Thursday, February 19,
Latchis Theatre, 50 Main St.,
MeEt our judges
Kristen Ziter Taylor
Kristen Ziter Taylor is owner/broker of Brattleboro Area Realty. Being a native of the town Kristen loves owning a business in her hometown. Her real estate company has thrived for 50 years and the BAR team has dedication, perseverance, and a great reputation. Kristen was voted 2018 Remarkable Womens Entrepreneurial Leader and her firm has been voted Greater Brattleboro’s Best Real Estate O ce for 21 years and Best Real Estate Agency by Brattleboro Reformers Readers Choice for 7 years. Kristen is married to Ken Taylor and they have two wonderful daughters, Kali and Kennedy. When not working Kristen loves to cook, exercise, and spend time with her dogs. She is thrilled to be a judge and admires all of the contestants for standing on the stage performing. Bring on the talent!
Pamela Savoy
Pamela is the HR Administrator with Fulflex. She has been employed with Fulflex for 37 years, and have been the HR Administrator for 23 years. She is a native Vermonter, but has lived in New Hampshire for 37 years.
JesSica BenNetT
Jessica Bennett is the Executive Assistant at Cocoplum Appliances and a hairstylist at Flatter Me Hair Salon. Born and raised in Brattleboro, she attended Oak Grove School and Brattleboro Area Middle School before graduating from Brattleboro Union High School in 1999. She went on to study cosmetology at Keene Beauty Academy and has been a professional hairdresser in the area for over 25 years.
Jessica is the proud mother of one daughter, Avery, who is currently a student at UMass Dartmouth in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling to warm destinations with beautiful beaches.
Marie CoOk
I’ve lived in Windham County for about 15 years and raised my 3 girls here. I’m a sales manager at Brattleboro Subaru, but when not at work I enjoy spending time outdoors in the woods and at the Lake. I’m a native Vermonter and enjoy giving back to the southern Vermont communities.
Chris Lewis
I love my job! Can you imagine getting up every day to new challenges and the joy of helping people find their dreams? Growing up in the small family oriented community of Swan’s Island, Maine, ethics and hard work were taught and expected. Education and service were the top priorities when I joined Brattleboro Area Realty 35 years ago building on a base of good values.
I am passionate about my clients, love learning new ways to help and love seeing the smiles when we have found the right match! I believe in our community and appreciate the outstanding support and recognition it has given my wonderful career. Service is always with a smile and excitement for my clients. Most years, a local top producer, I hold CRS, CBR GRI certifications, Broker licenses in both VT and NH, VFHA, Partner in A ordable Housing, the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Merit, and the Reformer Best of the Best awards. I love our mantra “Raising the BAR in Real Estate”. It says it all.
Tara Cheny
Tara Cheney is a certified massage therapist, holistic health practitioner, nurse and intuitive healer, rooted deeply in community-centered wellness and creative leadership. With decades of experience bridging physical care, emotional healing, and entrepreneurial vision, Tara is known for creating spaces where people feel supported, inspired, and genuinely connected.
She is the co-owner of the Heart Rose Club, a vibrant wellness and community hub located at 11 Green Street in downtown Brattleboro, o ering yoga, spin, Pilates, workshops, and events. The Heart Rose is also the home to Green Mountain Ramen and the Gold Bar. Tara’s work blends hands-on healing, mindful movement, and soulful programming, reflecting her belief that true wellness happens when body, mind, and community are nurtured together. In addition to her holistic work, Tara is also the co-owner and CEO of Vermont Road Works, an award-winning asphalt paving company recognized for excellence, integrity, and long-standing service throughout the region. Her unique path—balancing construction, wellness, and community development—speaks to her ability to lead across industries while staying grounded in values, care, and vision.
Tara is actively involved in Brattleboro’s creative and civic life and is honored to serve as a judge for Windham County’s Got Talent, celebrating artistic expression and community voices. As she looks toward 2026, Tara is guiding the Heart Rose Club through an exciting evolution, including plans to transition into a nonprofit model that further centers accessibility, creativity, and collective wellbeing.
Dan Bacigalupo
Dan is a kid at heart. Dan loves to spend time with his family and friends. He is from Southern Vermont but has traveled and lived in many places around the United States. 6 years ago, Dan decided to lay down roots here in Brattleboro, Vermont and has been working at Brattleboro Subaru since 2019. When he’s not working, his favorite thing to do is to spend time outside with his kids, Lilly and Jackson.
Doug the Devil Stick Man
Greetings, my name is Douglas, better known as the Devil Stick Man. I’m a selftaught, New England-based street performer, proudly representing my home state of New Hampshire. I combine flow art, comedy, and circus skills, delivering a fun and interactive experience for all ages. This family-friendly show promises a unique and enjoyable experience. This solo circus act will inspire and delight crowds, featuring comedy, juggling, and high-flying feats with the world’s largest yo-yo. This is one show you won’t want to miss.
Here’s a bit about myself: What started as a hobby four years ago blossomed through the hope and inspiration of my daughter, Jasmine. She was only 16 years old at the time and said, “Dad, have you ever considered becoming a street performer?”
Of course, I said no. However, my daughter was relentless and begged me until I finally said yes. I worked hard to become proficient enough to perform on the streets. I did many street performances and slowly gained a following on Facebook. Soon, I was traveling all over New England, delighting crowds with my amazing tricks.
edie prylL
Edie Pryll is a circus performer from Charlotte, North Carolina specializing in contortion, Chinese pole, and foot juggling. Edie fell in love with performing as a recreational student at the age of 12 and eventually began training seriously at Charlotte Cirque and Dance Center. For four years she worked closely with her troupe, creating circus and dance performances for festivals and shows in her community. After graduating from Myers Park High School in 2023, she joined the New England Center for Circus Arts ProTrack Program as a contortion major. In her second year, she picked a minor in Chinese pole and found a passion for foot juggling. Edie’s goal is to create innovative performances that correlate to her own style and to inspire other artists to think di erently about their chosen medium.
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Jackson Gilbeau
Jackson is 14 and resides in East Dover. He moved to Windham County 6 months ago when his dad retired from the military. Both his parents were born and raised in Windham County. Jackson was born in Marietta, GA, and has been playing the guitar since he was 5. He wanted a guitar for Christmas, and got a month of lessons with his first guitar. He has been performing for crowds since he was 6, has won multiple talent shows at his elementary school, and even opened multiple military and sporting events with his rendition of the National Anthem. He is a freshman at Burr & Burton academy, enjoys XC running, track, baseball, fishing and the outdoors. He listens to and plays a variety of genres of music, from classic rock to metal, to old & new country. He works part time at his grandparent’s restaurant, Tony’s Pizza, in West Dover. He plans to attend college to pursue a musical or engineering career.
Madeleine Tower
Madeleine has been seen performing at local haunts such as Rick’s Tavern in Newfane, and was most recently seen in Leland and Gray Players’ production of “Aladdin.” When not singing and writing her own lyrics, Madeleine can be found on the ski slopes or on the couch reading.
jade bailey
Jade is originally from Francestown, NH. Jade is an independent artist with music released on all streaming platforms. Jade is a case manager at a recovery center in which she facilitates music therapy groups that helps people through the beginning of their recovery journey. She grew up with a musical family, and her father taught her how to play the guitar at age 10. She continued learning and wrote her first album at age 16. Jade has always had a strong passion for music and records drums, vocals, bass and guitar in her songs, herself. Her first o cial album will be coming out in 2026.
Weo er:
•Yoga,Pilates,and Spin®classes
•MassageTherapyand bodyworks
•Psychic&intuitivereadings
•Workshops,events& gatherings
•Privateeventrentals
Insidetheclub,you’ll alsofind TheGold Bar and GreenMountain Ramen,makingita placetonourishboth bodyandsoul. d
Foundedby Tara Cheney,alocalwellnesspractitioner andcommunitybuilder.TheHeartRoseClubwas createdasasupportive,inclusivespaceforhealing andconnection.
11GreenSt.,Brattleboro,VT•www.heartroseclub.com
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mimi Fang
Ever since discovering songwriting as a natural form of self expression 4 years ago, Mimi Fang has adopted the medium as an essential outlet for capturing and sharing parts of her inner world. Before moving to Brattleboro, Mimi lived and worked in Seattle, WA as a Product Manager. They now focus more on creative endeavors — as a singer songwriter and flying trapeze coach at NECCA — and have performed at numerous local venues, including the Stone Church. Mimi recently released their first EP, Chronically Sincere, and plans to continue making music with the hope of sharing it with others and shining light — without shame — on the emotional experiences they believe so many of us move through. When not writing or performing, Mimi can often be found involved in local theater through the Vermont Theatre Company or training in other various circus art forms at NECCA.
QuinN CarafielLo
Quinn lives in the charming town of Cavendish and is in the 6th grade. She has been singing for the last five years and loves that her voice brings joy and happiness to others. She hopes one day to sign the National Anthem at a major sporting event. Quinn also enjoys playing basketball and spending time with her pets.
Nathaniel HofFman
Nathaniel Ho man, age 9, is a third-grade student at NewBrook Elementary School and a resident of Brookline, Vermont, where he lives with his mom, dad, and 11-year-old brother, Theodore. He has been studying piano for over four years. For the last two years, he has been taking lessons with Raquel Moreno at the Brattleboro Music Center. Aside from piano, Nathaniel loves axolotls, making origami, and skiing. He is very grateful for the support of his family, friends, and teachers.
SamMy Divinda
I am Sammy Divinda, an artist shaped by movement, resilience, and hope. I was born in DR, Congo, but at the age of two my family and I fled our home and settled in Uganda as refugees. Growing up there taught me survival, patience, and the power of smiling even when life feels heavy. Those early experiences planted the roots of my music.
Today, I live in Brattleboro, USA, where I continue chasing both my musical and academic dreams. I am a behavioral science student, curious about the human mind, emotion, and behavior, and how stories shape who we become. My studies influence my songwriting, allowing me to connect personal experiences with universal feelings.
My music is inspired by my journey through displacement, adaptation, and self-belief. I write and perform to remind people that pain does not cancel purpose, and that resilience can sound beautiful. I dream of standing on great stages, using my voice to carry messages of hope, healing, and genuine smiles to the world.
I have learned that home is not limited to borders or geography. Home is where growth happens, where dreams are protected, and where faith in tomorrow survives. My journey continues, carried in sound.
Timothy Wade
My name is Timothy Wade. I’m from Poultney but currently reside in Florence VT. I’m currently employed at GE Aviation in Rutland. I won Bennington got talent in 2019. In my down time I enjoy spending my time outside with my wife Ashley and Daughter Margaret
Triple M
Matt Meserve- Matt is a life long musician. He began studying voice at age 12 and piano at age 16. During the day he is a Case Manager for The Vermont Department of Labor. At night you can find him performing at local restaurants and pubs throughout Southern Vermont and New Hampshire.
Maverick Meserve- Maverick has been studying trumpet for 3 years. In this short time, he has been recognized and selected for the Southeast Regional District Jazz Band and Concert Band. In his spare time, he enjoys coding, and was a member of the Riverside Rads Robotics Team that placed 7th in the nation in 2024.
McCoy Meserve- McCoy began singing at a young age. He studied informally with his father at the age of 8 and has recently begun studying with a professional voice teacher, Richard Schiro. He was selected for the Southeast Region District Chorus and was recently the frontman of the Modern Band at Riverside Middle School.
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Acro Five
Hashem Ammari, Abby Kahn, Ben Voeglein, Sanket Parab, and Jana Cohen are students at the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA). Currently in their second year of NECCA’s three-year ProTrack program, these circus artists have come together as an acrobatic ensemble, and are excited to share their work with an audience.
Jana, Ben, and Abby hail from the DCMaryland area, Hashem from Amman, Jordan, and Sanket from Mumbai, India. Collectively, they have backgrounds in hand balancing, aerial arts, flying trapeze, gymnastics, sports acro, theater, Mallakhamb, martial arts, and track & field. All five of these artists decided to attend NECCA after years of study and work in other fields. These acrobats spent their twenties working in biochemistry, kinesiology, mathematics, education, computer science, and medicine before pivoting to full-time circus. Between flips and handstands, catch these artists baking bread, folding paper, raising turtles, playing music, or singing in the shower. Visit NECCA to take a class with Sanket or Jana, or find any of us on Instagram!
ElLery & Kali
(Hashem @hashemammari / Abby @abbyk.gymcirque / Ben @scienceblinded / Sanket @ iamsanketparab / Jana @gayrialist).
Ellery has been dancing since the age of three. Now a sixth grader at Dummerston School, she also stays busy participating in soccer and basketball and was one of the founding members of the Dummerston Cheer Club. In addition to competitive dance, Ellery trains in team gymnastics, and during the winter months she can often be found on the snowboarding hill. Ellery and Kali have been competitively dancing together for three years, and this performance marks their first duet. Kali is a sixth-grade student at Leland & Gray Middle School who has been dancing since early childhood. She is a three-season athlete, participating in soccer, basketball, and softball, and has also played AAU basketball. When she’s not on the court or in the studio, Kali enjoys downhill skiing. Over the past two years, she has excelled in both tap and hip hop solos, consistently placing in the top ten. Kali hopes that she and Ellery can bring this duet to the top this year.
