2011 Gathering in the Gap Music Festival offers area songwriters entry into its annual songwriting contest. A crowd favorite, the songwriting contest showcases outstanding, but under-recognized, performing songwriters who represent the spirit and traditions of Appalachian culture. Gathering in the Gap will be held at the Big Stone Gap on Saturday, May 28.
Topics include songs relative to Americana and related areas and about historic or current events. Song genres should have roots in Appalachian culture, such as Rockabilly. A panel of professional songwriters, publishers, and other music industry professionals will judge entries based on the following criteria: originality, lyrics, melody, and relevance to criteria. Music production and performance quality of the submission are not considered.
From the original mailed CD entries, panelists will choose ten finalists who will compete on the main stage in the Gathering in the Gap’s songwriting contest at 1 p.m. Each finalist will be given a free-access ticket to the festival, along with a festival t-shirt.
The first place winner will receive a 5-hour recording session courtesy of Grammy-award-winning recording studio, Jamie Johnson (The Grascals).
The entry deadline is April 15, 2011 by 4 p.m. with an entry fee of $10 for the first song and $5 for a second song. Please send a CD copy of the submission with a check or money order payable to the Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum, PO Box 294, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or drop off during business hours at the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap, VA. All entries must arrive by deadline, not by postmark.
For a complete set of competition rules, a schedule of events, or a downloadable registration form, please visit the festival website.
