Musicfest to present best performers at Bing

This week student musicians and dancers from around the region have been performing for adjudicators at Musicfest Northwest.

Tonight, the best will perform in the Festival Highlights concert at the Bing Crosby Theater.

“This is definitely the cream of the crop,” said Gail Belanger, president of Musicfest Northwest.

The 15 or so performers will include pianists, ballet dancers, vocalists and string players. The performers earned their spots in the show by taking the top score in their division.

But Musicfest, which is celebrating its 70th year, isn’t just about the contest. Students get instruction and advice from adjudicators who come in from around the country.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for them,” Belanger said.

“Sometimes it’s just good for them to hear what their teacher has been telling them from another point of view,” she said.

On Saturday, the KPBX Kids Concert will also highlight Musicfest. That show will be more of a cross section of the festival, with a range of ages and levels, Belanger said.

“It’ll be a lot of fun,” said Verne Windham, who will host the show.

About 40 students will perform at the Kids Concert, which will be broadcast live on KPBX and online.

Windham described the show as a bit like “From the Top,” “without the fancy skits.”

Adjudicators pick the performers they think would be most effective on the radio (so, no ballet). Windham will talk to each of them, he said, “finding a little about what makes them tick.”

And though it’ll last four hours, don’t worry, Windham said. Audience members are encouraged to come and go as they please.

Kimberly Lusk

Festival Highlights Concert: 7:30 p.m. today

KPBX Kids Concert: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave.

Admission: Both events are free.

Info: musicfestnorthwest.org or kpbx.org