FOR CITY TIMES

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — The Kids From Wisconsin’s “Big Bang Boom Tour” promises music and dance selections spanning the decades, with flashbacks to eclectic fads, dance crazes, and honoring timeless performing artists who influenced generations of viewers and listeners.

Join 36 of Wisconsin’s most-talented singers, dancers, and instrumentalists at the Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids on Monday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. for an electrifying performance featuring two local performers. Each “Kids From Wisconsin” summer tour is centered around a certain theme, and music ranges from classics and Broadway to Top-40 and country – an all-ages show that is sure to entertain and inspire.

Students ages 7-14 are invited to attend a free “Realize Your Dream” workshop at 3:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. Grow FUNdamental performing-arts skills in this interactive workshop with the iconic Kids From Wisconsin. Choose a path to learn an energetic song and dance from the show or hang with the band to build your own music composition. Plus, investigate how to deconstruct and then help us reassemble our KIDS band, instrument by instrument. This one-hour session has surprises along the way, including a free giveaway. Pre-registration is required for the free workshop at www.KidsFromWi.org. Registered participants may enter through the PAC Lobby and parents are welcome to drop off and go, or stay for the workshop. 

Megan Shields represents Port Edwards for her sixth and final year as a “Kids From Wisconsin” participant. She will be a junior at the UW-Stevens Point, double majoring in Elementary Education and Dance. She started dancing at four years old and currently serves as UWSP Dance Program Student Office Assistant. She has danced in numerous UWSP productions, and has taught and inspired many young performers.

Lou Xiong, Wisconsin Rapids, is excited for his first year in the “Kids From Wisconsin” troupe. Lou graduated from Lincoln High School and is attending UW-Stevens Point to pursue a degree in music. While attending Lincoln High School, Lou participated in the theatre and music programs, with roles as Scott Kunkle (Dear Edwina Jr.) and Prince Christopher (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella). He participated in vocal groups, including LHS A cappella Choir, Bass Clef Choir, Mixed Choir, and Northern Gateway Chorus.

As you may be aware, there is construction underway at Lincoln High School, including repaving of the south parking lot, which will not be available for parking. Parking is available in front of Lincoln High School, in the LHS north parking lot, and on the street. Also, an overflow parking area is located at the South Wood County Rec Center just south of the football field. A shuttle bus will run between the Rec Center and the Performing Arts Center before and after the event.

This performance is presented by the Lincoln High School Theatre and Music Programs. Tickets are $16 and may be purchased at the Arts Council office, 1040 8th Street S, Suite 101, Wisconsin Rapids, or by phone at (715) 424-2787, or online at www.savorthearts.org. Proceeds from the event will be used for improving Performing Arts Center facilities and programs.

Special recognition is due to the following supporters whose generosity and assistance helped make this program possible: Arts Council of South Wood County, Close Family Beautification Fund through Incourage, Kumm Family Fund through Incourage, Earl and Vivian Haefs Donor-Advised Fund through Incourage, Rapids School of Performing Arts, Lincoln High School Choirs, Lincoln High School Theatre Department, Wisconsin Rapids Music Parents, and Lincoln High School Theatre Parent Group.