Big Stone Gap, VA.The “Gathering in the Gap” Music Festival, which takes place on the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park Saturday, May 28, 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:
The finalists in the Songwriting Contest perform their song live on stage beginning at 4:30 p.m. A new panel of judges, also comprised of music professionals, make the final determination of first,secondand third-place winners. The songs will be judged on originality, lyrics, melodyand relevance to the contest theme and musical criteria. Each finalist will be given a free-access ticket to the festival, along with a festival t-shirt. The top three winners will also receive cash prizes and plaques.
In addition to the annual Songwriting Contest, the festival will include an excellent lineup of regional musicians on the Acoustic Arbor State as well as an evening performance on the main stage, featuring Grand Ole Opry Inductee Crystal Gayle along with Dave Eggar a well-known cellist, pianist and composer. The event will also feature food vendors, crafters, instrument/band competitions, a children’s area, the “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show and more. Tickets for the Gathering in the Gap Music Festival and its workshops are available through the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. Festival admission for adults ages 13 and over is $15 in advance or $20 if purchased the day of the event. Children 12 and under are free with paid adult admission. To purchase tickets, call the park at 276-523-1322. You may also purchase tickets in person at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park during regular operating hours or online atwww.gatheringinthegap.org.
The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visitwww.virginiastateparks.gov.
