Aug 28, 2024 | Entertainment, General News
Grand prize winner will receive $5,000 and a headlining show in the Wolf Den
UNCASVILLE, CT (August 28, 2024) – This November, 12 local bands and musicians will have the opportunity to be crowned champion when the alluring four-week Locals Live competition returns. Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications will host the 10th annual competition where area talent battle for a $5,000 grand prize. The Locals Live champion will also get the opportunity to headline their own show in the award-winning Wolf Den, where acts like Thomas Rhett, Run DMC, Five For Fighting, and previous winners like Nick Bosse and Unwoke have graced the stage. Submissions can be made starting today, through Wednesday, September 25th via the WCTY website.
Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications will select 12 bands/musicians plus two alternates, and four acts per week will compete live in the Wolf Den every Wednesday from November 6th – December 4th (excluding November 27th) from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. A live audience vote will select who moves on to the most epic musical clash in town, the final competition, on Wednesday, December 4th. At the finals, a panel of expert judges will play a pivotal role in deciding the official Locals Live champion.
Admission to attend Locals Live is free, and guests can enjoy $4 Michelob Ultra and Bud Light specials. Guests may line up no sooner than three hours before the show. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One guest can hold four spots in line, but seats will only be given to those present at the time of seating. All guests must be 21 or older to enter the Wolf Den.
For the purposes of this competition, talent is defined as musicians, bands, or singer-songwriters only. All talent must be 21 years of age or older and from CT, RI, MA or NY. Performers must adhere to all Mohegan Sun rules and sign a guidelines contract prior to performance. Talent must be able to set up by 5:00pm on date of performance for sound check. All rules subject to change/management interpretation.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
# # #
Dec 18, 2023 | Breaking News, Community Relations, Entertainment
Unwoke wins the $5,000 grand prize and will headline a show in the Wolf Den on Saturday, June 15, 2024
UNCASVILLE, CT (December 18, 2023) –Unwoke from Montville, Connecticut was crowned 2023 Locals Live Champions after the finals on Wednesday, December 13th at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den. As part of the grand prize, Unwoke won $5,000 and will headline a show in the Wolf Den on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Modern Country band The Rakes from Litchfield County, CT took 2nd place and received a $1,000 cash prize.
Unwoke, The Rakes, and third-place solo act KENNII from East Haven, CT, were named finalists after an exciting four week-contest hosted by Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications. Twelve bands were originally selected to perform live in the Wolf Den and competed in groups throughout November. Unwoke, The Rakes, and KENNII advanced to the finals after winning their respective first-round battles.
On Wednesday night, the finals attracted an enthusiastic crowd. Attendees were urged to dance to their preferred bands to earn points for crowd participation. The judges’ final decision was based on the audience’s reaction, stage presence, musical presentation, and originality.
“It’s an incredible honor to be acknowledged as the 2023 Locals Live champion,” said Sean Higgins, singer/songwriter of Unwoke. “The Wolf Den atmosphere was second to none from an energy standpoint. That’s as close to Madison Square Garden as it gets for us ’local musicians’!
Unwoke is a three-piece Rock band based out of Montville, CT. The band formed in 2019, featuring Sean Higgins as the lead song writer, guitarist, and vocalist, and Dave Apanashk handling the bass and vocals. Joe Sardo is the man behind the drums.
Most would consider the trio a cross between Metal and Hard Rock. Some songs have a Metallica/Iron Maiden type of sound while others less Metal. The group specializes in Classic Rock covers for familiarity with their own original music mixed in.
The panel of guest judges at the Locals Live finals were Carl Strube, President of Critique Records, Simone Oliva, of “Tip the Van”, and independent Country singer, songwriter, and Locals Live 2022 champion Nick Bosse.
A gallery of Unwoke’s winning performance can be found here.
ABOUT THE WOLF DEN
Located in the center of the action, in Casino of the Earth, the always popular Wolf Den offers full beverage service, a state-of-the-art sound system, intimate seating and top performances by entertainers like Ludacris, The Marshall Tucker Band, Warrant, Sister Hazel, Chubby Checker, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Queensrÿche and Run-DMC – and it’s all free!
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun
# # #
Dec 11, 2023 | Breaking News, Community Relations, General News
Unwoke, KENNII and The Rakes compete for a $5,000 grand prize and a headlining show at the Wolf Den
UNCASVILLE, CT (December 11, 2023) – The final round of the 2023 Locals Live competition, hosted Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications, is here, and the winners of the previous three Locals Live rounds will compete for more than just bragging rights! A $5,000 grand prize and a headlining show on the main stage in the renowned Wolf Den are on the line as a champion will be crowned on Wednesday, December 13th. Major entertainers such as Thomas Rhett, LL Cool J, Gary Hoey, and North Stonington native Nick Bosse, the winner of last year’s Locals Live competition, have rocked the Wolf Den stage at Mohegan Sun.
Guest judges Carl Strube of Critque Records, Simone Oliva, of “Tip the Van”, and Locals Live 2022 winner Nick Bosse will play a pivotal role in deciding the official Locals Live 2023 champion. Prior to the competition, guests can enjoy a special performance by Nick Bosse. Bosse and The Northern Roots will be back on the Wolf Den stage Friday, December 15th for a free show kicking off at 8:00pm.
Locals Live Final Round Lineup:
Unwoke
Unwoke is a three-piece Rock band based out of Montville, CT. The band formed in 2019, featuring Sean Higgins as the lead song writer, guitarist, and vocalist, and Dave Apanashk handling the bass and vocals. Joe Sardo is the man behind the drums.
Most would consider the trio a cross between Metal and Hard Rock. Some songs have a Metallica/Iron Maiden type of sound while others less Metal. The group specializes in Classic Rock covers for familiarity with their own original music mixed in.
KENNII
KENNII, also known as Kenny Araujo, is a 26-year-old R&B singer/songwriter from East Haven, CT. He started writing and singing in 2013 and has been chasing his dream ever since. KENNII was featured on NBC’s The Voice Season 5 where he auditioned for the four original judges. He unfortunately didn’t make it onto a team, but that didn’t stop him! KENNII went on to get a music manager out in New York City, leading to performances at the Miss Connecticut Pageant and News 8’s Good Morning Connecticut!
KENNI just released a single called “I Know” featuring Grammy nominated songwriter John Concepcion for his new album called “Infinity”, set to release on December 15, 2023.
The Rakes
The Rakes are a modern Country band that seamlessly weaves the tapestry of Country music’s rich history with a contemporary twist. Formed in 2015, this talented ensemble breathes new life into both classic and modern Country hits.
Hailing from Litchfield County, CT, The Rakes features Marc Poliquin on lead vocals, Frank Salerno on lead guitar, Chris Allan on rhythm guitar, Bob Sherman on bass, Scott Sullivan on drums, and Roberto Nicolia on keyboards. The Rakes cover a spectrum of Country legends, from the timeless tales of Johnny Cash to the iconic sounds of George Strait, and Brooks and Dunn. Their magic lies in reinventing hits from modern artists like Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, and many more. Each song is infused with a fresh perspective that resonates with fans across generations.
Admission to attend Locals Live is free, and all guests must be 21+ to enter the Wolf Den. Drink specials include $4 Michelob Ultras. Guests may line up no sooner than three hours before the show. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One guest can hold four spots in line, but seats will only be given to those present at the time of seating. All guests must be 21 or older to enter the Wolf Den.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun
# # #
Sep 25, 2023 | Breaking News, Community Relations, Entertainment
Grand prize winner of this special music competition will receive $5,000 and a headlining show at the Wolf Den
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 25, 2023) – Local bands and musicians will have the chance to turn dreams into reality during Locals Live! Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications will host another exciting four-week competition where local talent battle for a $5,000 grand prize. The Locals Live champion will also get the opportunity to headline their own show in the award-winning Wolf Den, where acts like Thomas Rhett, LL Cool J, Barenaked Ladies, and last year’s Locals Live winner Nick Bosse based out of North Stonington, CT have graced the stage. Submissions can be made from Monday, September 25th to Wednesday, October 25th through the WCTY website.
Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications will select nine bands/musicians plus two alternates, and three acts per week will compete live every Wednesday from November 15th – December 6th (excluding November 22nd) from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. A live vote from the crowd will determine who will advance on the path to the most epic musical showdown in town, the final competition, on Wednesday, December 13th. At the finals, guest and celebrity judges will play a pivotal role in deciding the official Locals Live champion.
Admission to attend Locals Live is free, and guests can enjoy $4 Michelob Ultra and Bud Light specials. Guests may line up no sooner than three hours before the show. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One guest can hold four spots in line, but seats will only be given to those present at the time of seating. All guests must be 21 or older to enter the Wolf Den.
For the purposes of this competition, talent is defined as musicians, bands, or singer-songwriters only. All talent must be 21 years of age or older and from CT, RI, MA or NY. Performers must adhere to all Mohegan Sun rules and sign a guidelines contract prior to performance. Talent must be able to set up by 5:00pm on date of performance for sound check. All rules subject to change/management interpretation.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun
# # #
Dec 13, 2022 | Entertainment, General News
Bosse wins $5,000 and will headline a future show at the Wolf Den
A panel of celebrity judges named Nick Bosse from North
Stonington, Connecticut, the Locals Live 2022 Champion after the finals on Wednesday, December 7th at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den. As part of the grand prize, Bosse won $5,000 and will headline a future show at the Wolf Den. Mad Mesa from Griswold, Connecticut, won $1,000 as runners-up.
Nick Bosse, Mad Mesa, and third-place band Hawkns from Milford, Connecticut, were named finalists after an exciting four week-contest hosted by Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications. Twelve bands were originally selected to perform live in the Wolf Den and competed in groups throughout November. Bosse, Mad Mesa, and Hawkns advanced to the Finals after winning their respective first-round battles.
The crowd was full and jovial on Wednesday night for the finals and guests were encouraged to dance to their favorite bands for crowd participation points. The final decision from the judges was based on musical presentation, stage presence, response from audience, and originality.
Bosse performed alongside his band The Northern Roots and had a large group of fans show up with signs and t-shirts who danced and kept the energy going throughout his set.
“I think every musician who participated in the 2022 Locals Live competition is eager for any opportunity to play at the Wolf Den because it is known as a professional venue within the music industry,” Bosse said. “We were there to showcase our love of Country music, share that passion with a live audience, and continue to promote/build the music community here in Connecticut. Winning was a great bonus and thrill for not only me and The Northern Roots, but especially for our followers THE BOSSE POSSE who have supported us for years. They 100% shared and continue to celebrate alongside us!”
Nick Bosse is an independent Nashville recording artist with 10 years in the music industry. His Country music vocals are backed by a power-house band of musicians from Connecticut and Rhode Island: The Northern Roots. Nick’s songwriting and music stylings are influenced by Country, Southern Rock, and Bluegrass legends, which he projects in every live performance. Since its release in January 2021, his popular single “What Happened to Country” has reached more than 1 million streams globally.
The panel of guest judges were Will Evans, songwriter and frontman for the New England-based Roots-Rock outfit Barefoot Truth; Derrick Williams, Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Mohegan Sun; Bryan Howard, a nationally acclaimed touring musician; and Cara Brindisi, a Season 22 contestant on The Voice. Evans and Brindisi gave their own performances ahead of the finals competition on Wednesday night. Brindisi will return to Mohegan Sun for The Snow Globe Tour at 8:00pm on Saturday, December 17th, at novelle. Tickets are on sale now.
View a full gallery of Nick Bosse at Locals Live here.
ABOUT THE WOLF DEN: Located in the center of the action, in Casino of the Earth, the always popular Wolf Den offers full beverage service, a state-of-the-art sound system, intimate seating and top performances by entertainers like Ludacris, The Marshall Tucker Band, Warrant, Sister Hazel, Chubby Checker, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Queensrÿche and Run-DMC – and it’s all free!
For more information on all things Mohegan Sun, call 1.888.226.7711 or visit mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
# # #
