MerleFest 2005 - Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

Have your songs heard by a panel of professional songwriters and other music industry professionals from the Nashville Music Community as well as earn the chance to perform at MerleFest, one of Americas foremost roots music festivals, by entering the 13th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. MerleFest now involves more than 78,000 participants including more than 100 artists and bands that perform on one or more of the festival's thirteen stages. This year's confirmed MerleFest performers include the Chieftains, Bela Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, Loretta Lynn, John Hyatt and Allison Krauss. All 2005 songwriting competition finalists will receive lodging for 4 nights at MerleFest, with first place winners receiving a performance at the Cabin Stage at MerleFest, as well as an Epiphone Guitar from Gibson. Both first place and 2nd place winners will receive cash compensation for their winning entries (see prizes below). The Chair of the 2005 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is Jim Lauderdale.



Entrants must submit songs in one of four categories – country, bluegrass, gospel, and general. We received 899 entries for 2004. The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest invites three finalists in each category – based on judging by panels of Nashville music industry professionals, to come to MerleFest for the finals on April 29, 2005.


ALL FINALISTS WILL RECEIVE:

Lodging for 4 Nights at MerleFest

All Access MerleFest credentials for three

One box of D’Addario Strings

One-year subscription to Acoustic Guitar magazine

1st PLACE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE

A performance on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest

An Epiphone Guitar from Gibson

A check for $125

An additional box of D’Addario Strings

2nd PLACE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE

A check for $250


Chris Austin Songwriting Contest sponsors are:

Morgan Keegan, Durham, NC. Thomas Fisher, First Vice-President; Fishman; Acoustic Guitar; Epiphone by Gibson; D'Addario and Sonicbids. Chris Austin Stage at MerleFest sponsored by ASCAP and No Depression.



Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest go toward Wilkes Community College projects including scholarships and construction and improvements to the Chris Austin Stage.