Dozens of musicians have tried their hand at being a part of The Band that will play at various events during the 35th America’s Cup in May and June this year. Auditions took place at City Hall last weekend.

Of the almost 50 contestants, there are now 25 selected finalists. The public is encouraged to vote for their favourite contestants via a closed ballot on www.acbda.bm.

Local Facebook pages are busy with activity of locals sharing their favourite contestants and encouraging their friends and family to vote before January 31. The final decision of who will form The Band sits with the panel of judges and an announcement will be made on February 1.

To vote for your favourite candidate, visit www.acbda.bm/the-band-finalists. On that page, there is an audition video of each of the successful contestants. Simply click the voting tab to cast your ballot for your favourite contestant in each category by January 31.

Auditions were open to members of the public, for anyone 16 years and older. The City Hall lobby was filled with keen candidates. A number of walk-ins came to step on the stage and showcase their talent.

The judging panel, comprised of America’s Cup entertainment managers and Robert Edwards, the band’s musical director, judged the first round of talent from 9.30am until 2.50pm. Round two began just after 3pm, wrapping up by 6pm.

The talent demonstrated a wide and varied range of singers, drummers, bassists, guitarists, pianists, a conga drummer, a saxophonist, rappers and more. More than half of the contestants were called back to the second round to perform once more for the judges in the afternoon session.

America’s Cup organisers say it was encouraging to see the wealth of talent on offer in Bermuda. There were contestants who have graduated from Berklee College of Music and others who live and perform in New York. There were also young contestants who had vocals far beyond their age.

This is one of two major entertainment initiatives of the America’s Cup. Organisers are also calling for all existing local bands, solo musicians and entertainers of all kinds to register to play in the America’s Cup Village during the month-long event.

The Band is an addition to the existing local talent that will be scheduled for the America’s Cup Village. To register for the local talent programme, e-mail talent@americascup.com by January 31.