groups in the Chicago area.

Beyond Glee is sponsored by Wheaton Park District, and has performed in all the "You Raise Me Up" concerts since 2013.

Elmhurst College's vocal jazz ensemble Late Night Blues is an internationally acclaimed group that performs a variety of styles of music, including jazz, funk, swing and pop. The students' nonstop energy, talent and professional standards have brought the group elite status as one of the most exciting collegiate vocal jazz ensembles in the United States.

Late Night Blues has won numerous honors and awards at the Collegiate Showcase Festival in Chicago. In addition to giving concerts frequently in the Chicago area, the group has been invited to perform at the International Association of Jazz Educators Convention, the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Music Conference, and John Jacobson's "America Sings" Festival.

The Village Vocal Chords is the current and 20-time international championship chorus of Harmony, Incorporated, an international organization of women who sing a cappella, four-part harmony in the barbershop style. Since 1961 the group has been wowing audiences with its beautiful blend of voices and "ringing chords."

Tickets to the concert are $10 each (five for $40), and available by contacting www.soill.org under events. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Illinois Far West Suburban/Area 2, serving athletes with intellectual disabilities in the suburbs in west DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 20,000 young athletes ages 2 to 7 with and without intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.

To learn more about Special Olympics programs, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call (800) 394-0562 or visit www.soill.org.