Annual concert about to hit fundraising landmark
‘Sounds of Christmas’ celebrates its fifth year in support of KidsAbility
WATERLOO — Nicole Guse’s annual “Sounds of Christmas” will mark the fifth year for the KidsAbility fundraiser which this year is expected to bring the total donations up to $100,000.
“This is our fifth year and KidsAbility’s 60th anniversary,” said Guse, a veteran performer, stage director and music educator who devised of the idea of a fundraising concert after her son Joshua received help from the organization. Thanks to KidsAbility, Joshua was able to succeed in school and what better way to say thanks than use her talents to raise money.
“When I started this I wondered ‘how much will we make?’” she recalled of the first year. “I thought maybe $10,000.”
The popularity of the music variety show surprised her and provided the motivation to do it year after year. Guse certainly has the credentials to pull off a major Christmas concert.
The singer comes from a musical family that includes her father Jim and brother Shane, a multi-instrumentalist and champion fiddle player. Together, the Guse family toured for years including a 10-year stint aboard cruise ships. Shane is also a fiddler and vocalist with the Western Swing Authority along with his wife, singer Stacey Lee.
Having her brother participate in the show provides stability that makes her job as producer, performer and director a bit easier and the fact that most of the cast, including the kids, keep on returning year after year.
“We have a lot of returning people,” said Guse. “It’s like a little family get together.”
Guse has watched the cast grow and develop and she’s seen their self-confidence blossom.
“The kids love the show, they’re committed to it,” she said. “They’re already asking about next year.”
The 17 youth, ages eight to 18, are all from the region and several have extensive performance experience despite their youth.
“They’re more polished this year,” she said.
“I have eight, four-hour rehearsals to do a full two-hour show.
“They are amazing. They get what it is to do the hard work.”
The six-concert show features a variety of music, from gospel to country to traditional Christmas tunes and there’s plenty of dancing and harmonizing. There is also an annual theme.
“This year, it’s a tribute to Mrs. Claus,” said Guse, adding with a jovial cheer, “Let’s hear it for Mrs. Claus.”
The show has been so popular, Guse had to find a larger venue. This year they’ll be at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church with a 700-seat capacity.
“The audience will leave feeling great,” she said.