Wanted: Two singers to lead Cool Choir at concert

Two amateur singers from Calgary will get to become rock stars for a night by leading 300 members of Cool Choir in a live performance before 2,500 people.

The Search for Two Rock Stars Audition will take place at Evergreen Community Spaces between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on April 29.

Those interested must register on the Cool Choir website by April 26.

“I believe there is even more gold to be found in this city,” said Jamie Serafi, the choir director for Cool Choir.

Serafi is a professional composer, arranger and musician who worked in the music industry in the U.K., for more than 20 years, writing music for an array of film and TV productions and offering vocal coaching, rehearsal preparation and musical directorship in the West End of London.

He also found Cool Choir, which launched on Jan. 18, 2016, and has since grown to become the largest non-profit choir in Calgary. The concept has already proved popular in the U.K.

“It’s for people who are just shy about singing,” Serafi said. “It’s the first of its kind in the city.”

The choir is for anyone who is interested in singing and specializes in rock and pop from artists such as Adele, Coldplay, Guns N’ Roses, Michael Jackson, Queen and U2.

Members also get to perform everywhere from street markets to the Knox United Church.

“We don’t just do concerts,” Serafi said. “We perform at any kind of public event.”

No auditions and experience are necessary to join Cool Choir, much like the Search for Two Rock Stars Audition. Serafi said he began this search because he believes Calgary has a lot of untapped talent.

“It’s a chance to perform on a professional stage.”

Serafi and Calgary singer Deanne Matley will be judging the auditions.

One male and one female will be selected out of all the contestants to perform at Cool Choir Rocks the JUBE, with Cool Choir backing them up in full, rich harmony.

The concert takes place in the Southern Jubilee Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on June 23.

Each winner will sing an international hit song by iconic Canadian artists as part of Canada’s 150th birthday this year. The male winner will sing Run To You by Bryan Adams, while the female winner will sing Ironic by Alanis Morissette.

“I wanted to choose songs that have a universal appeal,” Serafi said. “People would know them.”

Winners will also receive a free 10-week trimester of Cool Choir during the fall and have their performance at the Jubilee professionally recorded.

Serafi said any amateur singer would benefit from performing with Cool Choir, which has steadily become more popular since it began in Calgary last year.

“We have quite a big fan base now.”

Contestants must be over 18 and available for regular rehearsals should they win. They are also advised to practise the songs and know the lyrics beforehand, put on an engaging performance and make the judges smile with their talent and personality.

The two winners will be informed of their selection by phone no later than May 6.