Grammy nominee puts on show in Addison classroom

She's played all over the world, but Ruthie Foster put on a show Friday just for students at an elementary school in Addison.

Students at Ardmore School were treated to a special concert by Foster, a Grammy Award nominee. A singer-songwriter of blues and folk music, Foster performed for about 40 minutes for early childhood, kindergartners, first-graders and staff.

“I'm glad I had the chance to be with you here this morning,” Foster told the students. She added that she performs worldwide, but also like to reach out to the community.

First-grade teacher Kevin Bigenwald arranged the concert through the College of DuPage. He discovered, when working at another school in the district, that COD has professional musicians looking for community outreach programs. The college sets everything up, provides transportation and pays for it.

“It's something that my kids can experience that they never would experience,” Bigenwald said.

Friday's concert was the third event he has done with the college.

Foster was in the area to perform at College of DuPage Friday night with bluesman Eric Bibb in a concert called “Thanks for the Joy.”