Singer-Songwriter contest returns to Ferdinand Folk Fest
Ferdinand Folk Festival Launches Second Annual Singer-Songwriter Contest
Singer and songwriters will get another chance to earn a prime midday 30-minute set on the Folk Fest’s Main Stage at this year’s fest on Sept. 17, 2016.
Additionally, the winner will get billing on www.ferdinandfolkfestival.com, as well as all other official Ferdinand Folk Festival merchandise.
“Last year’s experience surpassed expectations,” said Rock Emmert, co-chair of the friendly competition. “Over 25 artists from nine states submitted over 50 songs, and the culminating, well-received public showcase illustrated the exceptional talent found in our area and region.”
Last year’s winners were Nick Peay from Louisville and Hayley Payne from Owensboro.
The first of its kind in Dubois County, as well as in this region of the state of Indiana, the contest promotes the creation of music in genres as diverse as folk, Americana, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, and more.
There will be two divisions: Class of 2016 and younger and 18 and older. Each entrant may submit up to three songs, with each no more than five minutes in length. All submissions are due by June 1 and must be submitted online here.
Finalists will be announced by July 1, and a final, public juried competition will feature their work on Saturday, August 13. At this showcase, a winner of each division will be selected, as well as the overall winner, who will be awarded a Main Stage slot at the Ferdinand Folk Festival. The runner-up will be offered short concerts on the Market Stage.
Songs that have been previously recorded and released under contract on a label are not eligible. Additional information and rules can also be found online; for inquiries e-mail info@ ferdinandfolkfestival.com.
All entries will be subjected to an independent and private screening by several experienced music promoters, songwriters, and educators familiar with original songwriting and performing techniques using the following rubric: originality of lyrics (25%), melody (25%), musicianship (25%), and overall quality (25%).
The Ferdinand Folk Festival, now in its seventh year, is again presented in part by Best Home Furnishings and, for the first year, Main Stage sponsor NextEra Energy. Nestled among the hills and fields of southwestern Indiana, the Ferdinand Folk Festival is an earth-friendly and family-friendly event promoting music, the arts, and the environment. The free festival’s mission is to promote, through music, the health and wellness of community, culture, and environment. For additional information about the Ferdinand Folk Festival, visit http://www.ferdinandfolkfestival.com, http://www.facebook.com/ferdinandfolkfestival, and http://www.twitter.com/ferdinandfolk.
