Some local talent has been added for Simple Plan's upcoming concert at Spectra Place in Estevan on August 12.

A feature choir of twelve singers from three local choral programs will join the popular Canadian pop-punk band on stage for a special performance of one of their hit songs. This select group is comprised of members from the Estevan A Cappella Singers, which is a community group comprised of members who join by audition only; the Estevan Comprehensive School Choral Class, which features students in Grades 10 to 12; and Wired, an extracurricular singing and band group that practices one hour a week in the early morning during the school year.

Spokesperson Evanne Wilhelm said Estevan's school singing programs are still in their infancy, and the choral groups hope to use events like the concert to draw attention to the groups and to help them grow.

"Singing on stage with Simple Plan is a dream come true for so many of our kids and we want everybody in town that's going to be in Grade 9 to 12 next year to know how amazing it is to sing," Wilhelm said in a press release. 

All of the members of these groups are ages 16 to 25, and they were invited to sing for Simple Plan. In order to choose only 12 out of 50-plus singers, the performers competed in a karaoke competition. All of the competitors and spectators had a ballot, and they voted for their top 12 performers at the end of the night.

There is a group for every level and ability of singer in Estevan, Wilhelm said. Estevan has had a very successful band program in the community for many years, but Wilhelm said more students are needed to sign up for the singing programs.