The first annual Minnesota Sings statewide vocal competition will take place Sept. 28 in St. Paul and will consist of one vocalist ages 15 to 25 from the first 60 Minnesota cities to enter.

On March 1, invitations were sent to every Chamber of Commerce in the state, asking them to host a local contest that would result in one singer to represent their community.

First place will receive $2,500 with a bonus check of $500 to donate to their local community charity of choice. In addition, the winning city’s Chamber of Commerce will receive $250. Prize money will also be awarded to the second and third place winner.

“This is not a karaoke contest, but a great showcase of some of our state’s talented singers,” said Kelly Casey, producer of Minnesota Sings, in a press release. “Minnesota is full of show choirs, church choirs, young bands and music programs; we’d like to offer the opportunity for amateur singers to have a professionally produced experience.”

Kelly Casey has been the producer of the successful Hastings Sings for the past four years and felt it was time to expand the competition to singers from the entire state.

Minnesota Sings encourages your city’s Chamber to hop on board, host your local contest during the city’s summer day’s celebration and reserve one of the sixty slots available.

Tips on how to plan a city competition are provided at www.minnesotasings.com, along with cities already signed. For details, contact Kelly Casey by phone at 612-202-0802 or email at minnesotasingsvocalcompetition@gmail.com.