The Kids from Wisconsin will return to Fond du Lac for their 23rd annual free appearance at Buttermilk Creek Park on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7:15 p.m. Now in their 49th season, the Kids from Wisconsin tradition dates back to 1969 when they first performed at the Wisconsin State Fair. With the theme “Head Out on the Highway,” this year’s show will take audiences on a journey celebrating the richness and variety of American music. The production moves from classic rock to country, jazz to pop, and Broadway musicals to Tin Pan Alley. The performance features an all-American roster of composers including Chuck Berry, Jefferson Airplane, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Celine Dion and Leonard Bernstein. Audiences will be transported to famous Broadway musicals and Hollywood’s award-winning films. According to troupe producer Taras Nahirniak, “Our number one objective is to entertain and showcase Wisconsin’s most talented young performers.” This is what they will do as they travel nearly 6000 miles, perform in over 35 communities and provide outreach workshops to nearly 1000 youth across the state with a free, hands-on performing arts workshop in select locations. “The KIDS producer brings a unique perspective to his role, recognizing both the traditions of a KIDS show along with evolving audience preferences. He seamlessly blends these elements in this performance,” says Executive Director Tina Weiss. This year’s troupe of 33 talented young performers includes singer/dancers Bridget Bullard from Kohler, Holly Meyer from Mayville, and Emelia Roberts from New London, along with guitarist Alex Turicik from Plymouth. The Lighthouse Big Band and the Fond du Lac Area Children’s Chorale will entertain prior to the Kids’ performance, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Sponsors for this year’s performance are the Francis R. and Ruth E. Oberreich Foundation, Noon Rotary Club, Service League, Lakeside Evening Kiwanis, Uecker-Witt Funeral Home and Steve and Lynne Uecker. Funding for the Buttermilk Festival is also provided by local business and individual donors known collectively as the Friends of the Festival, and a free-will offering that will be received at the concert. A food concession, serving sandwiches, soda and desserts, will be available from 6:00 p.m. on. In the event of bad weather, the concert will be moved to the EXPO Center at the County Fairgrounds.
