The Ferdinand Folk Festival is launching its fourth annual singer-songwriter contest and will be accepting submissions from June 1 to July 1. The winners will be featured in a performance showcase in the St. Benedict’s Brew Works theater on Sunday, August 19, and at the September 15 festival they will earn opening time on the NextEra Energy Main Stage and/or afternoon concerts on the Kyana Woodstock Market Stage. Winners will also be recognized in festival marketing.
“We encourage people of all ages from the community and region to create original songs from their own life experiences,” said Rock Emmert, chair of the friendly competition. “The contest provides a fun opportunity to share original music with a supportive, listening audience and to meet and collaborate with other artists from the area.”
The folk music tradition includes songs that tell powerful stories, bring history to life, celebrate nature and relationships, reflect on issues, make people think, laugh, etc. In the past three years, the contest has attracted dozens of local, regional, and national artists of all ages to submit excellent, diverse songs and genres supported by the festival including folk, Americana, bluegrass, blues, reggae, and more. The public showcases in August have been among the most well-received festival events and support the growing listening room scene in the region.
There will again be two divisions: class of 2018 and younger and 18 and older. Each entrant may submit up to three songs (with collaborations of up to three people) with each no more than five minutes in length. All submissions are due by July 1 and must be submitted online at www.ferdinandfolkfestival.com. The showcase performers will be announced later in July. The showcase will not be a competition; instead, the winners will have the opportunity to share their talent in an intimate, non-competitive setting as well as sell any CDs they may have to offer.
A committee of experienced music promoters, songwriters, and educators familiar with original songwriting and performing techniques will study each song, applying the following rubric: originality of lyrics (25%), melody (25%), musicianship (25%), and overall quality (25%). Songs that have been previously recorded and released under contract on a label are not eligible. Additional information and guidelines can also be found online. For inquiries call 812-631-2856 or email rockemmert@gmail.com.
The Ferdinand Folk Festival—a free, earth-friendly, family-friendly event—promotes music, art, environmental awareness, and wellness. The homegrown festival offers extensive entertaining and educational events for all ages. For additional information and updates, visit www.ferdinandfolkfestival.com and find the festival on Facebook.
