Eldridge "Eldie" Shannon discovered his love of dance in his freshman year of high school. He took classes in hip hop, ballet, modern, and contemporary, before sticking with hip hop as his primary style. It wasn't until he joined Urban Beat dance, junior year, that he developed the confidence and passion to pursue dance as a career. Eldie joined his first two professional crews by his senior year in high school and has never looked back. Eldie has been a part of The Puzzle League, CODA, JiggNation, Nonstop Dance, PieceMakers, and the Millennium Dance Complex Chicago Crew. Eldie is excited to showcase everything he has learned in his short career at "An Evening With FAME." Win or lose, Eldie's prime objective is to give his audience something special that they won't forget.
Nicole Besa was raised in an un-insulated shack with no running water. Rotted holes were in the roof and floors, and she usually went to school with an empty stomach (or the stomach flu). “My family escaped domestic violence when I was 15 years old, and from there we lived in
low-income housing. On any given day, you could see roaches in the daylight, and hear gunshots outside. As you can imagine, or maybe having lived it first hand, struggles still continue for me as an artist, far away from my family, and in a big city like Chicago. But ironically enough, singing is what has always motivated me to do something beyond my circumstances. Somehow, no matter how hard things have been, I’ve always known that my best self is as an artist. Singing drives me to give it my all, pay it forward to my communities, and to make my mom proud.
My career diligently revolves around being an example of hope, courage, and compassion to others who may also be trying to succeed, despite major disadvantages. In the past year alone, I performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago in The King and I, became a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists, and performed opera with two young artist programs. I also won an international competition in musical theatre. I regularly gig in several cover bands throughout the Midwest, and additionally have continued to expand my voice studio, where I teach both beginners and professional colleagues in all styles. I know how to make a little out of a lot. The FAME award would help me move forward in my career by securing precious funds for promotional materials, dance classes, voice lessons, and audition fees and costs. Support from the FAME award would be additional help that I would be so grateful for, and that I can promise to take a long way.
low-income housing. On any given day, you could see roaches in the daylight, and hear gunshots outside. As you can imagine, or maybe having lived it first hand, struggles still continue for me as an artist, far away from my family, and in a big city like Chicago. But ironically enough, singing is what has always motivated me to do something beyond my circumstances. Somehow, no matter how hard things have been, I’ve always known that my best self is as an artist. Singing drives me to give it my all, pay it forward to my communities, and to make my mom proud.
My career diligently revolves around being an example of hope, courage, and compassion to others who may also be trying to succeed, despite major disadvantages. In the past year alone, I performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago in The King and I, became a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists, and performed opera with two young artist programs. I also won an international competition in musical theatre. I regularly gig in several cover bands throughout the Midwest, and additionally have continued to expand my voice studio, where I teach both beginners and professional colleagues in all styles. I know how to make a little out of a lot. The FAME award would help me move forward in my career by securing precious funds for promotional materials, dance classes, voice lessons, and audition fees and costs. Support from the FAME award would be additional help that I would be so grateful for, and that I can promise to take a long way.
Olivia Oskarsson is a 16 year old sophomore at Menomonee Falls High School. She starting dancing age 3, and has not stopped since. While Olivia’s passion is lyrical and contemporary she also studies in Russian ballet on pointe, jazz, and hip hop. Olivia’s desire to be a professional dancer has driven her to take summer high school classes on line so that she will graduate high school at the end of her Junior year. This will allow her to jump into the dance world early. Five years ago, Olivia was in a severe car accident that caused physical and emotional injuries. She used her dance to help herself heal. The song on the radio at the time of accident was Carrie Underwood's 'Jesus Take the Wheel.' Olivia used this song for her solo the next year. She said that year was not about the scores, but about healing.. In 2016, Olivia was invited to work with the professional dance company, SueMo II, in Milwaukee. She performed in their summer and winter productions. In the summer of 2017, she participated in the Joffrey Ballet summer program in New York. Taking the stage as a contestant for “An Evening With F.A.M.E.” is one more exciting way for Olivia to share her passion.
Grace Corwine, a 15 year old freshman at Hoffman Estates High School. I have been performing since I first figured out how to open my mouth. My first time ever singing by myself was in second grade when I was given the role of Dot the Ladybug. I have sung and danced in multiple variety shows since third grade. My first musical was Peter Pan in 7th grade and I was an Indian and then played Lily in Alice in Wonderland. I was a featured dancer and vocalist in Wizard of Oz. In Beauty and the Beast I played Babette, and in Seussical I played Mayzie La Bird which was my first principal solo work. In Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat I was Simeon's wife and a Pharaoh dancer. I played Timon in The Lion King. I have also played Ryan Evans in High School Musical. Currently I am in the play production of Peter Pan as Tinkerbell. I've been in school choir since 5th grade as well as some choirs outside. My dream is to someday be a professional theatre performer. I hope to be able to continue to pursue my passion in the arts for as long as I can. I'm so thankful to have the opportunities I have and for an amazing family that supports me.
Rebecca Brunner, from Mason, Michigan is an R&B/Pop singer/songwriter and piano player currently studying Music at Columbia College Chicago. Rebecca’s passion for music began when she was five years old. Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Tori Kelly, Alan Stone have inspired Rebecca to follow her dreams of becoming a professional music artist. She has performed at many Columbia College events, The House of Blues in Chicago, The Metro in Chicago, The Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, and many other venues and festivals in Illinois and Michigan. She is also a member of the Hip Hop/ Neo-Soul Band OBY. She enjoys sports, dancing and other adventurous activities. A few of her biggest accomplishments include performing background vocals on Late Night with Seth Meyers with recording artist Sir the Baptist. She was a part of America’s Got Talent in 2016 and in the commercial, and appearing in Chicago PD in fall 2016. At the age of five, Rebecca lost her dad from Cancer. Growing up with this deep pain inside, music was Rebecca’s escape and constant comfort. She began writing songs at age 10 and playing piano at age 8. The pain, joy and passion she carries, lay within the sound of her voice. This award will help with Rebecca’s Ep: Escape coming out this year. Funding is very difficult and sometimes a recording session is pushed back due to lack of funding. It will also help with funding for photo shoots, website, business cards and more. Rebecca is very passionate about her music and sharing her emotions through song and hoping that can change someone else’s life. She hopes to become a well-known artist telling her story through her music.
Samantha Micklewright began ballet at the age of 2 ½ and has been devoted to dance ever since. She jokingly slipped on her mother’s flamenco shoes and began tapping around the house. After a few years of local flamenco lessons, Samantha auditioned for the Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Youth Company where she is now in her 4th season on full scholarship. This is the training troupe to the adult professional Ensemble Espanol Company in residence at Northeastern Illinois University. Now 15 years old, Samantha’s passion, dedication, and desire to learn have been recognized by all of her teachers and visiting artists from Spain. Her hard work was rewarded by an early promotion to the senior division of the youth company, as well as solo performances at youth company events. She was recently awarded the rare opportunity to begin rehearsing with the adult professional company. During her summer hiatus, Samantha enjoys competing in talent contests and is blessed to have won 3 statewide competitions in the past few years. One of Samantha’s life goals is to join the professional Ensemble Espanol Company and perform with them locally and on tour. With the award funds, Samantha would love to pursue her dream of professionalism by training privately with master flamenco teachers. She was recommended for training in Spain at the academy of Rojas and Rodriguez or the National Ballet of Spain. Her family is unable to finance extended training abroad but hopes someday this will be possible. Samantha has had to sacrifice extracurricular activities and social time with friends in order to fulfill her responsibilities to dance. She feels it is all worth it to be doing what she loves!
Juliana Omokheyeke is a 19 year old singer/songwriter from Houston Texas. At the age of 10, she started singing in church and school choir . During her early teens she participated in musical theater as well as choir. She has been in a handful of musicals and school productions as well as school talent shows. Juliana has also done a few of local talent shows. She is now a music student at Columbia College Chicago and is working on her very first EP. She will graduate in 2019. Juliana loves performing and sharing her music with others.
Kiefer Otto has been dancing since he was 6 years old. He grew up in a small town where the only outlet for his rambunctious energy was dance. Having been diagnosed with ADD and Dyslexia, dance became more than just an art form for him. It became his language. Whil involved there, he discovered his desire for a career in the dance world and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at Columbia CollegeChicago. His major is dance with an acting minor. He has had dancing and acting roles in Delirium, Eyes and Ears, and the FOX TV show, Empire and Shameless. This past year, Kiefer has been focused on his choreography and performing. His work was accepted into shows with companies such as Simantiko's Dance Chicago and Nuomenon Dance Ensemble. This past semester he wasn't able to return to college due to financial reasons. If he were to win the competition, he would use the award to help pay for the education he needs to create a solid foundation for the future career he wants in the arts.
"Since before she could talk, Morgan Ashley was humming melodies as a form of communication. Music was born into her and has always captured her attention. Throughout grade school, she performed significant roles in the musicals Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Anne of Green Gables, and The Wiz. After this Morgan lost touch with her musical side and decided to focus on a more practical future in college. Until recently, Morgan has been following a career in the medical field. In 2013, on a whim, she entered a karaoke contest. After taking first place in the contest Morgan discovered how powerful her love for music and entertaining was. In 2014, Morgan followed her heart and moved to Chicago. It was in Chicago that Morgan joined her first band, The Stingers. The band performs covers all around the Chicagoland area. After playing in the band for a few months, Morgan’s passion for music started consuming her. She started taking every opportunity she could get her hands on to get herself out there. Going to countless shows, and performances. Throughout the course of her life, Morgan has had little to no professional training and has relied on her natural ability to carry her music career. Over the past year, Morgan has been working on writing and recording her own original music hoping to release her EP in the coming month’s right before all of her summer shows. She won a vocal scholarship where we is continuing receive artist development support and a year of voice lessons. She has put 100% of her time into developing her band, Morgan Station. The band has performed all over the suburbs and received recognition as Best Female Artist for the 2017 Kankakee music awards. For its first year on the scene, Morgan Station has been booked at some large festivals coming up this summer and played both in Nashville and Los Angeles. If she were to receive endorsement from this competition, she plans to use this continue to promote the growth and develop the image of her original music project, Morgan Station whether that is through the EP release or promotionals materials and tools for playing publically such as, t-shirts, hats, banners, and the designers to help with the product and image development.
Miriam-Rose earned her Bachelor of Science from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she studied ballet, performing arts, and business. Since graduation, she has performed and taught both ballet and violin throughout the Chicago area, including with Chicago Repertory Ballet, The British International School of Chicago, Down Home Guitars, The Beverly Arts Center, and The Joffrey Academy of Dance. Throughout her training and career, Miriam-Rose has been challenged by working to balance both of her passions: ballet and violin. There were times when one art form became so demanding that it was tempting to stop pursuing the other. However, she has persevered in both, and was inspired by her own struggles to compose and choreograph "Reflection", which she will be performing for FAME. The piece will debut in April as a part of a Chicago Dance Month collaboration called "Convergence". Any funds earned from the FAME competition will go towards reimbursement for instrument rentals, studio rentals, costumes, compensating artists, and other costs associated with the production. Miriam-Rose looks forward to her Chicago debut as a choreographer, and to sharing the Arts she loves with her audience. She would like to thank FAME for mentoring her and selecting her as a 2017 finalist.
