Rising talent takes centre stage at the Kiwanis Kids 4 Kids Talent Showcase

(Glynn Kneebone, Past-President of the Kiwanis Club of Kanata-Stittsville thanks the audience for their support and the performers who made the night a success at the April 25, 2025, Kids 4 Kids Talent Showcase held at the Sacred Heart High School Theatre. Photos: Stittsville Central)

The Kiwanis Kids 4 Kids (K4K) Talent Showcase held on April 25, 2025, at Sacred Heart High School Theatre in Stittsville returned with a vibrant celebration of youth and up-and-coming talents living in our communities. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Kanata-Stittsville and in partnership with the new Club of Carleton Place and Mississippi Mills, this event brought together a lively audience of proud parents, community members, and friends alike, all celebrating the passion of the region’s youngest stars.

While the event was focused on raising funds for youth in need directly and through local outreach programs, it was also a platform for young performers to shine and overcome any fears about pursuing what they love doing most: entertaining an audience.

The evening had many jaw-dropping moments with astonishing talents pouring out of those who stepped on stage. One in particular, talented pianist Muyang Li, playing piano with just his left hand after he suffered an injury in the winter forcing him to pick up the new skill, had the audience at the edge of their seats. The slow and hypnotic piece filled the room with peaceful harmony until he took everyone by surprise and picked up the pace into a fast, beautifully chaotic symphony of notes.

Shortly after Muyang’s performance, Aditya Singh took the stage and performed “The River Flows In You” by Yiruma. The delicate harmony carried the room into a serene and dreamlike state, each note carrying the weight of an emotionally charged song. The performance felt soothing and familiar, acting as a reminder of why this piece has touched so many hearts over the years.

Vocalists of all ages also joined the mix, dazzling the audience with their performances of some of the greatest hits, including “Wildflower” by Billie Eilish performed by Hannah Rumsey, “Science” by Niall Horan performed by Mariam Hajji, “Falling” by Harry Styles performed by Katelyne Forsyth, and much more. Each act brought their own unique energy to the stage, infusing their vocals with a personal interpretation of these well-known tunes. Some of these memorable performances were also accompanied by unique choreography, such as passionate singer and dancer Kenuth Dissanayake’s performance of “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars. In addition to his expressive stage presence, Kenuth also shares his covers on his YouTube channel.

In addition to these solo performers, many youth bands took the stage and electrified the crowd with their covers of iconic classics. Their renditions of “Hard Times” by Paramore performed by Wednesday Band, “Can’t Stand Losing You” by The Police performed by Tuesday Band, and “Money City Maniacs” by Sloan performed by Thursday Band were full of emotion and charisma, striking a chord with audience members of all ages. I was particularly moved by Carter and Mia’s performance of Still Got the Blues by Gary Moore, which closed out the show. Their stellar vocals combined with the phenomenal electric guitar solo from their band blew the audience away, even causing an eruption of loud applause mid-song.

Intertwined with the high-energy acts were moments of classical beauty, thanks to the talented violinists. When Sakura Sone performed “Bach Partita 2 Sarabande,” it took my breath away immediately after the first note echoed through the theatre. You could tell the audience was trying to take in every moment, as was I. The room fell into a collective stillness, watching such a young talent own the stage as she did. The remarkable blend of precision and emotion wove melodies that felt both timeless and deeply personal.

Events like the Kiwanis K4K Talent Showcase uplift young performers and reaffirm the community’s devoted commitment to its youngest members. It’s truly inspiring to see what the newest generations bring to the table and how they’ll navigate a world that often overlooks the profound impact of the arts. Their creativity and passion challenge these limitations, reshaping our understanding of artistic expression and connection. Watching their boldness unfold is a powerful reminder that the future is full of promise and potential. By giving kids a platform to express themselves and connect with fellow aspiring artists while raising critical funds for youth-centred causes, the Kiwanis Club is helping to spark resilience and belonging that can last a lifetime.