NORMAL - From inside the Corn Crib’s team store, Mary Kaye Bennett’s voice carried a familiar tune.
The Bloomington resident effortlessly belted out the national anthem as part of an audition to perform during the upcoming Normal CornBelters season.
Dozens auditioned Saturday. Those who missed it can still enter by submitting a video or audio recording this week to the Corn Crib office in Normal. In audio or video performances, “The Star-Spangled Banner” must be sung in 1 minute and 45 seconds because of game-day time constraints.
Jeff Holtke, end-game entertainment coordinator, said the team will have 52 home games in Normal and his goal is to book a local talent for each one. He plans to make decisions on performers within a few weeks, he said. The CornBelters’ first home game is May 21 against the Windy City Thunderbolts.
“In the past they’ve used video recordings and I’m trying to get away from that,” said Holtke, taking a break from the audition Saturday. “This is a chance for getting a performance by someone in the community.”
For Bennett, singing has been part of her life since childhood when she performed at church functions and as part of a duet with her sister. But lately, she hasn’t been able to take part in her hobby, she said. The CornBelters’ tryout was her attempt at getting back to a passion, she said.
“Music has always been a release, a natural extension of what we’re feeling,” Bennett, said after her tryout session. “It’s a comfort.”
Addie Ramirez, 13, of Saybrook also was among those who tried out. If she gets a chance to perform at the start of a game, it would be the biggest crowd, she said.
Her mother, Dawn Ramirez, watched as she performed and offered encouragement.
“Good for you for trying,” said Ramirez to her daughter.
Joe McDonald of Normal said he currently performs as part of a band at Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal and he is part of a play that kicks off next month at Community Players Theatre. Saturday was the first time he tried out to sing the national anthem as a solo performance, he said.
“I always enjoy the chance to entertain people,” McDonald said. “It’s a great honor.”
The Bloomington resident effortlessly belted out the national anthem as part of an audition to perform during the upcoming Normal CornBelters season.
Dozens auditioned Saturday. Those who missed it can still enter by submitting a video or audio recording this week to the Corn Crib office in Normal. In audio or video performances, “The Star-Spangled Banner” must be sung in 1 minute and 45 seconds because of game-day time constraints.
Jeff Holtke, end-game entertainment coordinator, said the team will have 52 home games in Normal and his goal is to book a local talent for each one. He plans to make decisions on performers within a few weeks, he said. The CornBelters’ first home game is May 21 against the Windy City Thunderbolts.
“In the past they’ve used video recordings and I’m trying to get away from that,” said Holtke, taking a break from the audition Saturday. “This is a chance for getting a performance by someone in the community.”
For Bennett, singing has been part of her life since childhood when she performed at church functions and as part of a duet with her sister. But lately, she hasn’t been able to take part in her hobby, she said. The CornBelters’ tryout was her attempt at getting back to a passion, she said.
“Music has always been a release, a natural extension of what we’re feeling,” Bennett, said after her tryout session. “It’s a comfort.”
Addie Ramirez, 13, of Saybrook also was among those who tried out. If she gets a chance to perform at the start of a game, it would be the biggest crowd, she said.
Her mother, Dawn Ramirez, watched as she performed and offered encouragement.
“Good for you for trying,” said Ramirez to her daughter.
Joe McDonald of Normal said he currently performs as part of a band at Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal and he is part of a play that kicks off next month at Community Players Theatre. Saturday was the first time he tried out to sing the national anthem as a solo performance, he said.
“I always enjoy the chance to entertain people,” McDonald said. “It’s a great honor.”
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