'Kids from Wisconsin' to perform at UWRF

The "Kids from Wisconsin," the state’s Musical Ambassadors of Goodwill, are ready for its 47th show season, and this brings a little “hometown flavor” as 33 talented "kids" represent 31 different hometowns across the state of Wisconsin.

The Kids from Wisconsin will perform at UW-River Falls on Tuesday, June 30, and River Falls native William Woodward, a sophomore at UW-Eau Claire, is a cast member. Woodward studies music education, and is an active member in Jazz Ensemble II and Wind Symphony.

This year’s tour theme exemplifies a Wisconsin hometown sentiment of “No Place We’d Rather Be.”

“Having a 'hometown kid' in the Kids from Wisconsin is a great privilege to these communities," said Executive Director Tina Weiss. "Our show program and performance introduces each kid from their specific hometown. Having a 'hometown kid' is something to be proud of. Enjoying and participating in the 'kid' experience has had a positive impact on the lives of our 900 alumni and the nearly five million audience members inspired by our performances for nearly 50 years.”

Thirty-three of Wisconsin’s most talented youth, along with nine camp alternates were chosen during statewide auditions in February. The troupe consists of 20 singer and dancers and a 13-piece show band.

The Kids from Wisconsin is part of an entertainment tradition created for Wisconsin's talented youth back in 1969. Its formal introduction to performance was at the Wisconsin State Fair and opened for many high profile acts.  Today, the pride and passion that enlightened that early music, lives on through a Kids from Wisconsin Revue.

Performing live annually for more than 120,000 across Wisconsin and the Midwest, the Kids from Wisconsin presents great entertainment with some of Wisconsin's most talented performers aged 15 to 20. The revue is produced in collaboration with some of the countries best writers, arrangers and choreographers.

The "kids" maintain a broad repertoire of music that includes the American favorites, big band, 50's through 80's classics, Motown, country, Broadway and current top hits, filling a two-hour fully-staged performance.

The Kids from Wisconsin tour begins on June 24 with its premier performance held at West Allis Central High School. This performance will benefit “Realize Your Dream,” a Kids from Wisconsin outreach experience. Tickets for the premier performance are available online.

The preliminary tour schedule is posted on the website: www.kidsfromwisconsin.org.