THE MUSIC MAN

Liam Sheridan of Lake Forest does it all, from magic tricks to performing his live solo act all over the North Shore. This month, the 16-year-old wunderkind lends his time and talent to the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome’s Paddle Party for a Purpose fundraiser.

There’s something special about Liam Sheridan. Everyone in town can feel it. Even his peers at Lake Forest High School (LFHS) can sense that whatever this teen ends up doing in the future, it’s going to be epic. And yet, ask the 16-year-old Lake Forest native a few questions and all you’ll get is humility—and a list of professional credits that will leave you in awe. “My passion for performing started when I was in kindergarten and my parents signed me up for a musical theater class,” says Sheridan, who taught himself how to do magic in the third grade and turned it into a small business. “As time went on, I began playing violin through school. This instrument was foundational to reading sheet music and learning about rhythm. At the start of my freshman year, I taught myself guitar and harmonica,” he continues. “By the spring of my freshman year, I was invited to play rhythm guitar in Battle of the Bands at CROYA. By the time I finished the first song, I knew this is what I wanted to do.” There isn’t enough space in this feature to describe all he’s accomplished since, from productions at the Gorton Center to a solo gig at Lake Forest Days. “In the last year, I’ve played over 50 shows from local venues like 28 Mile, Duffer’s, Toadstool, Billy Bricks, Nite ‘N Gale, and Up North Axe and Tap, as well as many private events such as Paddle for a Purpose, an event that supports the Angelman’s Syndrome cause,” he says. “This event is extra special because I’ve known Ryan O’Connor and his family for many years. I remember chasing Ryan around when I was about his age now! To perform at this event is such an honor as I’ve always been drawn to helping the special needs community.” That’s right. In addition to school, friends, and all of his musical and magic performances, Sheridan connects to special needs campers at Camp SOAR each summer through the gift of sound. “Although some campers cannot communicate in a traditional manner by speaking, we find a common ground through music—which gives people a voice when maybe they don’t feel like they have another way to express themselves,” says Sheridan. “Music is my outlet to be who I am and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me. Right now, I’m just enjoying the ride.” This dynamic LFHS junior recently took time from his busy schedule to share a few of his favorite things.

Favorite musical artist or band and why? Noah Kahan. During my freshman year I discovered his music and it changed my life. He writes about mental health and real issues that not many mainstream artists cover. His melodies and lyrics are so creative and I take after his style in some of my own writing. Favorite North Shore restaurant? 28 Mile in Highwood. They have amazing pizza and a great live music venue. They support young musicians too! Best local place to see magic is? Chicago Magic Lounge, near Andersonville. They have amazing adult and kid-friendly shows. Favorite way to give back to the community? Volunteering at different local organizations like Bernie’s Book Bank, Feed My Starving Children, and CROYA. I am also involved in Scout Buddies at LFHS.

Song you play at your gigs that gets the most applause? “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. It’s a crowd-pleaser and singalong song. It’s also a sentimental song for my family. Favorite weekend activity? Playing live gigs. I’ve been performing on a stage since I was 5 years old. Who is your role model? My parents (Bill and Trish Sheridan). They have always been supportive of my music career and they are very hardworking. They juggle a lot with me and my three brothers and still find time to have fun. What is your dream car? A red Corvette. I think they are really sleek, stand out, and would also get me to where I need to go quickly. Favorite place to take a vacation? My trip to Nashville this past summer, when I spent a week at a songwriting camp at the Country Music Hall of Fame. I had the time of my life! TV show you can’t stop binging? Netflix’s Stranger Things. It is my escape from stress. Best subject in school? Robotics. It allows me to use the creative mind in a different way than music. Favorite Thanksgiving food?
Grandma Nancy’s stuffing. It is my absolute favorite part of the holiday.