Storm brews fun at the Diamond with national anthem auditions, Sip and Swing

Do you sing the stars and stripes in your sleep? Perhaps you watched Alicia Keyes sing the longest anthem in Super Bowl history and thought, I want to try that — Southwest Riverside, here is your chance.

A local singer belts out a tune at the national anthem auditions last year at The Diamond. (File photo: Rachael Recker)

The Lake Elsinore Storm is opening up National Anthem auditions for the 2013 season from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 14 at the Diamond.

“We’re looking for individuals, instrumentals, choirs, quartets, as many different performers as you can think of to come try out,” said Tracy Kessman, assistant general manager of the Lake Elsinore Storm said.

All performances must be under 90 seconds, be performed a capella (without musical accompaniment), and without any music or lyric sheets in hand.

Performances will be military style, with no additional notes, verses or variations to the time-honored anthem.

Even though this is Minor League baseball, where usually anything goes, there are a few rules applicants must follow. All participants must be at least 8 years of age, and those under 16 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. And be sure to bring your application form with you.

Remember, just because you audition does not guarantee that you will be performing live, before a Storm audience.

“We’ve had an amazing turn out the past couple of years, with over 150 people and groups showing up to try out. With only 70 games between April and September, we can’t use everyone, but that’s a good problem to have,” Kessman said.

Last year saw an audition from “The Voice” contestant Daniel Rosa.

Then, for those who dream of getting up close and personal with the Storm, there is the Sip and Swing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mar. 17 at The Diamond.

This is your opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at the Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium as part of its seventh annual open house event.

“We’re excited for families and baseball fans to come out and get a taste of baseball season in this free for everyone event,” Kessman said. “There will be food and drink specials, a fun zone for the kids, and stadium tours that take people from the locker rooms, down the player stairs to the field and dugouts, and then up to the suite level and press box area, ending in the Diamond Club.”

Of course, there will also be prizes and giveaways for those in attendance.

This popular open house event is the precursor to the Fan Fest in the works for April 3.

“For that event, the players will be on hand to sign autographs, show an open practice and give the fans an opportunity to meet the team,” Kessman shared.

“Starting away this year gives us more flexibility to do some fun fan and family activities we don’t get to do when our first games are at home,” she said.

The Diamond is located at 500 Diamond Drive in Lake Elsinore.

To learn more, visit www.stormbaseball.com.

Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.