Strong Showing For Curve National Anthem Tryouts
Published on February 7, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA, Pa - From all different parts of the region and from three different states, nearly 150 contestants gave it their all at the Altoona Curve's 2009 National Anthem tryouts at Logan Valley Mall on Saturday morning.
One of the most popular off-season events the Curve hold saw fans and contestants travel from as far as Brooklyn, New York, Frostburg, Maryland, Fort Ashby, West Virginia and Kittanning, Pennsylvania.
12-year old Regina Gavagan and her family left Brooklyn, New York at 4:00 a.m. to travel to Altoona. Gavagan performed in front of nearly 200 onlookers. "It was a great experience," she said. "I hope I'm selected because it would be a dream come true to sing before a Curve game."
The family has no connection to the area, other than the fact that they fell in love with Blair County Ballpark last summer while they visited neighboring Lakemont Park, a yearly summertime tradition the family partakes in.
The morning and early afternoon brought with it a wide variety of contestants -- from senior citizens to children, who performed in solo acts, duets, quartets and as a full chorus.
On Saturday, all spectators at the event saw some familiar, breath-taking performances from local groups One Lane Bridge and the Altoona Horseshoe Chorus along with new, first-time performers.
All contestants were rated by a panel of four celebrity judges. In the morning session, judges consisted of Adam Erikson from the Q94 Morning Show, Doug Herendeen from WRTA-AM, 1240, Abbie Tang from WJAC-TV and Tommy Edwards from the Rocky 104.9 Morning Show.
Joe Shuta, from ESPN Radio, 1430, Steve "Frog Man" Kelsey from Froggy 98.1, "Rob Z." from Hot 100.1 and Scott Franco from The Altoona Mirror all served as judges in the afternoon session.
Those who are selected to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" at one of the Curve's 71 home games this season will be notified in the coming weeks by a member of the Curve front office staff.
All contestants that participated received a pair of complementary tickets to an April home game at Blair County Ballpark.
The Curve opens their 2009 home schedule on April 16 at 6:35 p.m. against the Erie SeaWolves (AA-Detroit Tigers). Fans can ensure themselves the best seats for the season with a Curve season ticket package. Full and partial season tickets as well as mini-plans and flex books are on sale now for new, lower prices. To lock up your great seats for the season, contact a Curve ticket representative at 877-99-CURVE, or stop by in person to Blair County Ballpark during normal business hours.
Eastern League Stories from February 7, 2009
- Strong Showing For Curve National Anthem Tryouts - Altoona Curve
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