With abundant talent in our own backyard, Pend Oreille Arts Council is once again presenting Northern Stars Rising, a tribute to local musicians of all genres.

This year POAC heats things up by making this event a competition. If you would like to be considered for this once-a-year opportunity read on.

The audition will be held on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St.

Open to musicians and vocalists hoping to further their musical careers, the chosen acts will go on to perform at the Heartwood Center on Friday, March 29 at 7 p.m. where they’ll be seen by local booking agents.

Northern Stars Rising is a competition with prizes up to $400 and the overall winner receiving the title of Pend Oreille Arts Council’s Performer of the Year and a guest performance at POAC’s Art Party on June 1. All acts selected to perform at Northern Stars Rising will receive an award.

POAC is looking for solo/duo, group and youth musicians or vocalists in any genre.

Auditions will be limited to three to five minutes each and will be either performed acoustic or with the performers’ gear and will be juried by two of POAC’s Performing Arts leaders and the 2018 Performer of the Year.

The successful acts must be able to attend a dress rehearsal on Thursday, March 28 at 5:30 p.m.

If you’re interested in auditioning, please RSVP to www.artinsandpoint.org or call the office at 208-263-6139 on or before Tuesday, Feb. 26.