Spotlight Kidz perform at large-scale events, venues across country

Jan. 22—When 7-year-old Danica Frederick stepped onstage at a recent Foreigner concert, she wasn't sure what to expect.

But as she and her fellow singers launched into a medley of Foreigner hits, she soon became overjoyed by the crowd's response.

"When they started singing and clapping along, it made me really happy," Danica said.

Danica and her 13-year-old sister, Giana Frederick, both of Auburn, are members of Spotlight Kidz, a Schuylkill County-based youth performance group that has been on some of the biggest stages across the country.

In addition to opening for the rock band Foreigner at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, the group's other recent performances included two dates as the opening act for The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, along with the national anthem at a Philadelphia Phillies game.

Composed of about 20 members from Schuylkill and surrounding counties, the Spotlight Kidz performers have taken full advantage of those opportunities, impressing audiences with their skillful, versatile renditions of musical classics and showtunes.

Director Sandy Kost-Sterner established the program in 2014, with the goal to give talented youngsters new ways to expand their horizons.

In addition to its core performance group, the program offers classes and workshops for singers 18 and younger.

"Our mission has always been to build confidence and good self-worth through the performing arts," as well as to teach life skills such as teamwork, dedication and the value of hard work, Kost-Sterner said.

While Spotlight Kidz specializes in Broadway and showtunes, the group often performs other styles of music. In previous years, the group has performed shows with oldies and country themes, among others.

'Coolest thing ever'

As the opener for The Rockettes, members of Spotlight Kidz performed on two separate occasions, Dec. 12 and 28.

The performances featured an expanded ensemble that included other children who had participated in the program virtually but are not part of the core group.

Between both shows, the group included 65 performers from 14 different states, as well as from Thailand and Canada.

Danica, who had performed at Radio City before, said the gigs were an "amazing" experience, as usual.

The group delivered an a capella performance of the holiday classic "Christmas in New York," along with a jazz-inflected rendition of "Jingle Bells" in the style of Frank Sinatra.

As the warmup act for Foreigner's November concert in Bethlehem, the singers performed a medley of the classic rock band's hits, which included "Juke Box Hero," "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "Cold as Ice."

On Aug. 20, the group performed the national anthem at a Philadelphia Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park.

Both Giana and Danica, who have been singing from an early age, enjoy the chance to perform at large events and venues.

"It's so awesome how many opportunities we get to perform," Giana said. "It's the coolest thing ever."

In addition to older performers, Spotlight Kidz features a "Minis" program, consisting of five singers ages 4 through 7 who are part of the main performance group.

Outside of performing with the ensemble, many Spotlight Kidz members perform at solo competitions and events.

Their talent has been well-represented across Pennsylvania, with two members — Mia Bixler, 6, of Schuylkill Haven, and Apple Passetti, 13, of Forty Fort — having performed recently at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Mia was selected to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the opening day of the show, which was her first time singing alone in front of an audience.

"We're so proud of her," said her mother, Mandy Bixler. "She did terrific for her first time singing alone in front of others."

Kost-Sterner said the performances provide invaluable experience for the singers, as well as the opportunity to build friendships and lasting memories.

In past years, the group has performed at venues like the Santander Arena in Reading, the Giant Center in Hershey and the Little League World Series Complex in Williamsport, as well as at local events, such as Block of Art and the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival.

While Kost-Sterner is the main director and coordinator for Spotlight Kidz, she credits the group's success to everyone involved in the operations, including musical director Allison Kline and instructors Riley McDonald and Madeline Wittig.

'Keep building'

"Spotlight Kidz always enjoy giving back to our community by performing at local events and hosting benefit events," Kost-Sterner said. "In addition, the group and our soloists are available for private events and parties and sing at many civic organization meetings and events."

The group rehearses together for at least four hours every month, usually at local venues such as Crimson House in Pottsville.

Kost-Sterner said the Spotlight Kidz lineup has changed little since the beginning of the pandemic, as they have maintained the same core group of about 20 performers.

However, she is open to holding auditions at the end of the season in May.

"The group has progressed so much during the pandemic," she said. "We want to keep building on that group right now."

Danica encourages other young singers interested in performing to give Spotlight Kidz a try.

"Be brave and be confident," she said.

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085