The 2024 Gathering in the Gap Music Festival announces its Annual Songwriting Contest. As part of the annual event and always a crowd favorite, the songwriting contest showcases outstanding, but under-recognized, performing songwriters who represent the spirit and traditions of Appalachian culture.
Both traditional and newer styles of songs are encouraged, and song topics may fall into one or more of the following general areas: songs relative to Americana and related topics, topical songs about historic or current events, and songs should be in genres which have roots in Appalachian culture (Old Time, Bluegrass, Folk, Country, Gospel, Blues, Americana and Rockabilly).
Entry is $10 for the first song and $5 for each subsequent song. Entry fees are non-refundable, and cash will not be accepted. Check or money order must be made to theFriends of the Southwest Virginia Museum. Entry deadline is April 26, at 4 p.m. Submissions must be received by this date, not postmarked.
Submission Guidelines:
CD submissions can be mailed to the Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum at 106 West 1stSt North, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or dropped off at the park during regular business hours. The Gathering in the Gap Music Festival is not responsible for late, damaged, misdirected, or misappropriated entries, or insufficient postage.
Submissions can also be submitted via email toswvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov. Electronic submissions must be submitted in MP3 format. No other formats will be accepted.
Each song submission must be accompanied by an entry form, which can be obtained by visitinggatheringinthegap.orgor by emailingswvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov.
Each song entry must contain the lyrics (typed and double-spaced).
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 submittal are not considered. Panelists will choose ten finalists who will compete on stage during the Gathering in the Gap Music Festival. Each finalist will be given a ticket to the main stage event as well as a festival t-shirt. The top three winners will also receive cash prizes and plaques.
For a complete set of competition rules, a schedule of events, or a downloadable registration form, visit the festival website atwww.gatheringinthegap.orgor call the park at 276-523-1322. The Gathering in the Gap Music Festival will be held at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap Saturday, May 25 from 12 - 10 p.m.
