Performing at Singer Spotlight North Shore on Thursday, March 27 at Pops Highwood

Betsy Katz
Betsy Katz started singing at the age of 4 ("How Much Is That Doggie In the Window" was the crowd pleaser at the time) and hasn't stopped since. Top honors at state vocal competitions, musical roles in high school and college, and several years touring with an A Cappella choir sequed to professional cabaret club singing jobs in Europe by the time she was 21. Turning her sights to professional theatre, she became a member of Actors' Equity and shared in a Joseph Jefferson Award for her performance in the long-running hit play LUNCHING, directed by Mike Nussbaum. A few years ago, she teamed up with the very talented Bradley Williams to produce her soon-to-be-released first CD, which includes a song that she co-wrote called "Time to Be Alone". On the journey to this evening's performance, she has taught and tutored middle and upper school English and French, taught theatre classes, directed plays and privately coached young adults. But her longest running, happiest and most successful gigs have been those of wife and mother. Thank you to Paul, Amy and David, her best fans and cheerleaders! Betsy was a featured singer in the Fitzgerald's Singer Spotlight showcase in the Fall. She would like to thank Paula and Libby so much for giving her this wonderful opportunity to get back to her roots once again.

Gina Coconato
Gina is thrilled to be a part of the North Shore Singer Spotlight for the 2nd time. Born into a musical family, Gina has been singing and performing since she was very young. She recently just gradauted with a BFA from the Theater Conservatory of the Chicago Perfoming Arts at Roosevelt University. Gina has had the honor to sing with the City Lights Orchestra as well as perform background for her mother Linda Clifford. Her other credits include Richard II at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier and cabaret showcases at the Bailiwick Theater and Davenport's Cabaret. Gina was also 2nd runner up to Miss Illinois in 2001.

Gerald McClendon
From the Taste of Chicago to the opening act for the Temptations, from a Cruise ship in Asia to Sydney, Australia, Gerald McClendon has been electrifying audiences with his sensual voice. This singer/songwriter's magnetic stage presence and passionate, soulful style began developing at the tender age of four, as he stood in front of the radio singing to every song. For Gerald, the love of singing, composing and arranging is what makes his spirit soar. He has over one thousand performances to his credit, including singing at the Green Dolphin Street, Back Room, Kingston Mines, BLUES, ETC., along with performing at many Chicago Neighborhood festivals and Chicago Cubs and Bulls games. Just recently, Gerald preformed live on WGN TV morning news "Battle of the Bands", he also is featured singing "Pink" on the Aerosmith Tribute CD, "Sweet Emotions" and has a Review of his CD, "Choose Love" in the "Blues & Soul" magazine where Dean Johnson sums it up by saying, "A CD that requires careful listening and not one that will easily bore you after three listens." Gerald has also been featured singing several commercials for clients such as, Bud Lite, Coca-Cola & Ameritech. Gerald's latest CD "Choose Love," is a mix of original contemporary R&B and is available for purchase by visiting www.geraldmcclendon.com

Sally Schleker
Even after changing her major from Voice to something much more prosperous and stable like Elementary Education, Sally has been able to follow her passion for singing by moving through the ranks of many choruses and into the spotlight with favorite roles such as Sister Mary Amnesia in "Nunsense", Mama Morton in "Chicago" and the Narrator in "Joseph...". While pursuing a cabaret career, Sally met Becca Kaufman and is very pleased to have become part of the NorthShore Singer Spotlight family. She's especially delighted to be part of the 2 year anniversary celebration. Sally enjoys her little bit country/little bit rock 'n' roll fantasy when she's here singing with this fabulous house band. Sally has also been seen in the cabaret room of Davenport's Cabaret and Piano Bar in "the city". Her day job is teaching 4th grade in Evanston, where she also resides.