Stars, stripes and song

You hear it everywhere — at baseball games, rock concerts and high school graduations. It’s familiar, yet moving. Sweet and surprisingly easy to mangle.
And chances are, you only know the first verse.
Officials at the California Mid-State Fair are searching for local singers to belt out "The Star-Spangled Banner" in front of thousands of music fans this summer.
Performers will sing the national anthem a capella before Main Grandstand Arena shows.
That could mean a chance to meet some of the fair’s stars, including Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, Martina McBride and “American Idol” fan favorite Chris Daughtry.
Participants say performing the national anthem is a great way to gain experience and confidence about public singing.
“I could never get bored with the national anthem. I like it,” Paso Robles High School grad Briana McPartlan told The Tribune last year. She’s sung the national anthem at the fair three times.
Fair officials recommend that singers have experience singing for large groups, but auditions are open to all area residents. Past performers include an accountant, a personal trainer, a music teacher and a beauty salon owner.
The California Mid-State Fair runs July 25 through Aug. 5 at the Paso Robles Event Center. This year’s theme is “Country Days and Rockin’ Nights.”

Interested?
Send a VHS videotape or DVD showing your performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to: California Mid-State Fair, Attn: Nancy Paasch, P.O. Box 8, Paso Robles, CA 93447.
All entries must be received by Friday, June 22, at 5 p.m. Tapes will not be returned.
For more information, call the fair administration office at 239-0655.

-- Sarah L.