
A Platform for Rising Stars
The Grand Finale Talent Competition was the culmination of months of auditions and preliminary rounds that showcased an incredible array of talent. Performers On The Go’s mission to provide aspiring artists with opportunities was evident in every aspect of the event. The competition has served as a launchpad for participants to gain exposure, connect with industry professionals, and receive feedback to refine their craft.
This event also built on the rich history of talent showcases hosted by Young Performers Club and Music On & Up, which have long been synonymous with celebrating emerging talent in Boston. Previous Grand Finale events, held at iconic venues such as the Hard Rock Café, have seen memorable performances from young artists who have gone on to achieve significant milestones in their careers. These events have always provided a welcoming and professional environment for performers to shine on stage.
The 2025 Grand Finale event is at Loretta's Last Call in Boston on March 1, 2025.
A Line up of Performers
From soulful ballads to high-energy pop performances, the evening featured a diverse lineup of acts that engaged the audience and judges alike.
2024's Grand Finale Champion
Grable Howie, a 20-year-old talented singer-songwriter and alternative-folk artist, was the champion of the 2024 Performers on the Go Grand Finale Series. A senior at Berklee College of Music, majoring in independent recording and production, Grable has become a local favorite, entertaining audiences at many Boston venues.
His talent shone brightly at the Grand Finale where he swept the competition with three stirring performances, earning him the Grand Champion title from the unanimous decision of the VIP judges, alongside the Top Original Artist and 2nd place Original Song awards. Participating on the judging panel were Richard Sokolow, Tyler Levs, Lacy Bebe, and Joliet4.
The Performers on the Go Grand Finale Talent Series, now in its 14th year, has become a hallmark event for discovering and nurturing new talent. The event provides not only visibility for emerging artists but also substantial professional support to the winners. Grable joins former Grand finale Finalists/Champions Sasha Sloan. Meghan Trainor, Scott Isbell, Sam Robbins, Lauren Weintraub, Dennis Taylor, Amanda McCarthy, Hayley Reardon, Zola Simone and many more.
Since its inception, Performers on the Go — originally known as Artists on the Move and the All You Got Tour — and The Young Performers Club have played a pivotal role in the music scene, producing over 500 music events across the New England region and offering numerous opportunities through online songwriting and performance contests.
Many past finalists and champions of the Grand Finale have catapulted to success in their music careers. We eagerly anticipate following Grable Howie’s journey as he navigates the music industry with upcoming shows and releases.
Why Participate in a Showcase or Competition?
We are often asked about the benefits of participating in a showcase or competition event. Here are some of the reasons we believe artists gain so much from the experience:
Goal Setting: Participating helps you establish clear goals for your music development and performance.
Confidence Boost: Preparing for a showcase motivates you to spend more time perfecting your songs, building confidence in your abilities.
Networking: You’ll expand your network by connecting with peer musicians and collaborators.
Inspiration: Seeing and hearing other musicians your age can spark new ideas and creativity.
Motivation: Being part of a showcase pushes you to work harder on your music and overall performance.
Exposure: Showcases introduce you to new audiences, potential fans, and industry professionals.
Enjoyment: It’s a fun and memorable experience, often leaving you inspired to create new music.
Resume Builder: Adding a “Finalist” title or special award to your resume enhances your credibility.
New Opportunities: Showcases can open doors to additional performance opportunities.
Achievement: Being selected for a showcase is a significant accomplishment given the competitive application process.
Marketing Update: Preparing for a showcase often involves refining your online presence and submitting performance videos, which keeps your materials up-to-date.
Skill Development: It’s a chance to refine both your performance and technical skills.
Constructive Feedback: Placement results and judges’ critiques provide valuable insights for growth.
Visibility: The PR surrounding the showcase gives you excellent exposure.
Support from Loved Ones: Showcases offer an opportunity to perform live for friends and family who might not often see you in action.
There are no risks in pursuing these opportunities. Many of our finalists started in showcases as young as 12 years old and have grown into successful artists.
The Judges and Special Guests
The panel of judges included industry professionals, such as producers, music executives, and veteran performers. Their collective expertise ensured a fair and thorough evaluation of each act. Special guest performances by prior winners and champions adds an extra layer of excitement to the events.
The Grand Prize
The winner of the Grand Finale Talent Competition walked away with a prize package that included a cash prize, a photoshoot, and personalized artist development services from Performers On The Go. This support aims to help the winner take their career to the next level.
Community Impact
Beyond the competition, the event celebrated the power of music and its ability to bring people together. Audience members, ranging from local supporters to music enthusiasts, filled the venue with energy and encouragement for every performer. The competition not only highlighted Boston’s wealth of talent but also reinforced the city’s reputation as a hub for artistic excellence.
Some highlights of prior finalists and winners follow:
Megan Trainor: Signed by Epic Records in 2014, Diamond certified single/”All about that bass”, 8 multi-platinum singles and 2 multi-platinum albums, stared on Fox hit series The Four: Battle for stardom, 2016 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, sold $11 million copies of “All about that bass” which topped the charts in 58 countries and became one of the best-selling singles of all time, 7.5+ billion Spotify streams and 8.9+ billion YouTube views.
Mike Casey Jazz Band/Grand Finale Champion: an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and producer whose innovative approach to jazz has earned him a prominent place in the global music scene. Based in Los Angeles, Casey seamlessly blends elements of jazz, hip-hop, and soul, pushing the boundaries of the genre while staying rooted in its rich traditions.
A Grand Finale Champion with the Mike Casey Jazz Band, he was selected for the prestigious Grammy’s Next Class of 2023, highlighting his impact as a forward-thinking artist. His music has garnered significant recognition, with over 18 million Spotify streams, 55,000 monthly listeners, and inclusion in Spotify’s “Best Jazz of 2020-2022” playlist. His work has been featured on prominent platforms like NPR, BBC, and Triple J airwaves, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.
In 2020, Mike Casey's trio was one of the five global finalists in the DC Jazz Festival's “DC Jazz Prix,” a testament to their exceptional talent and creativity. Known for his electrifying live performances, Casey’s music is characterized by its emotional depth, innovative arrangements, and genre-defying appeal. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide, bridging the gap between traditional jazz and modern influences, while actively contributing to the evolution of the genre.
Amanda McCarthy: A full-time live performer and singer-songwriter based in Nashville, known for her relatable storytelling, versatile vocal talent, and captivating stage presence. Originally from New England, Amanda has built a thriving career both on and off the stage, performing hundreds of shows annually and captivating audiences with her heartfelt, genre-blending style that incorporates elements of pop, country, and folk.
Her talent and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, including the Bronze position for "US Entertainer of the Year" at the 2021 International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) Awards and the title of 2020 Singer-Songwriter of the Year at the New England Music Awards. With a growing discography, Amanda has released 17 singles and a 14-track album, each showcasing her knack for crafting deeply personal yet universally resonant songs.
Hayley Reardon: A Massachusetts-born folk singer-songwriter known for her introspective lyrics and captivating storytelling. Emerging onto the music scene as a teen, she quickly garnered attention for her poignant songwriting and mature perspective, earning recognition as a Boston Folk Festival favorite and a New England Music Awards nominee.
Hayley has shared the stage with folk legends like Lori McKenna and Catie Curtis and has toured extensively, captivating audiences in the U.S. and Europe. Her albums, including Wayfindings and Where I Know You, showcase her ability to weave deeply personal narratives with universal themes, establishing her as a poignant voice in contemporary folk music.
Lauren Weintraub/Grand Finale Champion: Known by her artist moniker Lew, is a dynamic singer-songwriter and performer who has quickly risen to prominence in the music industry. With over 800K followers across social media, her authentic storytelling and emotive performances have captivated a global audience. Lauren’s music has amassed 27 million in Spotify streams through placement on numerous editorial playlists, establishing her as a breakout star in the pop and country-pop scenes.
In 2022, she was named a “One to Watch” by Hits Magazine and received a nomination for TikTok Songwriter of the Year at the 2022 iHeartRadio Awards, recognizing her influence as both a songwriter and a social media sensation. Lauren’s heartfelt songs, such as the viral hit "She’s Mine," resonate deeply with fans and have solidified her reputation as a songwriter with unmatched relatability and depth.
Her live performances are equally impressive, with appearances at iconic venues across the United States, including The Bitter End, The Cutting Room, the Grand Ole Opry, and Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café. She has also performed at major events like Gillette Stadium, further showcasing her wide-ranging appeal and ability to connect with audiences of all sizes.
Sasha Sloan: An acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her candid and introspective approach to pop music. Raised in Massachusetts, Sasha began writing songs at a young age and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. She gained recognition through collaborations with artists like Kygo, Kaskade, and Charli XCX before breaking out as a solo artist. Her debut album, Only Child (2020), and follow-up, I Blame the World (2022), showcase her raw, heartfelt lyrics and understated vocals. Sasha's music resonates deeply with listeners, offering a unique blend of vulnerability and relatability that has earned her a loyal global fanbase.
Moxie: A nationally touring indie band from Vermont, 2023 "Top Rock Act" New England Music Awards, 85K Spotify monthly listeners, The Fall album reached 7.7 million streams, album Flow of Color reached 638K streams.
Alissa Musto: An accomplished American singer, pianist, and songwriter whose career is marked by numerous accolades and notable achievements. She began her musical journey at a young age, winning piano competitions and making her national television debut on "America's Most Talented Kid" at just nine years old. Throughout her career, Alissa has received several honors, including Piano Act of the Year in the nationally-aired Wonderworld TV Golden Ribby Awards, First Place in both the Rhode Island's Got Talent and New England Performs talent competitions, and Top 10 Finalist in KidzStar USA, a talent search attracting over 45,000 participants. In 2016, Alissa was crowned Miss Massachusetts and went on to place in the Top 15 at the 2017 Miss America Pageant. She continued her pageantry success by being named Miss Massachusetts World 2020 and placing in the Top 5 at Miss World America 2020, where she also earned the Beauty with a Purpose and Talent awards.
As a performer, Alissa has graced stages worldwide, including the House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, and the Rhode Island Convention Center. She has maintained long-term piano bar residencies and performed aboard luxury cruise ships, entertaining audiences across over 50 countries.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Alissa is a dedicated advocate for music education. She founded the initiative "Changing Keys," which connects unused pianos with students and schools in at-risk communities. Her efforts have been recognized by the Harvard Legal Entrepreneurship Project, the Club Passim Iguana Music Fund grant, and the Miss America Community Service award. Alissa holds a Master's degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, with her academic work published in the Berklee Music Business Journal. She is also a voting member of The Recording Academy, the organization responsible for the GRAMMY Awards.
Sam Robbins/Grand Finale Champion: National touring folk artist, debut album "Finally Feeling Young" released on May 14, 2021, which received radio airplay and critical acclaim, won the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition in 2021, Berklee College of Music graduate, performed over 150 shows annually, including notable stages like the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Julia Minichiello: Winner of the "Sing 2" TikTok singing competition out of 1.6 million submissions with her cover of Alicia Keys' "Girl On Fire," earning her a trip to the "Sing 2" premiere where she shared the stage with Reece Witherspoon, 2.8 million Spotify views, 61K monthly Spotify listeners, 12.7 million TikTok likes, and 314K TikTok followers.
Zola Simone: Boston Music Awards winner of "Song of the Year" for "Easy" which was featured in the series finale of the Netflix original series. Atypical, won "New Artist of the Year" the same year, and her debut album Now you see me was nominated for album of the year, over 2.5 million Spotify streams, performing in 2024 Boston Calling Music Festival on May 26th at the Harvard Athletic Complex, and was just featured on WBZTV, headlined a LGBTQ sold out festival by RainbowLeaf at the Rockwell Theater in MA, currently attending NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in NYC. Nominated for three New England Music Awards in 2024.
Jillian Jensen: X-Factor Finalist and American Idol top 20, national touring artist x gained national attention through her appearances on reality TV music competitions. She was a contestant on the second season of "X Factor USA," where her audition moved judges and viewers alike. with X factor Global's Facebook Page showing her audition getting over 250 million views. Her album was 69th on the Top 100 iTunes/Country Charts, She also competed in season 13 of "American Idol."
Dennis Taylor/Grand Finale Champion: International touring soul performer, performed at some of the most prestigious venues across the country, including The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and The TD Garden in Boston. Has performed in over 20 cities across Germany, as well as at The Cotswold Park Soul Weekender in the UK, opened up for classic soul legends such as The Stylistics, Tavares, Candi Staton, and Bloodstone, and even served as a background singer for the likes of Alyson Williams and Alexander O'Neal, and has 1.4 million likes on TikTok.
Scott Isbell: Hip hop/pop artist, first teen pop artist signed by Wu-Tang Management, performed across the United States, including prestigious venues like The MGM Grand and Hard Rock Cafés, gained significant online attention with songs achieving over 46 million plays and reaching high positions on Soundcloud and iTunes charts, opened for Busta Rhymes, Lord Jamar, Def Squad, Killah Ne-Oh and many other top Billboard artists, top single surpassed 46 million plays and has reached number 2 in the world on Soundcloud charts and number 1 on pop charts on Soundcloud, and reached 97th on the iTunes Hot 100 charts.
The below photos are some highlight shots from our earlier Grand Finale events. The majority of these artists have chosen music as their career.

The Grand Finale Talent Competition was more than just an event; it was a celebration of creativity, determination, and the transformative power of the arts. Performers On The Go continues to solidify its role as a cornerstone of artist development, and provide support for building artist's careers.
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