There’s something we can all agree on: Montana’s Got Talent!
Anyone and everyone in the state is invited to share their unique grandeurs to qualify as a participant for the first annual show in Kalispell, MT on October 26 at the Wachholz College Center on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College.  This is an exciting opportunity for Montanans who wish to showcase their amazing talent at one of the most prestigious venues in Montana. Touring the state will be Starlight Academy’s Founder and CEO Halladay Quist in search of artists she thinks would be a great addition to the show. The best way to apply is to send in your YouTube video audition at MontanasGotTalent.com by July 15, 2024.

“It’s exciting to have a reason to get together and celebrate the incredible talent that resides here in the state,” said Quist.

Quist certainly has an ear for finding musical gifts and lifting those to the front of the stage. She has lived a lifetime in the music industry growing up with her famous father Rob Quist who was one of the original founding members of the bluegrass/country Mission Mountain Wood Band. At two days old she started on the road with him, on stage at three years old, and professionally touring with her own band at age 18. Music has always been centric to her life and the love of her community.  “Montana’s Got Talent is an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on artists that are ready for the next level,” Quist says.

Contestants have a fantastic array of benefits for being a part of the inaugural Montana’s Got Talent. Luxury accommodations are included on October 25 and 26 in the Flathead Valley. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize, an opportunity to open for a national touring act at Abayance Bay Bowl in Rexford, MT, two tickets to Under the Big Sky 2025 music festival in Whitefish, MT, and a complimentary recorded song at Beargrass Studio in the Flathead Valley. 

This event wouldn’t be possible without support from the community. Montana’s Got Talent is proud to include Stockman Bank of Montana as one of their premier supporters for the event. If your business would like to be included, please reach out by visiting MontanasGotTalent.com.  Come cheer on the next generation of musicians and join this joyous community.

Visit Website - Montana's Got Talent
Visit Website - Starlight Academy

Standard ticket prices range from $30 to $42, not including ticket service fees.
This show is presented by Starlight Academy.  No outside food or beverages allowed in Wachholz College Center.
Recommended age limit 6+
Lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to start of show.

Starlight Academy is Born
Halladay Quist has always been excited about sharing her musical joy through education. She has taught artist development at the University of Montana, enjoyed music with youth at many elementary schools, and led dozens of songwriting workshops. Pursuing this passion, all proceeds from Montana’s Got Talent will support her new venture, Starlight Academy, an online learning center for music and performing arts being launched at the end of 2024. Educators are a combination of licensed teachers and professional musicians, such as Rob Quist, Dustin Brayley from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and actress and broadway star Meridith Patterson.
 
“I have had the incredible blessing of being brought up in a musical family and I truly believe it helped me in so many different areas of my life including performance mastery, my state of mind, and how I relate to others,” said Quist. “I only want to give others the same chance that I had to fall in love with music and to open the door to many different opportunities in the music industry.”
 
A fantastic addition to public schools, homeschools or hobby students of all ages, different aspects of the entertainment industry will be offered at the learning center. This includes intros to music theory, music business, guitar, piano, voice, dance, banjo, ukulele, bass and drums to start. Visit www.starlightacademy.org and see how the courses can change your life and help you reach new levels of your musical genius.