There’s singing for your supper, and then there’s singing for a cause.
The third annual Durango Voice competition, a fundraiser for Manna, will be getting underway in February, and now is the time for aspiring singers to get in their audition tapes for consideration.
The competition is based on the television show “The Voice,” in which competitors sing onstage to a panel of judges whose backs are turned toward the audience. Based on singing alone, judges turn their chairs toward the singers they are most interested in. The judges then try to convince the singers to join their team for training and a shot at winning the final competition.
The same setup will happen beginning Feb. 24 at the Henry Strater Theatre.
In this case, the event recruits local vocal professionals to judge the area’s singers.
“It’s a true, live blind audition because the judges do not hear the audition tapes,” said Elaine Chick, the event’s producer.
Singers who have been selected by a judge during February’s blind auditions will then get a free month of vocal training in preparation by that judge for finals on April 7.
“Whether they even make it or not to the finals, they’re getting just an amazing opportunity to have professional vocal coaching,” Chick said. “That’s invaluable.”
And it’s a fundraiser that’s only growing: Last year, both the blind auditions and finals sold out.
“This is becoming a really valid, cool event that not only supports the community and the arts and entertainment aspect for up-and-coming singers, but for a great cause for Manna,” Chick said. “It’s for such a great cause, and Manna, their services they provide for our community continue to grow.”
katie@durangoherald.com
To audition
If you’re interested in being considered for a spot in the Durango Voice singing competition, upload a demo in MP3 format to DurangoVoice2@gmail.com by Jan. 22.
Submissions must be no longer than 2 minutes. Singers may have a music backing track but must contain your vocals only – no background singers. Include your name, phone number, email address and a short bio.
You will be contacted if selected as a contestant for the first live audition Feb. 24 at the Henry Strater Theatre.
The competition is open to pre-professionals.
