Greenbrier's Got Country Class Final Auditions Underway - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Greenbrier's Got Country Class Final Auditions Underway

Posted: Updated:
By Samantha Cahill, Greenbrier County Bureau Reporter - email

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 1:22 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:22:27 GMT
    (AP)- It's all about the odds, and one lone ticket in Florida has beaten them all by matching each of the numbers drawn for the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery
    (AP)- It's all about the odds, and one lone ticket in Florida has beaten them all by matching each of the numbers drawn for the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 7:31 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:31:31 GMT
    911 operators said crews are on the scene cleaning up after a mudslide happened on Route 3 by Dry Hill Road in Raleigh County on Sunday. No injuries have been reported. The Bradley-Prosperity Volunteer
    911 operators said crews are on the scene cleaning up after a mudslide happened on Route 3 by Dry Hill Road in Raleigh County on Sunday.

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 6:41 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:41:45 GMT
    59 News got a sneak-peek on Sunday into the Boy Scout Jamboree that will be at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Fayette County this summer. With over 100,000 square feet of outdoor skateboard parks, dozens
    59 News got a sneak-peek on Sunday into the Boy Scout Jamboree that will be at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Fayette County this summer.

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 1:22 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:22:27 GMT
    (AP)- It's all about the odds, and one lone ticket in Florida has beaten them all by matching each of the numbers drawn for the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery
    (AP)- It's all about the odds, and one lone ticket in Florida has beaten them all by matching each of the numbers drawn for the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery
    •   
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS -

Country singers looking for their shot at fame packed America's Resort Thursday night to kick off the "Greenbrier's Got Country Class" national auditions.

Singing sensations are vying for the chance to open for country star Toby Keith at the Greenbrier Classic Concert Series on July 4.

By Saturday night's final audition, the winning act will walk away with a $5,000 cash prize and the chance of a lifetime.

"It's truly an opportunity for someone who has had a dream to perform nationally in front of thousands of people to open for Toby Keith, which is going to be publicized on national television," said Emily Haas with the Greenbrier's Entertainment Department.

After hosting auditions in Nashville and at the Greenbrier in early April, the top 30 performers were chosen to participate in the quarterfinals at the Greenbrier Thursday.

"We're going to narrow that down to 20 and then for the finals we'll have to narrow it down again to 10. The talent here has just been remarkable," said Haas.

Cody Bittinger and his band traveled from Short Gap, West Virginia to take on the competition.

"It's the Greenbrier. Why wouldn't you want to come? It's a big deal for us. We're about four and a half hours away," said Bittinger with the Charlie Kenney Band.

Bittinger said his band has performed at many different venues, but never one as large as the summer concert series for the PGA.

He said being in the top 30 for the competition has been unreal.

"It was kind of a whole day of being nervous and then about three minutes of being on stage. It was well worth it though. It's unbelievable, it really is," said Bittinger.

Join Sam Cahill from 59News Friday and Saturday night at the Greenbrier as she serves as emcee for the semi-finals and the finals of the Greenbrier's first ever "Greenbrier's Got Country Class."

Semi-final auditions continue Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m. in Colonial Hall and the finals begin Saturday, April 28 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 per person for general seating or $50 for VIP seating.

Tickets can be purchased in the Greenbrier's lobby.