Danville’s Got Talent highlights local performers, supports auditorium upgrades

The Danville High School theater was filled with music, applause, and community pride on Saturday, Jan. 17, as the Danville Performing Arts Department hosted the annual Danville’s Got Talent event. The evening highlighted the wide range of talent within the district and surrounding community while supporting a meaningful cause. All proceeds from the show were donated directly to the Danville High School auditorium improvement fund, helping ensure future performances continue in an enhanced space.

The evening opened with a memorable performance by Willow Boone & the Boone Girls, who immediately set the tone for the night. The trio performed "Whole Lot of Little," captivating the audience with both their musical skill and stage presence. Willow Boone showcased her talent on the violin, while her sisters, Quincey and Marley Boone, accompanied her on guitars. Their harmonies and musicianship reflected a level of talent well beyond their years, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Next to take the stage was Aine McCardel, a senior at Danville High School, who delivered a heartfelt performance of "The Water is Fine." McCardel is no stranger to performing, having previously appeared at the Front Porch Concert Series in Mount Vernon and the Youth Showcase at the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival. Her experience was evident as she sang with confidence and emotional depth, connecting easily with the audience.

The energy continued with a performance by Ava Hall, an eighth grader at Danville Junior High School. Hall sang "Fairytale," impressing the crowd with her strong vocals and poise. Her performance demonstrated the promising talent emerging from the district’s younger students.

Adding a dynamic visual element to the evening, the Danville Twirling Club took the stage next with a routine set to "Better When We Are Twirling." The group included performers ranging in age from 3 to 17 years old, and their coordinated movements, smiles, and enthusiasm delighted the audience. The performance highlighted both skill and teamwork across a wide age range.

Musical variety continued with Isaiah Kuhel-Schaade, who performed his solo and ensemble piece, "Minuet by Mozart," on the saxophone. His polished performance showcased technical ability and musical maturity, offering a classical contrast to the evening’s vocal acts.

Freshman Allison Vance followed with a performance of "Thank You for the Music." Her performance was a standout moment of the night, earning strong applause from the crowd. Vance is actively involved in her church’s youth group worship band and is a member of the Danville Performing Arts Department, experiences that clearly contributed to her confident and engaging stage presence.

Another freshman, Emma Payne, then took the stage. Payne has been singing and playing the guitar for many years and performed "Dreams" to an appreciative audience. Her performance was widely regarded as amazing. Payne has also performed at the Front Porch Concert Series in Mount Vernon and has participated in nine shows with the Danville Performing Arts Department, further highlighting her dedication and experience.

Following Payne’s two solo performances, Allison Vance returned to the stage to join her for a duet of "Traveling Soldier." Their voices blended beautifully, creating a powerful and emotional moment that resonated with the audience.

The final act of the evening was local bluegrass group Chestnut Ridge, which brought the show to an energetic close. The band performed "Art of Worship" and "Steel Rails," featuring impressive musicianship and lively bluegrass sound. They then welcomed Payne back to the stage to sing "Coal Miner’s Daughter" by Loretta Lynn. The performance featured amazing pickin’ and singing, fully embracing the spirit of the song and earning enthusiastic applause.

Overall, Danville’s Got Talent was a wonderful and very enjoyable evening, celebrating local talent while supporting a cause that will benefit the school and community for years to come.