Volume 17, Number 1, Fall 2006

4-H Talent Revue Roars into Michigan

Representing five states, 23 talented 4-H’ers (including 13 from Michigan) participated in the 2007 4-H Talent Revue. ( Countryside Photography - Rennie Towne)

Beth Franz

On July 16, 2007 the fog started to roll in, the roar of Harley Davison motorcycles echoed through the building and 23 exceptional 4-H’ers took over the DeVos Place Center Stage in Grand Rapids. As part of the National Association of County Agriculture Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference, the 4-H Talent Revue featured youth from five states, including 13 from Michigan. The Revue showcases 4-H youth with a passion for entertaining and promotes the creative ability of youth that are involved in 4-H.

Selected from over 60 audition tapes, these talented 4-H’ers wowed a crowd of more than 1,200 people from all over the United States. These youth were selected based on stage presence, quality of performance, audience appeal, entertainment value and uniqueness. Auditions were open to youth from the North Central region, which includes 11 states; more than 40 youth from Michigan applied for a chance to perform. These youth showcased the performing arts projects that they are involved in through 4-H and put on the hottest show the National Ag Conference had ever seen.

After the initial excitement of meeting the other participants and seeing the DeVos Place stage which would be their home for the next three days, these 4-H’ers got down to business. Hours of grueling practice to learn two group dances, on-stage rehearsals and sound checks filled the days.

All sharing a common bond of exceptional talent and a gift for entertaining, these youth quickly went from individuals to a group of friends that made memories for a lifetime. Together, these 4-H’ers explored the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, learning about the furniture city of Michigan, viewing wildlife scenes from around the state and taking a trip on an antique carousal.

Hard work, great attitudes and teamwork paid off when the 2007 4-H Talent Revue took the stage. The smoke and rumble from a Harley Davison Motorcycle cleared the way for the 4-H youths’ entrance. The combination of a little attitude, some great dance moves and the song “Bad to the Bone” made for an exciting opening number that the crowd loved. Introductions by DJs from a local radio station set the stage for each individual act. Michigan youth played several instruments, including the saxophone, flute and piano. The audience was also treated to a martial arts exhibition from a two-time world champion, Irish step dancing, tap dancing and vocal performances. Following the individual acts, the entire group closed the show with their dance to “Life is a Highway.” Overwhelming applause and a standing ovation greeted these 4-H youth as they took their final bows.

The 4-H Talent Revue is an event that rarely comes to Michigan. The last national conference that was held in Michigan was in the 1950’s and took place before the Mackinaw Bridge was built. Thanks go to Beth Franz, Katie Vanderkolk, Farris Withers, Betsy Knox, Rennie Towne, Patty Dohm and Pat Franz for organizing, promoting and putting on such an event.