Some of the most amazing talent from Bureau County, past and present, will perform LIVE at the Prairie Arts Center Theater during this year’s Homestead Festival. Sponsored by Midland State Bank and hosted by Bill and Dorothy Nelson, this is the third year the talent showcase has been a part of the Homestead Festival. The cabaret style concert will also include comedy segments by the show's host and hostess, Bill and Dorothy Nelson. The Nelsons will also perform a few vocal numbers. The many familiar tunes will in many ways reflect the festival theme, "It's Good to Be Home."
Doors will open one-half hour before show time. Get your tickets early as this show will sell out fast! Call 815-875-2787 for tickets.
The Performers
Ann Field Williams currently resides in Lombard, Illinois. Ann is a 1976 Princeton High School Graduate where she was active in music, theatre, and All-State Choir. Ann majored in music at William Woods College and received her Masters Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in vocal performance. A voice instructor at the College of DuPage, Ann also is a Church Soloist and performs with choral groups in suburban Chicago. The daughter of the late Field and Mary Williams, Ann traces her roots in Bureau County back well over 100 years.
Dorothy Nelson is a 1977 Princeton High School graduate where she was involved in music, theatre and All-State Choir. At Augustana College Dorothy was involved in choir, Chamber Singers and theatre and received a degree in Music Education. Dorothy has been involved as a vocalist, actress, accompanist and musical director in performing groups throughout the Illinois Valley. The daughter of the late Wilbur and Beulah Miller, Dorothy and Bill are the parents of one daughter. The Miller family is one of Bureau County's original families dating back over 170 years.
Bill Nelson is a 1974 Princeton High School graduate where he was involved in theatre, speech, newspaper editor and student government. Bill received his degree from Carthage College in Speech and Theatre and extensive training in dance. Bill was involved in theatre, speech, class president and selected for Who's Who. Locally Bill has performed as an actor, dancer and vocalist and produced/directed concerts with many organizations. Bill also received his MBA from Illinois Benedictine. Bill and Dorothy have one daughter. Bill is the son of Bill and Judy Nelson and the late Ramona Nelson.
Tara Kunkel is a Senior at Saint Bede Academy where she is involved in cheerleading, softball, musicals, and is an Ambassador for the school. She has played the violin for 11 years and is a student at Main Street Dance Academy. Tara has been seen in musicals in Mendota, Festival 56, River Valley Players, and St. Bede Academy. Some of her favorite roles include "Annie Warbucks" (Annie), "Dorothy" (The Wizard of Oz), "Ado Annie" (Oklahoma), and "Liesl" (The Sound of Music). Tara is currently preparing for the role of Amy March in Little Women - The Musical at River Valley Players in Henry. She is excited to sing for her home town! Enjoy the show!
Gwen Holmes grew up in Princeton and has returned to the area after receiving her college degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance. She is currently a K-12 Vocal Music Teacher in the Kewanee Wethersfield School District and directing the Bureau County Chorus in Miss Schertz's absence. Gwen was involved in various Homestead productions over the years, including The Sound of Music, Annie, and High School Musical, as well as doing four shows with Festival 56. She participated in two Broadway Revue's and Godspell at Olivet Nazarene University, as well as being involved with various music groups. Gwen is thankful to be back in Princeton and excited to perform at Homestead!
Charles Gebeck grew up in rural Buda, Illinois and graduated from Western High School. The Gebecks and their children are all very musical. From a very young age Charles was a piano student of Patricia Strousse. Charles also excelled as an instrumental and vocal performer. Charles graduated from Illinois Weselyan University with a Major in Music Education and spent 2 years teaching in the Western School District. Charles now lives in Chicago and owns an event planning business Advance Event Group. Charles returns to Bureau County frequently to perform and accompany, which he will do at the talent showcase. Charles is the son of Frank and Patricia Nelson Gebeck.
Kathy Allen grew up on a farm in Bureau township and began taking piano lessons at a young age. A 1971 graduate of Wyanet High School, Kathy has used her musical talent as a church musician at Bureau Township Church as well as accompanying Princeton High School Choir. Kathy accompanies the Bureau County Choir and many special occasions as well as teaching piano. Kathy and her husband farm in rural Princeton and have two daughters . Kathy is the daughter of the late Virden and Eleanor Woods.