The Gathering in the Gap Music Festival, Big Stone Gap, Va., announces its annual Songwriting Contest, a beloved tradition and crowd favorite. This contest celebrates outstanding, yet often under-recognized, songwriters who embody the spirit and traditions of Appalachian culture.
Songwriters are encouraged to submit both traditional and contemporary styles. Topics may include Americana and related themes, and historic or current events. Genres should be rooted in Appalachian culture, such as old-time, bluegrass, folk, country, gospel, blues, Americana and rockabilly.
Entry fee is $10 for the first song; $5 for each additional song. Fees are non-refundable, and cash is accepted. Payment by check or money order to Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum. Deadline for submission is April 24 at 4 p.m. Entries must be received by this date, not postmarked.
CD submissions may be mailed to Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum, 106 West 1st St North, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or delivered during regular business hours. The festival is not responsible for late, damaged or misdirected entries. Electronic submissions must be sent to swvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov in MP3 format only.
Each entry must include a completed entry form available at gatheringinthegap.org or by emailing swvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov and typed double-spaced lyrics. Entries will not be returned.
A panel of professional songwriters, publishers and music industry experts evaluate entries based on originality, lyrics, melody and relevance to contest guidelines. Production quality is not considered. Ten finalists are chosen to perform live during the festival.
Each finalist receives a ticket to the main stage event and a festival T-shirt. The top three winners receive cash prizes and plaques. The first-place winner performs on the main stage at Gathering in the Gap and at the 2026 Blue Highway Fest.
For complete contest rules, a schedule of events or a downloadable entry form, visit www.gatheringinthegap.org or call 276-523-1322.
The Gathering in the Gap Music Festival is held at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 11 a.m.
