By Kate Bartlett
The Erie County Fair is excited to announce a unique opportunity for middle and high school-age chorus groups in the Western New York area. In partnership with the legendary rock band Foreigner, the Erie County Fair is hosting a choir contest that will give one lucky chorus group the chance to perform on stage with the band on August 7, 2025.
“This is an incredible contest,” remarks Holly Smyczynski, Sponsorship & Special Events Coordinator. “It grants a chorus group the opportunity to perform live, on stage with a multi-platinum band; truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The winning choir will join Foreigner in performing their iconic hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is” at the Buffalo News Grandstand at the Erie County Fair. Foreigner was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has sold over 80 million records worldwide.
The winning group will also receive a $500 donation to support their music program, aligning with the mission of Foreigner and the Grammy Foundation to increase awareness of the impact of music programs in schools. “This comes at an opportune time, when many school music programs are being cut due to funding issues”, says Holly. “This stresses the importance of music, and could provide additional revenue to groups in need.”
aligning with the mission of Foreigner and the Grammy Foundation to increase
awareness of the impact of music programs in schools. For nearly 20
years, Foreigner has hosted this contest across North America, providing this
opportunity to many talented choir groups in efforts to support the arts. The
group aims to inspire young individuals by providing access, opportunities and
funding to music programs, in addition to creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to perform live on-stage with the band.”
For nearly 20 years, Foreigner has hosted this contest across North America, providing this opportunity to many talented choir groups in efforts to support the arts. The group aims to inspire young individuals by providing access, opportunities and funding to music programs, in addition to creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform live on-stage with the band.
Middle and high school choir/chorus groups from anywhere is Western New York are encouraged
will be determined by public voting, which will take place
online from April 30 – May 7 at ecfair.org. Fans can vote once
per day per email address – every vote counts, so spread the
word and help your favorite choir/chorus group win!
to participate. “The contest is open to any chorus group in this age range,” says Holly. “They just need to be able to attend the concert as a group on August 7.”
Choir directors must complete the official entry form and submit an audition video featuring a performance from Foreigner’s song catalog by April 25. There is no entry fee.
The winner will be determined by public voting, which will take place online from April 30-May 7 at ecfair.org. Fans can vote once per day per email address – every vote counts, so spread the word and help your favorite choir/chorus group win! “We really encourage the public to vote; we’re relying on you to help us determine the winner for this great contest!” says Holly. Winners will be announced on Channel 4 and 97 Rock sometime soon after voting closes.
For more information, visit www.ecfair.org/foreignercontest.