Sound off

It’s time to dust off the old pipes – the Durango Voice is back. Although auditions don’t take place till Feb. 22, submissions for the 5th annual test of local vocal chords are due Jan. 20.

Aspiring contestants can submit two-minute songs in mp3 format to durangovoice2@gmail.com and must include their name, phone number and a short bio. The contest is open to all ages and abilities, from shower-singing amateurs to fledgling superstars. Although contestants can have a music backing track or accompany themselves on an instrument, the track must feature their vocals only.

Eighteen lucky winners will be chosen from the submissions to go onto the live auditions Feb. 22 at the Henry Strater Theatre. From there, 12 will be chosen by the four-judge panel to go on to the finals Sat., April 25, also at the Strater.

Before the finals, the lucky 12 will also receive a free month of voice coaching from one of the four judges. Three winners will be selected at the finals, and in addition to local notoriety and fame, they will receive gift certificates and prizes.

The Durango Voice is a fundraiser for Manna, which helps to feed the hungry in our community, serving more than 65,000 meals a year. It also provides culinary job training, weekend backpacks of food for school kids, vouchers for services, and more than 1,000 pounds of produce from its community garden.

For more information, visit www.mannasoup kitchen.org or email durangovoice2@gmail.com.