The Art Council of Kern County recently acquired a grant to help Kern County musicians and to make the county’s music more diverse. The grant was made possible by the Irvine Foundation, which has worked with the Art Council for many years.

“The purpose of this grant is to find local bands and musicians and bring their talents together,” said Jill Eglan, director of special projects for the Art Council.

“We are trying to find artists in outlying areas. We are looking for all kinds of music from rock, country and Latin musicians.”

The grant will go toward a music completion called Kern County’s Got Talent to find a great local band or musician. The competition will take place all over Bakersfield with bands and musicians performing free of charge to the public.

“All of the participants will work with Los Angeles music producers and singers and will show them the ropes of performing for a living,” said Eglan. The winners of the competition will record their own music tracks and attempt to distribute them.

“This is a wonderful chance for all Kern County residents to show the world what they can really do,’ said Eglan.