Rhonda Vincent

"Gathering in the Gap songwriting contest finalists announced

The “Gathering in the Gap” Music Festival, which takes place on the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park Saturday, May 27, announces the finalists in the annual Songwriting Contest. The contest represents the spirit and traditions of Appalachian culture, showcasing outstanding, but under-recognized, performing songwriters. Songs submitted for the contest included genres that have roots in Appalachian culture: Old-time, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Blues or Rockabilly.

Songwriting Contest entries were judged by music industry professionals and finalists were chosen to compete on the Main Stage at the “Gathering in the Gap” Music Festival. Those finalists and their songs are:

• Amy Vanator– “Your More”
• Brandon Maggard – “Rock on Momma”
• Clay Prewitt – “Hole in The Ground”
• Honeysuckle Dream – “Typical Appalachian”
• Jayme Chadwell – “Empty”
• Jeff Benedict – “The Soil of Hallowed Ground”
• Jennifer Gillenwater – “Ballad of Bessie Holland”
• Mary Munsey — “To Save A Few”
• Robin Charles— “The Heart”
• Stephen Murray— “On the Trail”
  

The finalists in the Songwriting Contest perform their song live on stage beginning at 4 p.m. A new panel of judges, also comprised of music professionals, make the final determination of first-, second-and third-place winners. The songs arejudged on originality, lyrics, melodyand relevance to the contest theme and musical criteria. Each finalist is given a free-access ticket to the festival, along with a festival t-shirt. The top three winners also receive cash prizes and plaques.

In addition to the annual Songwriting Contest, the festival includesalineup of regional musicians on the Acoustic Arbor and Gathering Places Stages as well as an evening performance on the main stage, featuring Grammy award winning artist Rhonda Vincent along with Dave Eggar a well-known cellist, pianistand composer and the Still House Junkies. In addition to the featured Main Stage performances, “Gathering in the Gap” includes a dedication ceremony for the Southwest Virginia Walk of Fame, instrument competitions, music jams, a children’s area, the “Gathering Place” Beer and Wine Garden, the “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show and a special 75thanniversary exhibit. Antique, food and craft vendors are also on site. For additional information and a full schedule of events,visit the festival website atwww.gatheringinthegap.org, “like” the festival page on Facebook, or call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276-523-1322.