MerleFest 2011 To Present 19th Annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

MerleFest To Present Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

MERLEFEST 2011, presented by LOWE’S, will once again host the CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST. Now in its 19th 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, GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter JIM LAUDERDALE. MERLEFEST 2011 takes place from APRIL 28th-MAY 1st, 2011 at WILKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE in WILKESBORO, NC.

Contest entries for the CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST are now being accepted via snail mail (P.O. Box 121855, NASHVILLE, TN 37212,) through SONICBIDS and at AMERICAN SONGSPACE. The deadline for submissions is FEBRUARY 18th.

The contest recognizes winners in four categories—Country, Bluegrass, Gospel/Inspirational and General. To be eligible to enter, a songwriter must not derive more than 50 percent of his or her total income from songwriting or music publishing. Twelve finalists will be chosen by a volunteer panel of NASHVILLE songwriters, publishers and other industry professionals. 

Each of the finalists will enjoy admission and lodging for four nights at MERLEFEST, will receive a mentoring session with JIM LAUDERDALE, and will compete on the AUSTIN STAGE at MERLEFEST 2011. In addition, the first place winners will receive a performance slot on the CABIN STAGE on FRIDAY of the festival.

Net proceeds from the CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST support the WILKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHRIS AUSTIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. Since its inception the scholarship has awarded over $35,000 to 71 students. For more info, visit www.chrisaustinsongwritingcontest.org.

For a complete list of performers and ticket info for MERLEFEST 2011, visit www.merlefest.org.

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