MerleFest 2011 - 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 by entering the 19th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. MerleFest now involves more than 80,000 participants including some 100 artists and bands that perform on one or more of the festival’s thirteen stages. First place winners will receive a performance slot on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest./n/nHave 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 by entering the 19th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. In April 2010, MerleFest had a total participation of 79,557 for the four days with some 100 artists and bands that performed on one or more of the festival’s thirteen stages.

All 2011 songwriting competition finalists will receive:

• admission and lodging for 4 nights at MerleFest.
  
• a mentoring session with the volunteer chair of the Chris Austin SongwritingContest, the legendary Jim Lauderdale.
  
• Cash and other prizes!
  

In addition, first place winners will receive a performance slot on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest.

Entrants must submit songs in one of four categories: country, bluegrass, general, and gospel/inspirational. There is no limit on the number of songs entered by each contestant. The entry fee is $30. Chris Austin Songwriting Contest invites three finalists in each category-based on judging by a panel of music industry professionals, to come to MerleFest for the finals on April 29, 2011.

The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is open to those whose primary source of income is not derived from songwriting or publishing. Finalist will be asked to sign an Acknowledgment of Eligibility Form. First place winners during the past five years may not re-enter in the specific category in which they won. Second and third place winners during the past year may not re-enter the same song. Co-writers are subject to the same eligibility requirements as the entrant.

The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest supports the Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship established at Wilkes Community College.