Simcoe Rising Star 2026

Katherine Chabot is a passionate musician, performer, and founder of Music On the Go, dedicated to bringing music education and live entertainment to the Simcoe County community. 

Recently recognized as the 2025 Best Musician of the Year by Readers Digest Barrie, Kat was also a finalist for the Creative Visionary Award through the Women in Business Chamber of Commerce Awards. With years of experience performing at various Simcoe events, including private functions and community celebrations, she has built a reputation for creating unforgettable musical experiences. 

As a judge for the Simcoe Rising Star audition competition, Kat is excited to inspire the next generation of performers while showcasing local Simcoe talent in the upcoming talent show.

Michael Chorney, born sometime in the late 1900s, is an aging yet still vibrant human who spends his days chasing flashing lights, breaking news, and that one photo everyone else somehow missed. Known for his dramatic concert photography and questionable sleep habits, Michael from At the Scene has a deep commitment to showcasing the Simcoe rising star art scene through talent shows and Simcoe events, believing that every story deserves to be told and every burger deserves to be reviewed. 

He understands that life isn't just about more cowbell; it's about knowing the cow, appreciating the craftsman who made the bell, and somehow ending up photographing both before dinner. Whether he's at Donaleighs or Coops, participating in an audition competition, or humming a Stompin' Tom song lyric from the Next Tall Pines or Gussapoloza, he'll go anywhere for the right shot. 

When he's not roaming Simcoe County and Barrie with a camera in hand, he’s proving that caffeine and curiosity are an acceptable personality blend because at the end of the day, there's nowhere he'd rather be than the City of Barrie—unless there's a breaking story five minutes outside city limits.

Keira Brooks has been happily married for the past 27 years and is a proud mother of two very active and smart young men. Her eldest son recently started his career as a police officer with the Barrie police, while the youngest is involved with the auxiliary police department in North Bay. Keira began her own career as a police officer 29 years ago, so it's no surprise that her children have chosen similar paths of service, dedication, and honour.

In her current role as a Detective in the Crimes Against Persons Unit, Keira works directly with victims and survivors of crimes, including but not limited to sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and families coping with the loss of a loved one. Connecting with victims and survivors during their most challenging times is one of Keira's ultimate passions.

As she looks forward to upcoming Simcoe events, Keira is excited to see the community's talented members showcase their abilities at the Simcoe talent show and rising star auditions. She prides herself on representing her community with professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence.

Brigitte Eve has been captivating audiences since the age of four and has dedicated her life to music and performance. A graduate of Metalworks Institute, she has performed at venues in New York City, Chicago, and Nashville, immersing herself in the Americana music scene.

Today, Brigitte Eve is a featured resident performer at Debut Bar & Restaurant, Grillicious, and Quayle's Brewery, where she continues to share her passion for live music with audiences across the region.

When she's not performing, Brigitte is writing original music and inspiring the next generation of musicians by teaching guitar and ukulele to students ages 6 to 16. Her experience as both a performer and educator makes her an exciting and knowledgeable guest judge for Simcoe Rising Star.

Gary From Barrie is your connection to the local music and entertainment scene. From promoting concerts and festivals to creating engaging social media content and supporting local businesses, Gary helps bring people, artists, and communities together.

Whether it's showcasing a live event, promoting your brand, or helping your next project reach a wider audience, Gary brings passion, creativity, and a genuine love for the local scene.

Gary From Barrie: promoting local music, supporting local business, and connecting the community, one event at a time.

Gary is excited and looking forward to being a judge at this years Simcoe Rising Star 2026.