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

Two students from Antigo have joined Kids from Wisconsin. Doug Benishek just completed his junior year at Antigo High School, where he is part of numerous musical ensembles. He plays drum set for two jazz ensembles, pep bands, and a WSMA Launchpad rock band. Doug has been a part of several region-statewide honors bands, and finds great passion for drum corps and the marching arts.

Pianist Isaac Cuellar has been selected as principal pianist for the 2015 KIDS. This fall, he will be beginning his freshman year at the University of Minnesota School of Music for music therapy. His junior year of high school, Isaac received an Exemplary Solo Performance award at the state Solo and Ensemble festival for his piano solo, and he has played keyboards for many ensembles in the state festival as well. Along with playing the piano, he enjoys performing on his oboe and working with Drum and Bugle Corps to enhance his percussion techniques.

This year’s tour theme exemplifies a “Wisconsin HOMETOWN” sentiment of -“No Place We’d Rather Be.” The tour will come to Antigo Tuesday, July 14 in the Volm Theater at Antigo High School. The show, hosted by Antigo Rotary, will be performed at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are available at CoVantage Credit Union and Lakeside Market.

Executive Director, Tina Weiss said, “Having a Hometown KID in the Kids from Wisconsin is a great privilege to these communities. 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 5 million audience members inspired by our performances for nearly 50 years.” 33 of Wisconsin’s most talented youth, along with 10 camp alternates were chosen during state wide auditions in February. The troupe consists of 20 singer/dancers and a 13 piece show band.

About the Kids from Wisconsin: The Kids from Wisconsin is part of an entertainment tradition created for Wisconsin’s talented youth back in 1969. Their 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 ages 15-20. The revue is produced in collaboration with some of the country’s best writers, arrangers, and choreographers. The KIDS maintain a broad repertoire of music that includes the American favorites, big band, 50’s- 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 24th with their Premiere Performance held at West Allis Central High School. This performance will benefit “Realize Your Dream” – A Kids from Wisconsin Outreach Experience. The KIDS tour schedule is posted on the website: www.kidsfromwisconsin.org