The Mission
This contest is designed to promote the spirit of songwriting for all. The Great River Folk Festival hopes to encourage amateur songwriters and performers, and to give them a venue to perform original material. Please be courteous to all the participants and judges.

Amateur performer songwriters are invited to enter this contest sponsored by the Great River Folk Festival. Twelve finalists will be selected to perform two songs each at the Great River Folk Festival on Sunday afternoon, August 29th. The twelve finalists will be contacted by mail or email and listed on the GRFF web site at www.greatriverfolkfest.org.

Songwriters will be evaluated on songwriting and performance by a panel of Great River Folk Festival judges. The first place act will receive a cash prize, a day in a recording studio, and will perform as the opening act on the main stage for the Sunday evening concert. Second and Third places will also receive a cash prize.

Prizes
All finalists will receive one free Sunday pass and a ticket to the Sunday August 29th evening concert. (a $20 value)

• 1st Place:            $150 cash
  • One day in the studio at Soundstrations Audio Productions, La Crosse, WI (an $850 value)
  • A performance of your winning songs at the Sunday evening concert
• 2nd Place:             $75 cash
• 3rd Place:             $50 cash

Rules

• Entries must be considered within one or more of the following categories or styles of music: Folk, Acoustic, Singer/Songwriter, Old time, or Bluegrass.
• Songs should be submitted on CD, no mp3 or cassette submissions please. Recording quality will not be judged, but it will be important for judges to hear the composition, vocals, and music clearly.
• The entrance fee of $20 is non-refundable. Great River Folk Festival is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, postage due, stolen, or misappropriated entries.
• Each song submitted must be contestant's original work. If co-written, contestant is the primary composer. Songs may not exceed five (5) minutes in length. No song previously recorded and distributed through a contract with a major record label or sponsor in any country will be eligible.
• Entries may perform as a solo or as a duo act.
• Judging of finalists will be based on the following criteria: Songwriting (composition, lyrics, melody); Instrumental performance; Vocal performance; Stage presence.
• All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.  Void where prohibited.
• Entry deadline is July 30! Click here for Application Form and instructions