KIDS From Wisconsin concert

It was an incredible evening as the KIDS brought their high-energy show to the Lohmiller-Sutherland Theater on July 12. With a theme of “Head Out On The Highway,” the KIDS crisscrossed America, paying tribute to cities and the music that made them famous.

 

The "tour" began in Chicago, with the KIDS unleashing a mean version of the Blues Brothers’ “I’m a Soul Man." Next up was Cleveland, home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The audience was treated to hits by Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones and Heart.

 

Other featured cities included Nashville, Las Vegas, Hollywood, New York and New Orleans. Individual singers really stood out, including Kennedy Konsitzke as Blondie in “One Way or Another,” and Holly Meyer leading the group in Jefferson Airplane's hit "Don't You Want Somebody to Love."

 

The show-stealer arguably was Matthew Gonyea. Gonyea brought the audience to its feet with his energetic rendition of “My Shot” from the smash Broadway play “Hamilton.” However, Yer Thao also stood out with her soulful version of “She Used To Be Mine” by pop singer Sara Bareilles.

 

Those in attendance included Mark Juds (one of the original KIDS) along with Rotarians Scott Klaas, Audrey Juds (Mark's mother) and Art Angove. For more images, click on "Scenes from club meetings, events 2017" at right.
 

The KIDS wrapped up with the heartwarming "You Will Be Found," a ballad about coming home. It was their tribute to Wisconsin, the KIDS' home base for nearly 50 years now.

 

Just as audiences have come to enjoy the KIDS' concerts, the KIDS themselves discover that the experience leaves a lasting impression. Very typical is this comment from a member of this year's troupe, offered by Executive Director Tina Weiss:

 

“KFW is a professional, beneficial, and useful training for my future because it is my goal to be a performer! More importantly, I want to be part of something bigger that can change people's lives and inspire youth to explore the arts. I also love the community and family KFW provides”

 

This was the Rotary Club of New Berlin’s fourth annual KIDS From Wisconsin concert. We were honored to not only sponsor these amazing performers, but were just as awe struck as everyone else in the theater. If you haven’t seen a KIDS concert yet, you must. You won’t be disappointed. For more information, visit their website.