A Star-Spangled Banner strikeout

One of the 72 talented folks at the national anthem auditions at McKechnie Field was Kelli Kennedy, a grant administrator for the Manatee County School District.
A gifted singer, she has performed the Star Spangled Banner flawlessly on numerous occasions in various venues.
Aaah, but midway through her rendition last Saturday Kelli suddenly drew a blank, stopped, then resumed singing.
“I will never make fun of anybody ever again for forgetting the words,” she said.

Speaking of McKechnie, don't forget tonight’s Manatee Hurricanes Baseball Steakout & Reunion 5-9 p.m. at the ol' ballpark.
Call head coach Dwayne Strong at 725-2293. Or Bruce Braithwaite at 720-9224.

And remember today’s annual Southeast Beast Feast, 2:30-8 p.m. at the school cafeteria to benefit Seminoles baseball.
Call head coach Dan Durrance at 741-3366, ext. 2217. Or email dadurrance@gmail.com.

Big ups to Deb Krowe, husband Bob, Team Shake Pit and the cast of characters who helped put on Monday night’s boffo celebration of the Manatee Hurricanes 2011 Class 7A state championship Hawkins Stadium’s Joe Kinnan Field.
Among those folks were Big John, Gary Kortzendorf, Pat Mowry, Mike Parrott, Tracey Vita, Mike Burnett and Jeff Hillcrest and groups like Affairs in the Air, Bradenton Fire Department, Gulf Coast Corvette Club, Manatee High’s culinary department, custodians, drum line and student council, Seafood Shack and U.S. Tent.

Read more Friday in Vin's People on Bradenton.com.