UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Mohegan Sun has announced that Connecticut-based band Chaser Eight was crowned Locals Live Champion after the finals last Wednesday in the casino’s Wolf Den.
For their effort, the four-member band is splitting the $5,000 grand prize and will headline a show in the casino’s Wolf Den sometime in 2025.
Mohegan Sun said that Norwich singer and songwriter JusBu finished in second place and was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.
Following a four-week contest hosted by Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications, Chaser Eight, JusBu and third-place finisher Austin Neal, a solo act, were named the finalists. Twelve bands were originally chosen to play in the Wolf Den. They competed in groups throughout November. Chaser Eight, JusBu and Austin Neal each advanced to the finals after winning their first-round battles.
The finale on Dec. 4 brought out a boisterous crowd, according to Mohegan Sun. Those on-hand were able to dance to their favorite bands and receive points for crowd participation. Judges made their final decision based on the audience’s response, each performer’s stage appearance, their musical presentation and their creativity.
“The Locals Live experience was amazing. Every part of the night was magical,” Chaser Eight lead singer and guitarist Audra Tagliamonte said. “The Wolf Den environment is unlike any other. The entire staff and crew are so attentive to your needs on and off stage. There is so much energy in Casino of the Earth, and we can’t wait for our next performance.”
Chaser Eight, an alternative rock pop band, has evolved over the past 10 years. During that time, the band has twice been named New England’s Best Alt-Rock band in The Deli magazine’s year-end poll. In 2024, Chaser Eight was nominated for the New England Music Awards Rock Act of the Year.
The band has opened for acts including Panic! At the Disco, Buckcherry and Badfish. In addition to Tagliamonte, Chaser Eight consists of Brennan DiLernia on the bass, Chris Siena on the drums and Mike Cocco on the guitar.
Chaser Eight has released six EPs, two LPs and various singles during their existence.
The panel of guest judges at the Locals Live finals were Jay Thomas of Jay Promotions, Matt Chirski from “Darik and the Funbags” and the members of Unwoke, who are the Locals Live 2023 champions.
More pictures from Chaser Eight’s winning performance can be found here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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