U-46 TalentFest returns after pandemic hiatus

Posted February 25, 2022 5:00 am

Daily Herald report

Seniors Melanie Feliciano, left, and Katie Cordon sing "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys at the Streamwood High School Talent Fest Feb. 11. Feliciano and Cordon's performance was chosen as a finalist and will compete in the U-46 TalentFest at the Hemmens on March 8. Courtesy of John Konstantaras

After a year's hiatus due to the pandemic, Elgin Area School District U-46 is bringing back TalentFest.

Senior Sarika Nalla performs an Indian dance to "Adivo Alladivo" by Annamayya Keerthana at the Streamwood High School Talent Fest Feb. 11. Nalla will compete in the U-46 TalentFest March 8. Courtesy of John Konstantaras

The performing arts competition will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets are $5 at the door or can be purchased at hemmens.org.

The TalentFest is a talent competition featuring two acts from each of the five District U-46 high schools. The two acts are chosen by judges or audience votes from the high schools' talent shows.

"We are especially excited to feature Tony Sanders, superintendent of District U-46, as our emcee this year," said Jeff Grosser, coordinator of TalentFest.

Junior Angel Salas places first during the Bartlett High School Talent Show with his vocal and acoustic rendition of "Adelante" by Payarillo on Feb. 16. Salas will go on to compete at TalentFest on March 8. Courtesy of Mark Black

At TalentFest, all 10 acts perform in the first part. At intermission, each member of the audience votes for their favorite act. The five acts receiving the most audience votes perform again, this time also evaluated by five preselected judges. Those judges choose the first, second and third place winners. The winners receive a cash prize and a plaque. The school that has the most audience votes combined between its two acts receives the traveling TalentFest Trophy.

Senior Sophie Leo places second in the Bartlett High School Talent Show with a performance of her original song "Opacity" on Feb. 16. She will compete at TalentFest on March 8. Courtesy of Mark Black

"The TalentFest began in 2010 during a brainstorming session at a Hemmens Advisory Board meeting," Grosser said. "We missed last year because of COVID, so this year is our 11th program."

See more on Facebook at U-46 TalentFest.

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