Meet the Semifinalists of YCGT

ADULT DIVISION

RAVEN

Raven (Ruby) West first fell in love with aerial dance at ten years old. She saw a beautiful silks performance on vacation and convinced her mom to sign her up for a class. She has been flying ever since-- developing expertise on multiple apparatuses, including silks, trapeze, lyra, hammock, and rope. Aerial dance is a huge passion of hers, second only to medicine. When she isn't in the air, she is working on the ambulance as an EMT. She is attending the University of Alaska in the fall for nursing. In her piece I See Red on the lyra, Raven weaves dramatic and intense motion with delicate and balanced movements, harmonizing the edgy with the refined. 

MAGIC ROB

Sometimes the worst thing that happens can turn into the best thing that happens. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury and almost losing his life years ago, a speech therapist had Rob Bankston work with cards to improve his hand/eye coordination. These exercises helped him and gave him an understanding of what was possible with a plain deck of cards. After learning tricks and card magic, Rob began entertaining at schools, the Farmer’s Market, and all around town. It brought him an immense amount of joy, pushing him to keep practicing and learning. Sharing magic is something that brings him happiness. 

JO RAGSDALE

Sound echos, lingering in the air as a voice accompanied by the piano keys begins to resolve. Nervousness disappears and instrument transforms into music, something to love, to cherish and embrace. Singing words to remember and making an audience feel every emotion. With her keyboard and her voice, Jo Ragsdale hopes to make music to remember, love, and enjoy.  

MR O

Known at the schools as Mr. O (and last year as 'the Opera Guy' in YCGT), Clayton has been the choir accompanist at PHS & SGMS schools in Livingston for many years. Clayton has also sung musical theater roles in Shane Center productions, including the Baker in Into the Woods, Jesus of Nazareth in Jesus Christ Superstar, Mr. Bumble in Oliver! and most recently as Freddy in My Fair Lady. He loves to sing (and cut gemstones) and is excited to sing from two of his favorite musicals (and dream roles) for you today! 

TIANN LUBKEMAN

Tiann’s journey began on the classical stage, including a milestone performance at Carnegie Hall, but it was a show in a small Montana that proved to her music should lift everyone up right where they are. That emotional awakening became the heartbeat of her act Taking Flight, a breathtaking fusion of raw emotion, high energy dance, and world-class musicianship. This performance is dedicated to anyone who has ever had to pick up the pieces and rebuild and found the power to rise again. Tonight, Tiann is bringing her all to the stage to attempt something so profoundly challenging and rare, only global icon Lindsey Stirling has dared to master it before. Get ready to witness a performance that defies gravity, tradition, and expectation. 

OLIVE

Taking the stage with a powerful and deeply emotional performance, Olive Nichole Stoner brings heart, vulnerability, and strength. Through this moving piece about self reflection, resilience, and rediscovering who you are, Olive hopes to create a performance that connects with audiences on a personal level. 

PAOLA

From the mountains of Colombia to Montana, Paola Alcaraz will perform the beautiful and mysterious Belly Dance, transforming every movement into an expression of strength, grace, and femininity. In this performance, she invites you to embark on a journey through the magic of Belly Dance, an ancient art form filled with mystery, elegance, and power, where body and soul intertwine to the rhythm of the music. Join Paola for this captivating performance and experience a celebration of beauty, passion, and the profound connection between music and the soul. 

THE PETRY GIRLS

The three Petry girls have been singing together on and off stage since they were very little. Singing together in 3 part harmony just feels right for these sisters! They are so thrilled to be a part of such a special event.

YOUTH DIVISION

ADAM JAE-SUN

Adam is a seventeen-year-old singer/songwriter from Livingston who loves making music because of how it makes him feel. He loves to share it with other people and make a connection through music emotionally. He likes being able to create freely. In fact, he wants to make music throughout his life, but Adam’s immediate goal is to release his first album this year. He’s already released his first song on Spotify! You might even see him later this summer busking around town with friends. 

STARGAZING DUO

Even in the darkest depths of the night, the playful twinkle of the stars ignite a fire of curiosity for what lies beyond. Two fourteen-year-old aerialists with Mountain Air Dance Youth Performance Company hope to take you on an unforgettable journey into the constellations. Two dancers, one silk, and a sky full of stars to keep them company. This is Stargazing Duo. 

BFF

A group of talented 4th through 8th grade students from Anderson School are bringing Bikini Bottom to the stage with their performance of BFF! This act combines singing, dancing, and fun to bring to life a sweet scene from SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, celebrating the friendship between SpongeBob and Patrick.