Every year, dedicated student performers from Aspen to Parachute and Vail get a chance to step into the spotlight at the Kiwanis Club of Glenwood Springs’ All Valley Talent Show. 

This year’s showcase is slated for 7-9:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 at the Glenwood Springs High School Auditorium. The event will feature 12 standout middle and high school vocalists, musicians, dancers and theatrical performers and a special performance by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico dancers.  

“They’re very talented.I always joke that ‘talent show’ I think of something like (juggling or magic tricks),” said Nate Kaup, a member of the All Valley Talent Show Committee. “But it’s performing arts and a lot of them have been training their whole life to play these instruments. I’m always shocked at how talented they are, so I enjoy that.”

The Glenwood Springs Kiwanis Club launched the All Valley Talent Show four years ago to provide a platform for student performers wanting to showcase their dedication, receive mentorship and gain experience performing live — all at no cost to the students. 

“Every year I just love to see how excited the kids are to perform on show day,” Tyler Desiderio,  co-chair of the talent show committee, said. “It’s just special to see them get so excited and then they get to know each other and build bonds for the show. That’s what I get the most joy out of, is seeing how much the kids get out of it.”

A local chapter of the international Kiwanis organization, the Glenwood Springs club is committed to empowering communities while supporting local youth. Globally, Kiwanis Club members assist with around 150,000 service projects annually and raise close to $100 million to benefit communities, children and families. 

“I was just looking for a way to volunteer and wanted an organization that would bring that on a continuous basis,” said Kaup, who joined the Glenwood Springs branch of the Kiwanis Club four years ago. “I liked the idea of it being really local and with kids, so we do projects and a lot of them are hands-on, which is fun.”

The Glenwood Springs club also offers college scholarships and sponsors youth-focused programs like the Kiwanis Key Club and Kiwanis Terrific Kids Club. 

“I love Kiwanis’ mission to provide support to children and the community,” said Kati Ledall, who is also on the All Valley Talent Show Committee. “We have such a great community here and to give back to it and to give back to the youth I think is really important and really valuable.”

Interested students in grades 8-12 auditioned in March, and a panel of judges selected 12 finalists. Each finalist was paired with a professional mentor — musicians, actors and dancers — who helped them refine their acts ahead of the show. 

Winners in each category will receive a scholarship of at least $1,500, which can be used for lessons, instruments, camps, competitions and other opportunities to grow their talent. 

The show also includes a behind-the-scenes component: students interested in stage production will manage sound, lighting and other technical elements. 

This year’s lineup includes a guitarist, pianist, trumpet player and theatrical performances featuring selections from Broadway productions.

“If you’re into the arts or you want to see a good performance, I’d recommend the community show up…,” Desiderio said. “If you want to support the youth and come out and see a good performance, I encourage the community to do so.” 

For more information, visit gwskiwanistalentshow.org