Loons look for local talent

February 19, 2007 —

by Greg Lalonde

Saginaw's WILZ-FM morning show host Terry Lenz bellows the starting line-up of the Great Lakes Loons for Loons officials in the Ryder Center. Try-outs for PA announcers were held on Tuesday.

While talent shows such as American Idol are sweeping the nation, similar talent searches are taking place right here in Mid-Michigan.

The Great Lakes Loons, a Minor League baseball team based in Midland, have spent the past few months recruiting employees and auditioning entertainment acts for their upcoming season.

Local area entertainers are encouraged to submit their talent and try their luck as one of the contestants. The list of prospective entertainment acts is endless.

The Lansing Lugnuts, a Minor League baseball team located in Lansing, offer a wide variety of entertainment to their fans. Some of these acts include firework displays, 80s-themed music nights, and concerts. Likewise, the Loons are now seeking performers with comparable talents.

The turnout for the Loons' prospective National Anthem singers was overwhelming, forcing the team to deny additional singers submitting their applications during the latter part of the tryout.

Bay City's Troy Mason was one of the lucky ones who had a chance to have a voice in the matter. His parents clipped out an ad from the newspaper and after three weeks of preparation, the 28-year-old decided to give it a shot by auditioning at the Bay City Players Theatre on Saturday, Feb 10.

Mason has always enjoyed singing, and baseball is a passion of his, making the opportunity a perfect scenario. He said that the time to prepare was limited, but he gave it his best shot.

"I just kept singing," Mason said. "I haven't sung in awhile, so I just had to learn to strengthen my voice."

The auditions were open to entertainers of all ages. Mason said those auditioning ranged from teenagers to senior citizens. He expects to find out in three weeks if he will be selected to sing at one of the 70 home games.

"I was a little nervous about forgetting the words, but I was confident in my voice," Mason explained. "I am critical [of myself] but I think I have a pretty good shot."

Although the Loons are no longer taking auditions for National Anthem singers, they are still seeking many forms of entertainment for the upcoming season. Acts may include musical groups, jugglers, clowns, magicians and others with special talents. Those interested should submit a VHS, DVD or CD recording of their talent to Linda Uliano of the Great Lakes Loons at 215 E. Main St., Midland, MI 48640.

For more information, contact Uliano at (989) 837-2255 or via e-mail at luliano@loons.com. Information is also available on the Loons Web site, loons.com.