1 week Ago By Kjersti Maday
MOORHEAD — A couple of local nonprofits teamed up over the weekend to give area children a unique chance to showcase their musical talents in an unexpected venue. Fifteen children took the stage at Murphy’s Pub on Sunday, April 27, for the third annual Kids Musical Showcase. For 10-year-old Mia Berg, it was her first performance in front of an audience.
“This started as a dream and a vision with three people that just care about kids and care about giving opportunities to kids who wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to be on a stage,” said Dan Tinquist, emcee for the event since its inception. Tinquist’s friends own the Moorhead bar and also run the nonprofit MN Strong. This year, MN Strong partnered with Elevate Rock School’s nonprofit, Excite Music, to host the showcase and give F-M area youth a chance to perform live.
“We want to create an atmosphere of collaboration and celebration with each other as they're taking risks and doing these hard things and being brave as kids,” Tinquist said. He says he feels proud of the children for facing their fears and overcoming stage fright in their own way. “If you're scared, that means you're meant to do it,” said Mia Berg.
Fellow 10-year-old performer David Hand finds strength in his passion. “Just focus on what you love about it,” Hand said. “There’s a lot of kids out there like David and Mia,” Tinquist said.
“Who all deserve a chance to gain confidence to live out their dreams.” “Have that seed planted in them that want to be a performer and want to have an opportunity to do something really hard and be brave,” he added. Sunday’s showcase raised $800 to help cover music lesson costs for kids.
One young performer won a three-month scholarship to Elevate Rock School..
