PRESENT
Bennington Banner & Manchester Journal
Thursday, February 22nd, 2024
Morgan Patrick Cristo Lauren Loomis Collette Buckley Biasi
Colin Margaret Hill dy Coa
Keri Winnie
from 6:30pm-8:30pm (Doors Open at 5:30) Monument Arts & Cultural Center 44 Gypsy Lane, Bennington
Jason
Kobi Addington Dansby
Jimmy Evans & The First Miriam Veronica Trinity Kristina Offence Campbell Jarvis Madison Desjardins
Sponsors
Scan here for tickets
Friday, February 16, 2024 | Bennington County’s Got Talent
Meet our judges Christopher Oldham ��������������������������������������������������������� Christopher Oldham was born and raised in Bennington and lives in North Bennington with his wife, Amanda, and sons, Christopher and Jackson. He served on the Bennington Select Board for nine years, authored a children’s book, “A Father’s Letter To His Son,” and is a Vermont Business Magazine’s 40 under 40 Rising Star Award recipient. He was the Executive Director of Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless and Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion. Currently, Chris is the Director of Marketing and Admissions for Genesis Healthcare. Chris is a self-proclaimed professional talent-show judge with over twenty years of experience judging contestants on such shows as America’s Got Talent, American Idol, and The Voice - from the comfort of his couch. Chris returns to the Bennington’s Got Talent stage as the longest serving judge, participating in all seven seasons!
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
Kristine Lewis ���������������������������������������������������������
2
Helping communities thrive by keeping people safe, healthy, and connected.
Kristine Lewis’s career in show business spans the gamut. Her professional theatre credits are extensive and her work has appeared in national tours, summer stock, regional theatres, dinner theatres, and cabaret rooms throughout the U.S. A partner in Lewis & Fox Casting, Kristine is a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA) and has cast for many New York and regional theatre productions, as well as for film, television, music videos, commercials and industrials. As a theatrical producer, Kristine worked with one of the most prolific songwriting teams, Richard and Robert Sherman (MARY POPPINS, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BAND, JUNGLE BOOK +), when she and her producing partners undertook a revival of the brother’s show BUSKER ALLEY, starring Jim Dale. Additionally, Kristine was executive producer on BURLEIGH GRIME$, associate producer on the NY production and Westport County Theatre of VIGIL, and on Broadway’s ENCHANTED APRIL, SPRING AWAKENING. She has produced numerous stage productions inUSA. Kristine has directed shows too numerous to mention. Among the names, she has directed William Conrad, Lucy Arnez, Andrea McArdle and many others. Her creative staging of FIORELLO at the Players Club in New York was hailed by the show’s writer Sheldon Harnick. Presently Kristine is Executive Director of The Monument Arts & Cultural Center. Bring Entertainment, Art, Educational & Community events to Bennington, Vermont. To name a few recent events Bread Puppets, The Sound of Music (she Directed and Choreographed), Laura Morvan, Love Letters with Juliet Mills & Maxwell Caulfield and more. The MACCenter has many exciting events coming up. Check out the website for more info www.monumentcentervt.org
Born and raised in New England. Started selling cars back in 2016. Moved to Bennington with my now husband (Seth Harrington) in 2017 as he was born and raised here. Over the years I have worked my way from Sales Consultant to Marketing Director. We both work at the Coggins Auto Group so life is pretty busy. We enjoy our home projects and weekend adventures with our kiddos and dogs. Between work, family, and community events I’m rarely sitting still for long, and I love it that way!
Greg Van Houten ��������������������������������������������������������� Greg Van Houten, known as GVH, is a multifaceted artist residing in Bennington, VT. As a songwriter, musician, visual artist and proprietor of GVH Studios, he specializes in large format graphic printing, collaborating with top designers, architects, and marketing firms since 2007. GVH serves clients across diverse industries, creating memorable displays. In addition to his creative endeavors, Greg has embraced the digital streaming era while still cherishing the authenticity of physical recordings. Inspired by the late John Prine, he recently immersed himself in the catalog of Prine’s guitarist, Jason Wilber, appreciating the music as both a tribute to his hero and an acknowledgment of Wilber’s exceptional playing.
Our eMCee for the night!
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: Anyone is welcome to audition! February 25th, 11am-2pm
CHILDREN’S SUMMER WORKSHOP: 101 Dalmatians & Aladdin, ages 7-13 March 3rd, 12pm-3pm
TEEN’S SUMMER WORKSHOP: The Drowsy Chaperone, ages 13-18 March 3rd, 3pm-5pm
GO TO
HTTPS://WWW.MONUMENTCENTERVT .ORG/
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
Joy Proft has been the midday host on WEQX-FM based in Manchester, Vermont for 3 years with duties that include hosting a Monday through Friday Retro Lunch at noon and a local business show, The Sunday Brunch. She worked in the sales side of the music industry for 15 years for Universal Distribution with positions in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Richmond, Virginia. Raised in Rhode Island, Joy moved to Vermont for the first time in 1990 and left the state and has moved back twice. In 2013, she opened the lingerie store JOY all things underthings in Manchester and sold it to employees in 2019 who now run the business under the name Le Peche Lingerie. While in high school, Joy was the emcee of her high school talent show and is grateful for all of the public speaking and presenting opportunities since. She was the red carpet host for the ITV Fest in Manchester for two years, which was broadcast live on GNAT-TV. Joy is an avid gardener, loves music, and lives in Pawlet with her husband Matt. WEQX-FM is independent and locally-owned and broadcasts on 102.7. The radio station is listened to worldwide on the free WEQX app, smart speakers, and at weqx.com.
UPCOMING AUDITIONS!
Bennington County’s Got Talent | Friday, February 16, 2024
Val Harrington ���������������������������������������������������������
3
Friday, February 16, 2024 | Bennington County’s Got Talent
O
U
R
C
O
N
T
E
S
T
A
N
T
S
LAUREN BIASI
BENNINGTON, VT �����������������������������������������������������������������������
Lauren Biasi grew up on Long Island, NY. She has been performing since she was 7 on community and equity stages, as well as on educational tours. She has appeared in a handful of indie films (as Lauren Clover). Since her family moved to Vermont 4 years ago, Lauren opened World of Wonder Entertainment and has been focusing on building a children’s educational theater program for local youth. She has performed and worked with local theater groups, last performing as Vivienne in WRTC’s Legally Blonde.
Cristo Buckley
MANCHESTER, VT �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
My name is Cristo Buckley and I’m a singer, songwriter, and producer from Manchester Vermont. I have been singing my whole life and I write songs almost every day. I released my first full length project titled “My World” in 2021 and have released three singles so far to promote my upcoming second album that I hope to release soon! You can listen to my songs through any music platform. I’m a senior in high school and currently applying to colleges with songwriting programs & am very excited to continue my musical journey.
4
VT’s LARGEST ART SUPPLY STORE! Art Gallery • Prints Fine Custom Framing VT Products, T’s & Sweats Gifts • Collectibles • Cards Melissa & Doug • Puzzles Open Daily • 802-447-2342 Rte 7 South Street Downtown Bennington VT www.jaysartshop.com
A Hobby Store that specializes in card games, board games, and miniatures games.
Art Shop & Frame Gallery
Art Supplies • Prints Art Galleries Fine Custom Framing
457 Main St, Bennington, VT Sun-Thurs 11am-7pm Fri-Sat 11am-8pm (802) 447-0091
Follow us @theGamersGrotto for events, workshops, tournaments, and drafts.
U
R
C
O
N
T
E
S
T
A
N
T
S
MIRIAM CAMPBELL
BENNINGTON, VT ������������������������ I’m a sophomore at Bennington College studying drama, music, and writing. I’ve been in theater troupes, and school plays and bands since I was a child, so I’ve always been passionate about being on stage and performing for others. My dream is to be on Broadway, or to go back home and be on the West End! I had an amazing time competing last year, so I’m excited that I get the opportunity to do it again!
MORGAN LOOMIS
PEMBROKE, NH ����������������������
Morgan is a 21-year-old singer/songwriter from southern NH. She is currently studying music composition and education policy at Bennington College. Outside of school, you may find her teaching in the local school districts, writing songs, playing violin, snowshoeing, hanging out with her dog and her friends, and crocheting. Post-college, she hopes to create a nonprofit community performing and visual arts center.
Bennington County’s Got Talent | Friday, February 16, 2024
O
Keri Winnie
BENNINGTON, VT �����������������������
Trinity Madison
BENNINGTON, VT �����������������������
Hi. My name is Trinity Madison and I am a junior at Mount Anthony Union High School. I’m an avid performer, singer and songwriter. I have participated in all of the high school performances since my freshman year. This includes musicals, festivals, special pop-up concerts and plays where I often perform solos. I am part of the after school theater program, as well as the singing clubs Chambers and Madrigals which perform throughout the community. I have also repeatedly auditioned for and been accepted into Districts, All States and The New England Singing Festivals. Lastly, I was honored to be asked and to ultimately perform the National Anthem at the 2023 Bennington Battle Day Parade.
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
I’m a Proud Single Mother of 2 Awesome Teenagers! I’ve always enjoyed singing, and love that my daughter also loves to sing! When I’m not singing or spending time with my kids, I’m a full time Head Chef, as well as a self-taught tattoo artist, piercer, hairstylist and nail technician, to name a few... The song I’ve chosen to cover is in dedication to my alcohol sobriety, my twin brother, and anyone who has battled with depression, addiction, loneliness, and everything in-between.
5
Friday, February 16, 2024 | Bennington County’s Got Talent
O
U
R
C
O
N
T
E
S
T
A
Jason Dansby
BENNINGTON, VT ������������������������ A former Hip Hop artist, Jason Dansby has been taking up his talent of singing. Whether in the shower, singing or on stage at different karaokes, I love to sing. Thank you for the opportunity to show Bennington my talent.
Kristina Desjardins
RUTLAND, VT ���������������������
ENTITY DANCE is a Project based Dance Company in Vermont. Artistic Director, Kristina Desjardins has developed a distinct choreographic style that seamlessly blends ballet, contemporary, and hip hop.
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
Good luck to all contestants!!
6
Colin Hill
EAST DORSET, VT �����������������������
Cotton Candy Concessions & Slushies in VT, MA, NY and CT. Book us for festivals, fundraisers, parades, private parties and more! 802-440-1522 GreenMountainConcessions@gmail.com VermontSpun.com
Colin Hill has performed in many local community theater productions, including at Bennington Theater, Dorset Players, Fort Salem Theater, Paramount Theater, and Vermont Arts Repertory Theater.
N
T
S
U
R
C
O
N
Kobi Addington
T
E
S
T
A
N
T
S
VERONICA JARVIS
BENNINGTON, VT ����������������������
BENNINGTON, VT �������������������
Kobi Addington is a 9th grader at Burr and Burton Academy. He is a passionate musician who’s well-involved with his community and school music program. He is a pianist and a returning Bennington’s Got Talent contestant. This year, instead of only playing the piano, he is adding the aspect of singing and harmonica to his performance. When he is not making music, he is playing football and basketball.
Veronica Jarvis had been singing for nearly her entire life, and writing original songs since she was 11 years old. She has lived in Vermont since she was 6, and graduated middle school from the School of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales. She is currently a sophomore at the Mt. Anthony Union High School, where she participates in theater and choir. This is her second year participating in Bennington County’s Got Talent and she is excited to perform for it again this year.
32 Taps Craft Beer Wine & Cider Soda Specialty Cocktails
421 Main Street historic Bennington, Vermont (802) 440-5972
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
Good Luck Trinity!
Bennington County’s Got Talent | Friday, February 16, 2024
O
7
Friday, February 16, 2024 | Bennington County’s Got Talent
O
U
R
C
O
N
T
E
S
T
A
Jimmy Evans & The First Offence
BENNINGTON, VT ����������������������� Jimmy Evans (vocals, guitar and song writer), George Kurtz (saxophone), Dylan Olson (keyboards and vocal), Brandon Olson (drums and vocals), John Dyson (bass). Jimmy started playing and writing music in 1977 in Las Vegas, Nev. In the 1980s, his band Painted Tears was voted best band in Las Vegas twice in a city-wide Battle of the Bands. He has opened for such acts as Blue Oyster Cult, Mr Big, Pat Travers, Bad Company and many others. On April 20, 2013, he was inducted into the Las Vegas Reunion Hall of Fame for his work in the 80s and 90s. He moved to Bennington in 2003, and now Vermont is in his blood.
Patrick Collette
BENNINGTON, VT ���������������������
Patrick was born and raised in Bennington, Vt. He loves singing, and has been playing the guitar and singing for quite some time now.
MARGARET COADY
POWNAL, VT ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
Proud to call Pownal home, where I love to run, bike, garden and get into mischief with friends and neighbors. My work is in sustainability, helping companies to step up for communities and the planet.
8
N
T
S
Join our CREDIT UNION
Gretchen Sausville 2023 Winner
Bennington County’s Got Talent | Friday, February 16, 2024
Special Performances by previous winners!
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
Tim Wade
RUTLAND | FAIR HAVEN | BRANDON BENNINGTON | CASTLETON | MANCHESTER LUDLOW | LONDONDERRY | HOOKSETT, NH
417 MAIN STREET BENNINGTON, VT 05201 [802] 442 6252 FACEBOOK. COM/ KNAPPSVT
HFCUVT.COM • 888.252.8932 eBRANCH • VISIT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH
BEST OF LUCK TO ALL CONTESTANTS!
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
2020 Winner
9
Friday, February 16, 2024 | Bennington County’s Got Talent
5 Kocher Drive, Bennington, VT
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
IT’S TIME FOR YOUR PROJECT.
10
BUILDING TRUST. DELIVERING RESULTS.
Lumber & Building Materials • Doors & Windows • Hardware & Home Paint & Sundries • Kitchen & Bath* Depot Street Manchester Center, VT • Cole Avenue Williamstown, MA • rkmiles.com
*Kitchen & Bath only available at our Williamstown and West Hatfield, MA stores.
Below, please mark your choice for the best performer in this year’s Bennington County’s Got Talent contest by filling in the circle next to their name. One vote per ballot and one ballot per audience member, please. Ballots will be collected after the final performance.
2. Cristo Buckley
3. Patrick Collette
4. Morgan Loomis
5. Keri Winnie
6. Jason Dansby
7. Kobi Addington
8. Margaret Coady
9. Colin Hill
10. Kristina Desjardins
11. Trinity Madison
12. Veronica Jarvis
13. Miriam Campbell
14. Jimmy Evans and The First Offence
Voting opens at 6:30
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
1. Lauren Biasi
Bennington County’s Got Talent | Friday, February 16, 2024
Official ballot
11
12
BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com
Friday, February 16, 2024 | Bennington County’s Got Talent