Night to Shine act has been at home on the stage for most of her life

You could say Sarah Frazier was born to sing.

At her first birthday party she tried to belt out a Beatles song to accompany her mom and sister.

Tuesday, Feb. 17, she'll be playing and singing one of her original compositions, "Elizabeth," for the 16th annual Night to Shine.

Hers is one of 21 acts that will take the stage at the Helena Civic Center, when Helena showcases some of its premier youthful talent.

At 15, Frazier's already an accomplished singer, musician and composer.

Her song is a heartfelt tribute to her dearest friend.

Petite, composed and focused, Frazier sits at the grand piano in the Helena High School chorus room, her fingers gracefully moving along the keyboard as she sings:

The song is a beautiful interplay of her voice and the piano.

"It's a happy song. It's about someone I really love to death," said Frazier. "She's my best friend.

"I've written many, many compositions. My inspiration is people I'm really close to.

"What I write is lyrical and melodic, and acoustic. I write really metaphorical lyrics -- they're real calming."

Her compositions are a contrast to her favorite music n metal, which she is exploring with a new, yet-to-be-named Helena band.

"It's so thrilling," Frazier said of earning a spot on the Night to Shine program. She's particularly excited about singing for such a large audience.

It's a moment the Winston teenager has prepared for -- playing in coffeehouses, at local fairs and at any singing opportunity that arises.

"I've been singing my whole life," she said. "I don't know what it's like to not be musical.

"I play piano before school, I come to school and play, I have choir, I have musical theory. The majority of my time is being musically active.

"I don't see myself doing anything besides music -- so I definitely see it as a career."

Frazier said she's told she sounds like Amy Lee of Evanescence, but she doesn't follow anyone's style.

"I try to be original," she said.

She succeeds.

Other performers include outstanding vocalists, musicians, comedy acts and a variety of dance routines -- from Irish to ballet to hip hop.

Coming from another part of the musical spectrum are Clay Springmeyer and Will Davis, two Helena High School seniors performing an acoustic "Tribute to Jimi Hendrix."

"I've tried every year for Night to Shine," said Springmeyer.

"I'm just excited to play in front of so many people. The energy's just so much bigger in front of so many people."

Although both Davis and Springmeyer auditioned for the show previously, this is the first year they brought their talents together.

Their usual venues are the Firetower Coffee House, Women's Park and Springmeyer's front porch.

"We play for the joggers and the squirrels," joked Springmeyer. "They usually run away."

The duo has brought together a dynamic and skillful rendition of "Little Wing" and "All Along the Watchtower," playing the pieces with respect and integrity and perhaps a touch of irony.

They do Jimi justice.

"The acts are all selected strictly for their entertainment value," said Emily Donahoe, assistant director for Night to Shine.

Approximately 50 acts auditioned this year for only 21 spots.

A panel of judges, consisting of a student representative from each high school, the show sponsor -- Helena Community Credit Union -- and two local artists, chose the finalists.

There's a lot of value to the show, in addition to the great entertainment, Donahoe said.

"First thing, it brings the two high schools together. It's produced by the high school students. It allays the cross-town rivalry."

Students from both schools do the organizing, marketing and publicity.

All the money raised goes to the Capital and Helena DECA groups, an association of marketing students.

"Not only is it the one opportunity to put your talent out there, but to perform on the Civic Center Stage n it's a really big stage to fill. It's overwhelming," said Donahoe. "That's a really big deal for them."

If you go

Some of Helena's most talented youths will perform at the 16th Annual Night to Shine

When: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.

Where: Helena Civic Center

Tickets: $15 box seats, $12 reserved seating, $10 general admission; Tickets can be purchased at the Helena Civic Center box office, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Contact: 447-8481