Area musicians who’d like an opportunity to showcase t heir talent this summer have two opportunities.

The City of Opp will have a karaoke contest during its 4th of July celebration Wednesday that doubles as a Rattlesnake Rodeo audition, and Aubrey McKee will host a week-long Summer Jam Camp that culminates with a performance at Andalusia’s July Jamz concert series.

 

Karaoke

On July 4, starting at 1 p.m., the City of Opp will host its first ever karaoke contest as part of its holiday celebration at Lake Frank Jackson.

“We are trying something a little different from the usual,” event organizer Pam Potter said. “We are trying to focus on hometown talent.”

Potter said that the she knows there is talent in the county, so she wants to find a way to bring them into the light.

“We know there are so many people with talent,” Potter said. “We just have to bring them out of hiding.”

Participants will need to prepare three family friendly songs on a clean USB port with no other files.

There will be no age limit for participants, but anyone under 18 will have to have a parent sign off on their application.

Right now, Potter said that four people have registered for the contest, but they are still looking for more contestants.

“We hope that more people will sign up,” Potter said. “It is a great way to get on stage and showcase what you can do.”

Registration forms can be found online at www.cityofopp.com and need to be turned in to Potter at the Opp Adult Activity Center.

 

Jam Camp

McKee’s Summer Jam Camp will be for any skill level singers and musicians, grades 1-12.

“I will be teaching beginner level guitar, vocals and stage performance,” McKee said. “But more importantly I want it to be a big jam session, so if they already know how to play an instrument, they are more than welcome to sign up.”

McKee said that she wants to use the week to teach stage performance and help the students gain confidence.

“I remember being in middle school and wanting to perform so badly with a band,” McKee said. “But when the time came I was so nervous. I want to teach kids early on that they can get up on a stage and have confidence up there.”

Students who participate in the class will have a chance to perform during the last week of the City of Andalusia’s July Jamz.

“Another thing that I wanted to incorporate was actually giving them an opportunity to get on a stage,” McKee said. “So being able to perform at July Jamz will hopefully be first a fun thing for them, and second a way for them to experience being on a stage.”

During the summer there are so may activities that kids can participate in, McKee said.

“There are dance classes, swim lessons, art classes and sports camps, but nothing for stage performing,” McKee said.

As of right now, there are limited spots for the Summer Jam Camp, but McKee said that if enough kids sign up then she will split the camp into two groups.

The camp is $100 per person, and will last from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

For more information contact McKee at 662-902-7674.