Excelling in the arts is a family affair for the Hunts
Leslie Hunt named to Class of 2026 Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame; uncle Jeff Hunt inducted in 2020
St. Charles native Leslie Hunt — singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her solo work, her role as the front-woman for the progressive rock band District 97, and for being a contestant on “American Idol” — was recently named as a member of the Class of 2026 Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame.
Her proud uncle, Jeff Hunt was there for the announcement, he himself having been inducted in 2020. Jeff Hunt has made his musical mark on the Fox Valley as the founder and director of the St. Charles Singers.
Granddaughter of beloved St. Charles civic leader and philanthropist, the late Max Hunt, Leslie Hunt was born into a musical family.
“We were always listening to music or someone was playing music in our living room. All of my aunts and uncles, and cousins, on both sides, played music. It was just a super musical environment,” laughed Leslie. “Except for my grandfather Max. He was basically tone deaf!”
Leslie Hunt began taking piano lessons at the age of 4 from a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and honed her performance skills at Pheasant Run Theater in shows like “The Music Man” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
After hearing her demo tape, Grammy winner Jim Peterik became a mentor and encouraged her songwriting skills.
Hunt graduated from St. Charles High School in 2000 and majored in music composition at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, where she met members of District 97, a progressive rock band that she still performs with today. Hunt is one of the few women in that genre and is acclaimed for her contributions to the music. She was also a top 10 female finalist in season six of “American Idol.”
Jeffrey Hunt was born, raised, and resides in St. Charles. Hunt attended St. Charles schools, received his Bachelor of Music at Taylor University in Indiana and a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at Northwestern University.
Hunt founded the St. Charles Singers in 1984 and the ensemble is renowned for its musicality, quality performances and exquisite singing. The ensemble has recorded several acclaimed CDs and toured nationally and internationally. Learn more at stcharlessingers.com.
In addition to directing St. Charles Singers, Hunt is director of music at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles. Like his father Max, Jeffrey Hunt is a recipient of the prestigious St. Charles Charlemagne Award, a lifetime achievement award given to an individual with a history of distinguished service to the community.
Besides Leslie Hunt, Class of 2026 inductees are Kelly Barr, classical music; Denise Crosby, journalism; Stanley Konopka, classical music; Mary Beth McCarthy, choral music; Courtney Reed, theater; and Juel Ulven, folk music.
Susan S. Starrett will receive the premiere Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame recognizes artists associated with the Fox Valley by birth, education, residence or service, who have achieved international or national acclaim.
Candidates should have completed 20 years in their professional field and received recognition for excellence. The honor is for living artists or can be awarded posthumously.
The induction banquet for the Class of 2026 will be Friday, March 27, at Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva. Tickets are $75 and a portion of the proceeds will be used to promote the arts in the Fox Valley with a free event for children and the community.
For more information, email info@fvahf.org, visit the Facebook, and Instagram pages, or the website at FVAHF.org.