MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Begins

New Talent

MERLEFEST 2010 will, once again, host the CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST. Now in its 18th year, the contest is an opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of NASHVILLE music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson, JIM LAUDERDALE.

Details about how to enter, entry fees, eligibility and other requirements are available at www.chrisaustinsongwritingcontest.org. The deadline for submissions is FEBRUARY 18th, 2010. Once submitted, songs are judged by a volunteer panel of NASHVILLE songwriters, publishers and other music industry professionals. Judging is based on a song’s originality, lyrics, melody and overall commercial potential. Twelve finalists, three from each category (country, bluegrass, gospel and general), will be announced during the first week of APRIL 2010. Each of the 12 finalists will compete on the AUSTIN Stage at MERLEFEST 2010 on the campus of WILKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE APRIL 29th-MAY 2nd.

Previous winners of the CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST include GILLAN WELCH, TIFT MERRITT, MICHAEL RENO HARRELL, ADRIENNE YOUNG, MARTHA SCANLAN, DAVID VIA, and JOHNNY WILLIAMS.

For additional information about the CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST, call the contest hotline at 1 (800) 799-3838 or contact CASC Coordinator LAURIE HAYES at laurie.hayes@wilkescc.edu.

« see more Net News