Sophomore Liam Sheridan doesn’t just do magic. He also sings. And plays the guitar. And the harmonica. And the piano. And the violin. And, like his talent, Sheridan’s personality is magic too. 

The buzz around Sheridan began last year, when he performed as the “Magic Man” in the LFHS Talent Show. Although people began to recognize him for his talent then, this wasn’t when Sheridan got his start.

Since he was six years old, Sheridan has been involved in musical theater and singing. Since he was eight years old, Sheridan has been doing magic. Since always, he’s been “extremely impressive,” according to senior Katie-May Newman.

“I am impressed by Liam everyday,” Newman said. “I cry when he sings sometimes because I think it’s just so beautiful.”

Sheridan performed three sets over two days at Nashwood in Highwood on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. He sang and played both the guitar and harmonica. 

“I enjoy playing country much more than rock,” Sheridan said. “I love country music, folk music, and some more upbeat music. I’m working on some acoustic versions of Bon Jovi songs.”

While Sheridan sounds like a pro, his instrument adventure began more recently.

“I just started playing guitar a year ago so I’m still getting into the world a bit,” Sheridan said.

His solo career, along with his time in a band, happened coincidentally.

“After the talent show, [junior] Nate Arch reached out and asked if I wanted to get a band together for Croya’s Battle of the Bands,” Sheridan said. “ I worked hard to improve my guitar skills enough to work with the band, and we ended up winning Battle of the Bands, which was amazing.”

Sheridan’s musical talent did not go unnoticed by his band mates.

“I think he brought a lot to the band musically,” former band mate senior Millie Foley said. “I don’t think we would’ve been able to do it without him. The songs just fall apart without him.”

Sheridan is more than just talent, he’s full of personality. Senior Nora Sharman said Sheridan is “bubbly and exciting,” some of his many qualities he brings to the table. 

“He’s always looking on the positive side and trying to make connections with people,” Sharman said. “This vivacious personality is what allows him to shine on stage. I love watching him because of how great he is with the crowd. His energy leaves you speechless.”

Sheridan’s official performances aren’t the only place to catch his talent and attitude.

“You can always count on Liam to start an impromptu performance wherever he goes, whip out his guitar and play,” Sharman said. “And when I see him in the hallways, he’s always waving and high-fiving everyone he sees.”

Sheridan’s character extends through all moments in his life. Whether it is at school, theater, on stage, Sheridan’s bright personality never goes unnoticed by his peers and friends.

“Liam always makes me laugh. He’s an amazing guy,” Newman said. “Often, I will receive facetime calls from Liam where he plays the guitar with me, and it’s truly beautiful.”

In August, Sheridan performed in the Senior-Directed One Act Plays, where he took on the feat of playing two roles in two plays.

“We knew Liam was the only one who would be able to handle the immense persona that was Ryan Gosling in our show “Hot to Trot.” We also knew he could play guitar extremely well. But, what we didn’t know was that he could also play harmonica,” Newman said. “He has a lot of energy and he channeled it to become one of my favorite parts of the show.”

With Sheridan’s vast experience, it’s not surprising that he no longer feels stage fright.

“Every time I get on stage, I immediately go from being nervous beforehand into a new mindset of having fun,” Sheridan said.  

One of Sheridan’s favorite moments at Nashwood was during his Sunday set at 28 Mile, a Highwood distillery.

“I was playing Country Roads, and the crowd was singing very loud. I decided to let them sing a verse and stop singing and just play the guitar for it,” Sheridan said. “It was really a kind of a cool concert-esque moment, like a real performance on stage where everyone was singing back to me. It was just a really cool moment.”

Sheridan said all this wouldn’t be possible without his dad and “mom-ager.”

“My mom and dad both have just done so much for me. My mom has helped me get better and  the performances would not have been what they were, the set list would not have been what they were without her,” Sheridan said. “And my dad is always there to support me and cheer me on in every loud way possible. I just want to thank them so much for all their support.”

Sheridan’s next performance will be at 28 Mile on October 5th from 6:15-7:30 pm for Highwood’s Pumpkin Fest.