Smokies to hold National Anthem tryouts

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Smokies will hold their third annual National Anthem tryouts on Saturday March 1 from 11 am to 2 pm. The contest will be held in the Center Court area of Knoxville Center Mall, which is located directly below the Food Court on the first level of the mall.

Former "American Idol" contestant Amy Catherine Flynn will be on hand to perform her rendition of the National Anthem, as well as her new song "Count Me Out" at approximately 1:30 pm Saturday afternoon. Her new song will be released and available for purchase on March 7 via her MySpace page, which can be reached through her website, www.amycatherine.net.

Flynn, a 17-year old junior at Knoxville Catholic High School, was a contestant on Fox's "American Idol" this winter. She made the initial cut and a trip to Hollywood, but was cut before reaching the final 50 contestants.

Registration for this year's tryouts will begin at 10:45 am in the Center Court area of Knoxville Center Mall, and continue until 2 pm. All contestants wishing to try out must register prior to taking the stage, and will be called in same order as they are received.

The top five contestants, as chosen by a panel of judges, will qualify to perform the National Anthem prior to a game at Smokies Park during the 2008 season. The five winners will be contacted by the Smokies the following week, with a winners list to be posted on the Smokies website.

Individual singers, groups, and musicians are all encouraged to enter the contest.

Opening Day at Smokies Park is April 9, 2008! Call (865) 286-2300 for more information.