Auditions Set for Brandon Idol Contest

Organizers of the annual Brandon Idol contest have scheduled tryouts for potential contestants for the contest, which includes singers and musicians from throughout the community.

For the first time, the winner of this year's Brandon Idol contest, scheduled for April 30 at 7  p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, Brandon, will receive a grand prize of $500

"This is our first ever cash prize," said Brandon Idol director Dave Loebig. "You'll get a check if you're selected the next Brandon Idol."

The  contest is open to all residents including previous winners, who don't have to audition. All others must audition.

Auditions are free. If selected for the finals competition April 30, there's a $30 entry fee and includes a ticket to the show.

Auditions are held at several venues around Brandon. Space is limited, so please sign up early.  The organizers will take walk-ins, but priority goes to those who sign up.

"The auditions are pretty simple," said Loebig. "You sign up. You show up. You select a song from the Karaoke Jock's selection. You are introduced, and you sing a full song. You're welcome to interact with the crowd or just go straight into your song."

In April, the Brandon Idol organizers will contact those called back for the final competition April 30.

Auditions are being held on these dates:

Thursday, March 24, 8 p.m.
The Hi-Life Bar and Grill
1602 E. Brandon Blvd.,  Brandon,

Friday, March 25, 7 p.m.
The Clubhouse Sports Bar and Grill
1265 Kingsway Road, Brandon,

Saturday, April 2, 9:30 p.m.
O'Toole's Irish Pub
1215 W. Brandon Blvd, Brandon

Wednesday, April 6, 9:30 p.m.
O'Toole's Irish Pub
1215 W. Brandon Blvd, Brandon

Friday, April 8, 7 p.m.
The Clubhouse Sports Bar and Grill
1265 Kingsway Road, Brandon

To sign up for an audition, send an e-mail to idoladult2011@momentumfestival.com. Include in your message which night you want to audition.

Tickets to the Brandon Idol show are $25 before April 16, $30 after. Reserved tables of eight are $250 or $300 for front-row placement. Make checks payable to this year's Brandon Idol charity, the Brandon Family YMCA.

Sponsorships are available. Call 813-685-9206.