Beyoncé is hunting for a girl band

By M&C News Jun 8, 2006, 20:17 GMT

Singer/actress Beyoncé Knowles is looking for an all female band to join her on the road in support of her upcoming second album"B'Day," – which is scheduled for a September release.

The singer and her creative team will hold open auditions next week in a various cities across the country including New York, Chicago, Houston and Burbank. The singer isn’t looking to form a new super pop group, but rather musicians to accompany her on the tour. Beyoncé and her team are in search of musicians that can “play music by ear” and perform on drums and other percussions, keys, bass, guitar, horns (alto, tenor, sax, trumpet).

In addition to having the right look, musicians should be at least 18 years and older, be prepared to play a one minute (minimum) solo, and to play Beyoncé's hit song, "Work It Out," as performed on the "Beyoncé: Live At Wembley" DVD. Those hoping to get the gig should also bring a headshot and resume to the audition.

The auditions will actually be held in front of Beyoncé creative team, but finalists chosen will be expected to be available to fly to New York to perform a final audition for the singer herself the week of June 12 and must be available to begin working on the road by June 20.

Music World Music/Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records will release "B'Day," the much-anticipated new solo album from Beyoncé, on Tuesday, September 5. The album will be released worldwide on September 4, Beyoncé's 25th birthday.

The pop music superstar's sophomore studio album premieres all new music produced, written and arranged by Beyoncé.  "Deja Vu," the first single will feature guest artist Jay-Z with production by Rodney Jerkins. Beyoncé's producers on B'Day include Rich Harrison, Sean Garrett, The Neptunes, and Swizz Beatz.  B'Day is executive produced by Beyoncé and Mathew Knowles.

The singer’s first full-length solo album "Dangerously In Love” went multi-platinum in 2003 and earned her five 2004 Grammy Awards including Best Contemporary R&B Album and Best R&B Song ("Crazy In Love").