The Tampa Bay Lightning announced auditions for National Anthem performers and the Lightning’s acoustic pep band, the Frozen Funk presented by Music Showcase, for the 2009-10 season today. National Anthem demos are now being accepted in CD, MP3 or WAV formats.  Live auditions for the Frozen Funk will be held on Saturday, August 8 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Music Showcase, located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

The Frozen Funk, presented by Music Showcase, will again cheer on the Lightning and motivate fans at select games during the 2009-10 season. Interested musicians must have their own instrument and be available for pre-season /in-season rehearsals and selected Lightning home game performances.

For anthems, interested performers must mail their demo CD to either the St. Pete Times Forum ( 401 Channelside Dr. , Tampa , FL 33602 ) or Music Showcase (402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, FL 33511 ) before August 28.  The CD and package must be clearly labeled “National Anthem Demo” with the singer’s name, contact information and email address. MP3 and WAV files will also be accepted by emailing them to hdonnelly@sptimesforum.com.

Each singer’s demo recording must include their rendition of the Star Spangled Banner while O’ Canada is optional.  All submissions, performed by individuals or groups, must be genuine and may not include audio enhancements such as echo, reverb or voice attenuation.

All recordings will be reviewed and pre-judged in a semi-final round.  Finalists will be selected by September 4 and invited to perform at a LIVE audition at Music Showcase on Thursday, September 24 (time TBD).  A panel of judges will score each finalist. The audition is open to the public and the media. The winning finalists will be announced immediately following the live auditions and added to the Lightning’s roster of anthem performers.  Finalists and members of the media are encouraged to remain through the end of the auditions for the announcement and a post-audition reception at Music Showcase.

For more information contact Hope Donnelly at 813.447.9859 or hdonnelly@sptimesforum.com .