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Who will be Brandon's idol? Performers face last audition

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

dlwhite@tampatrib.com

Published: April 15, 2009

RIVERVIEW - Wannabe stars have one last chance to make a big impression in the hopes of becoming the next Brandon Idol.

The final audition for the ninth annual Brandon Idol contest will take place Thursday starting at 8 p.m. in the entertainment tent at the Spring Jubilee family festival at St. Stephen Catholic School, 10428 St. Stephen Circle, Riverview.

Adult musicians, dancers and singers who make the final cut will compete for the title of Brandon Idol at 7 p.m. April 25 at the Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Drive, Brandon.

A Brandon Idol Teen competition, for ages 10 to 17, will take place at 2 p.m. the same day at the Elks Lodge.

Both competitions will benefit the Brandon chapter of the Dream Factory and United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay. Last year's contests raised more than $8,000.

The Dream Factory, founded by Brandon resident Julie Duncan, makes dreams come true for Brandon area children, ages 3 to 18, with life-threatening illnesses. United Cerebral Palsy assists individuals with disabilities by providing employment training, speech, physical and occupational therapy, and respite care.

This year, more than 45 would-be idols have auditioned. Only the best 20 performers are chosen to perform in the final competition.

In conjunction with the Brandon Idol contest, Music Showcase at 402 Oakfield Drive in Brandon will host a songwriters competition at 7 p.m. April 22.

All entrants should prepare two songs. Each contestant will play one. Then the top three will play their second selection.

All contestants should have their songs in recorded or written form but must perform their songs live for the judges. The cost to register is $25. The cost to attend as a spectator is $5. Proceeds also will go to the Dream Factory and United Cerebral Palsy. Winners will have an opportunity to record the winning song at Barclasion Music.

To register, stop by Music Showcase or call (813) 685-5998. For tickets to the adult or teen shows, visit www.brandonidol .com or call (813) 689-0945.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524.

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