It wasn’t Hannah Montana on stage, but fans of Miley Cirus got the chance to nourish their inner pop princesses with a dose of Girl Authority in concert at the West Boylston Middle/High School on Saturday, Jan. 26.

The auditorium teemed with long-standing and new fans of the nine up-and-coming Boston-based stars, who range in age from 10 to 15.

Marina Meehan, 8, of West Boylston, danced the whole show, which she described as exciting and fun. 

“I was feeling like I was really close to nice people like Hannah Montana fans. All of the kids were dancing and singing.”

“Our group absolutely loved the concert!” said parent Suki Lapin, “The girls are very talented and send a positive message to all girls. Girl Authority also had a wonderful way with the audience.”

“It was a great first-concert experience,” said Denise Hampson, who attended the show with her three granddaughters.

For the young American Idol wanna-be’s in attendance, it didn’t get much better than dancing in the aisles and in front of the stage, constructing a “wave,” screaming with arms outstretched to the stage, and volleying in chants such as:

The sold-out January performance included family-friendly cover songs, hits from Hannah Montana and High School Musical, and original material full of positive messages. Eminent songwriters like Vince Clarke of Erasure (and formerly of Depeche Mode) and Tanya Donelly (formerly of the Throwing Muses) composed songs for the girls. Plus, Cyndi Lauper personally suggested that Girl Authority record her inspirational ballad, “Shine” on their second CD, Road Trip.

Appropriately enough, Girl Authority star Jacqueline sang “This One’s for the Girls.”

This girl-powered event not only brought girls together through music, but it also benefited a good cause — The West Boylston Arts Foundation (WBAF).

The WBAF was founded in June 2007 after budget cuts reduced the arts curriculum in the West Boylston schools. Its goal is to restore arts programming and to invigorate the arts throughout the school system.

Art education in school is something that resonates with the Girl Authority’s nine talented performers, who have studied the performing arts in the Metro West area since elementary school. The group has recently signed with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s former publicist, New York City manager, Michael Pagnotta. They have also launched a multi-platform deal with Porchlight Entertainment and have appeared on CBS’ The Early Show and Nickelodeon, singing songs from their best-selling CDs.

At Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Girl Authority star Jackie, 15, takes advantage of different courses in drawing, painting, and pottery as well as chorus, orchestra, and band. In addition to singing and dancing, she loves to paint and play the violin.

 “Our show is a connection to the arts, and if we can help raise money, that’s great,” said Jackie.

Since the girls donated their performance, they helped to raise $3,500, 100 percent of which goes directly to the arts in West Boylston schools.

WBAF Board Member, Sarah O’Connor, said, “This concert is a great example of how kids can help kids through the arts, for the arts.”

Katie Willard, mom of the youngest Girl Authority member, Zoe, age 10, feels that opportunities like these helps the girls’ development, giving them a broader picture of what is going on in the world.

“Not every kid is exposed to the arts, “ said Willard, “and we think it’s an important part of education. I would argue that literature could be called an art in a way, but it’s been made a part of academics. Understanding a piece of music or art is academic. It’s part of being an educated person. And music is a different language. It’s a way of communicating. The arts are a way of explaining the world around us. What could be more relevant.”

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know what I would do without art,” she said. “I love it so much. Art is a way to express yourself. You can act, dance, or paint out anything you are feeling.”

“For all the girls in the group, the arts have been such an important outlet,” she said. “It’s one discipline where age doesn’t matter so much. That why a 10-year-old can hang out with a 15-year-old in our group. It’s freeing for them to be able to take risks. There is no right or wrong in art. “

WBAF President Jim Brissette is extremely grateful to Girl Authority for doing this fundraiser.

“First off, it’s an opportunity to showcase the arts, this time in music and vocals,” he said. “Second, it provides additional funding to further the WBAF’s mission. Without some kind of fundraising, the WBAF would die on the vine. It is even better when the fundraising can provide enjoyment of the arts. What more can we ask.”

With funds earned from events like this concert and a town-wide mailing last summer, the WBAF has restored some arts programming to the school system. Plans for a large-scale Arts Festival during the town’s Bicentennial Celebration in September is now underway. Interested artists of all genres should contact the Arts Foundation at www.wbaf.org to participate.

“Most striking to me as a parent was the full house,” says West Boylston parent, Judy Doherty, “This indicates to me the high value that West Boylston parents want to see put on the arts.”

For more information, visit www.GirlAuthority.com. Also visit, the West Boylston Arts Foundation at www.wbaf.org. Carrie Wattu is a freelance writer who lives in West Boylston with her family.