(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Local youth can own the stage during “LAUNCH – The Talent Show” at James Clemens High School.

The second annual LAUNCH is scheduled for March 20 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. “Get your band rockin’, your singing pipes warmed up, your tap shoes tappin’ or even your magic act polished up, because you’re going to want to compete,” parent volunteer Casie Joens said.

Auditions are set for Feb. 18 and 20 starting at 4 p.m. in James Clemens’ band room.

“LAUNCH will be an epic exposition of entertaining acts,” Joens said. James Clemens Band, directed by Keith Anderson and Stuart Tankesley, is sponsoring the show.

Winners in each category will receive $100. The grand prize winner will earn $500.

“This year’s LAUNCH is going to be even bigger and better than last year’s,” Anderson said. “As successful as the event was in 2013, this year’s show (will) take LAUNCH to the next level.”

LAUNCH is open to all middle and high school students in greater Madison/Huntsville. “Last year’s show brought some amazingly talented acts from all over the Tennessee Valley,” Joens said.

“The difficult job of judging these young people will be left to an elite panel of local celebrity judges. The very talented and witty, Mojo of WZYP’s Mojo Radio Show, will again assure a fun, exciting environment for this unique competition,” Joens said.

This year, “Fan Favorite” is a new category. “We’re very excited about our audience participation vote,” Anderson said.

To register for auditions, visit LAUNCH.acuityscheduling.com. Rock bands aren’t required to audition live but need to email a video/recording to stankesley@madisoncity.k12.al.us by Feb. 20.

Audition results will be posted Feb. 21. Registration fee for individual acts is $15, while groups pay $25. All performers must attend dress rehearsal on March 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets on first-come, first-serve basis are $5.

“Get your act ready and don’t miss this opportunity to show North Alabama what you’ve got,” Joens said.

For more information about LAUNCH, email fundraising@jcjetsband.com.