ARTifacts 6/24/11

'American Idol' holds auditions in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- "American Idol" will begin its 11th nationwide search for the best undiscovered talent in the country Tuesday at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Men and women 15 to 28 years old as of Sunday who are eligible to work in the U.S. may compete. Wristbands will be distributed to "Idol" hopefuls from about 7 a.m. Sunday until about 8 a.m. Tuesday. Auditioners won't be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain wristbands, they will be asked to return to Scottrade Center by 5 a.m. Tuesday. More audition information, including forms and requirements, is available at americanidol.com.

Country talent search begins July 5 in Cape

The 30th annual Texaco Country Showdown will be held every Tuesday in July at the Cape Girardeau VFW. C106.1 will host America's largest country music talent search and radio promotion. Acts will compete for prizes and the opportunity to perform at the Missouri State Texaco Country Showdown. State winners will vie for a $1,000 cash prize and will advance to a regional competition in the fall. The five regional winners will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to the national final, where they will compete for a $100,000 grand prize and the national title. The competition is open to vocal and/or instrumental performers. Individual acts or groups with up to seven members may take part in the showdown. Acts also must not have performed on a record charted in the top 100 country format of Billboard, Radio and Records or the Gavin Report within 18 months preceding the local competition. A $20 entry fee is required of all acts entering Texaco Country Showdown competitions. Entry forms are available at local sponsor locations or by calling C106.1 at 334-7800 or 800-303-1061. Entries must be received no later than July 15.

'Top Model' casting held in Cape Girardeau

After its trips to New York City, Portland, Ore., and San Diego, "America's Next Top Model" will make a casting call in Cape Girardeau. The reality TV show on the CW will be in town to audition women between ages 18 and 27 who are 5 foot 7 or taller and think they have what it takes to be America's next top model. Auditions will be from 3 to 7 p.m. July 12 at The Venue in Cape Girardeau. Visit www.cwtv.com/thecw/topmodel-cycle18-Casting for more details, to download the application and read the full eligibility requirements.

Mingo photo contest calls for entries

PUXICO, Mo. -- The Mingo Swamp Flora and Fauna Contest, an annual nature contest in its sixth year that promotes the beauty of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, is calling for entries from amateur and professional photographers of all ages. There are five categories: Mingo landscape, native wildlife, native plant, people in nature and artistically enhanced; and three divisions: youth (younger than 18 as of entry deadline) adult (18 and older) and professional. Rules and regulations, including entry forms, may be downloaded from the Mingo Swamp Friends website, www.mingoswampfriends.org. Enter the contest by mailing your unbacked nature photo (print on paper), along with entry fee ($5 for first three entries and $5 for each subsequent entry), to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Mingo Swamp Photo Contest, 24279 Highway 51, Puxico, MO 63960. Entries are due by Aug. 1. Cash prizes will be awarded. Winning entries will be matted by Mingo Swamp Friends and sent on a traveling exhibit for monthlong stops at most Missouri Conservation Nature Centers. These showings begin in October at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

-- From staff reports