2025 marks 20 years of Hoosier Star! To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this popular event, we have invited the adult winners from the past nine Hoosier Star competitions to return to the stage of the La Porte Civic Auditorium and compete for the ultimate title: Hoosier Star of Stars! Get ready for the ultimate showdown of vocal talent on September 13, 2025!
Meet the Contestants
James Neary
Hoosier Star 2016
James is an award-winning singer-songwriter born and raised in LaPorte, Indiana. In addition to winning the inaugural Acorn Theater Singer-Songwriter Competition in 2013, James was crowned the winner of Hoosier Star in 2016 with his performance of Queen’s “Somebody To Love”. Over the course of his musical career, James has had the pleasure of opening for acts like John Mayall, Cracker, The Main Squeeze, Billy Strings, and has even joined Muse on-stage for a rendition of their hit, “Plug In Baby”. So far, James has released a solo album, “2013”, and three EPs with his former band, James Neary and the Bevy Blue: “Red”, “Blue”, and “Yellow”. James prides himself on a live performance that is earnest, impactful, and memorable.
Julia Campoli-Biek
Hoosier Star 2017
Julia is thrilled to return to the Hoosier Star stage— she states her last experience was unforgettable, and she is excited to share it again with such a talented and supportive community. She is a proud wife, mom to a beautiful two and half year old, and an elementary school teacher. She also serves on the worship team at her church, where music remains a big part of her life. Julia states “It’s been a while since I last competed, so I’m especially grateful for this opportunity to perform again. Let’s make it a night to remember!”
Mike Green
Hoosier Star 2018
Michael Green is ecstatic to be back in town performing for Hoosier Star! In the years since his 2018 win, he’s been in Colorado working at the Butte Theatre in Cripple Creek designing, building, performing in, and even directing shows! His credits there include such shows as Lend Me a Tenor as Max, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (Various), and We Will Rock You as Khashoggi. His Colorado credits outside of theater have included high school math and science teacher, varsity volleyball coach, casino IT manager, and craps dealer. It has been a crazy time! Michael is also thrilled to have his mother and his aunt Mariko in town from Japan to enjoy this evening! He would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting him, both as an artist and as a wanderer in this ever-evolving adventure called life.
Joe Stewart
Hoosier Star 2019
Joe Stewart cannot wait to return to the Hoosier STAR stage! Joe is delighted to announce that since his last Hoosier STAR performance in 2019, he has joined the faculty at La Porte High School, his alma mater, teaching American literature and coaching the La Porte High School Speech Team. Joe is also blessed to lead worship at First United Methodist Church of Michigan City and serve on the board of directors for Monday Musicale of Michigan City as well as Epworth Music and Worship Retreat. A La Porte County native, Joe resides in Michigan City with his three beloved cats, Lumpy Space Princess, Marceline the Vampire Queen, and Peppermint Butler.
Alyse Flores
Hoosier Star 2020
Alyse Flores has been passionate about music from a young age, beginning her journey as both a pianist and vocalist. Her love of performance led her to study at Ball State University’s School of Music, where she deepened her craft and appreciation for the art form. While music has always been a constant in her life, Alyse also pursued her entrepreneurial spirit as the founder and owner of Stella Beauty, a luxury salon in New Buffalo, Michigan, where creativity and artistry remain at the heart of her work.
Whether on stage or in her business, Alyse is driven by a desire to inspire others through beauty, expression, and connection. She is honored to share her voice in collaboration with the symphony orchestra, blending her lifelong love of music with her commitment to community.
Kim Kurtis
Hoosier Star 2021
Kim’s lifelong love of music was sparked as a young child after stumbling upon her parents’ diverse record collection. Listening to everything from Shirley Bassey to Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald instilled in her a deep appreciation for classic standards and big band swing which she holds dear to this day.
No stranger to the stage, Kim has previously performed on tour and in regional theaters throughout the eastern United States. She is a proud graduate of The Boston Conservatory and Purdue University, and works at Valparaiso University in their marketing department.
Kim and her husband Chris are proud parents of two wonderful children who are the dearest & most delightful gifts imaginable. She’d like to express her sincere gratitude to Becky Osborn & the LCSO for this opportunity.
Julia Thorn
Hoosier Star 2022
Julia is ecstatic to be back performing with the LCSO and with many great talents including her friend Kelly Staton. When not singing, she is choreographing Rocky Horror at Memorial Opera House, working at Geisen Funeral Homes and also planning her wedding that will be this coming October! Julia is extremely grateful to Hoosier Star and her community for giving her the confidence to get back on stage. Three years since her competing year and she has bellyflopped back into her passions of all things to do with the performing arts. Julia would like to thank her family, friends and Lucas for their tremendous, unwavering support. This song is for anyone who has felt lost or misplaced in their life. Know that you will find your way back home.
Kelly Staton
Hoosier Star 2023
Kelly is thrilled to be back singing in Hoosier Star! She is excited to sing with all the previous winners including her friend Julia Thorn. When she is not performing she is a high school choir teacher at Hanover Central in Cedar Lake. She would like to thank her family, friends, and husband for supporting her!
Alyssa Atkinson
Hoosier Star 2024
Over the past two years, Alyssa has rekindled her lifelong passion for musical performance. She most recently took the stage as Alice Murphy in Bright Star with Phoenix Performing Arts. A few of her favorite credits include Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde, Susan in [title of show], and Cathy Hiatt in The Last Five Years. A Saint Mary’s College graduate, Alyssa currently works in University Operations, Events, and Safety at the University of Notre Dame. Offstage and outside of campus, she enjoys traveling and annoying her fiancé, Geoffrey, and their pup, Snickers, with relentless affection. Alyssa is deeply honored to return to the stage with the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra so soon after being named the 2024 Hoosier Star. She extends her love and gratitude to her friends and family for their steadfast belief in her and for inspiring her to believe in herself!