2010 Songwriters Competition

Presented by the CT Songwriters Association & Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival 

This year's competition had twenty-one songs entered from seven different states. Teaming up with the Connecticut Songwriter's Association was a great help and they really made this year run very smoothly.

The Podunk Bluegrass Board was forwarded six songs to be considered for the finals. To determine the winner, the board members listened to the six songs and evaluated them. We will be inviting the top three finishers to play on the Main Stage of Friday, August 6 from 4:55 to 5:40 PM. Upon completion, the first, second and third place winners will be announced.

The three finalists are listed below. We invite all songwriters to be present so that we may acknowledge you in person.

• Don Bernier from Lewiston, ME for "Ice In Your Veins"
• Gail Wade from Colchester, CT for "I Like a Train"
• Ron Fetner from Seaford, VA for "Don't Burn the Zion Church"

All of the bands performing at Podunk this year will receive a copy of the six final songs with contact information should they be interested. Lastly, all five of Podunk's Band Competition bands will be required to perform the winning song as part of their competition set. They have been given the song to learn (and have been sworn to secrecy).

Songwriters Included:
Richard Bernier, Minot, ME
Don Bernier, Lewiston, ME
Rick Dale, Belgrade Lakes, ME
Ron Fetner, Seaford, VA
Gale Gardiner, Farmington, CT
Mike Hamill, Milford, CT
Dawn Kenney, Waltham, MA
Roy O'Neil, Waterbury, CT
Charles Santos, Tiverton, RI
Phillip Zimmerman, Cromwell, CT

All accepted entries will receive a admission ticket to Podunk for Saturday, August 6, 2010

PRIZES:

• First Prize $300 cash, Lifetime membership to CSA ($400 value)
• Second Prize $100 and a pair of 4-day tickets to the 2011 Podunk Bluegrass Festival ($180 value)
• Third Prize A pair of tickets to the 2011 Podunk Bluegrass Festival
• see additional prize information below

Official Rules and Guidelines

1. ELIGIBILITY
   The Podunk Bluegrass Songwriting Competition (PBSC) is open to those whose primary source of income (50% or more) is not derived from songwriting or publishing. Income from performing gigs is not songwriting income. First place winners during the past five years may not re-enter in the specific category in which they won. Co-writers are subject to the same eligibility requirements as the named entrant.
2. CATEGORY
   Bluegrass (see genre guidelines)
3. TWO WAYS TO ENTER:
   1. SUBMISSIONS BY MAIL:
      Send the following with each entry:
      1. One completed entry form per song (photocopy acceptable). Signature must be original.
      2. One song per CD (preferred medium).  Entries may also be submitted on cassette, DVD, or mp3 file on CD or Mac-compatible USB flash.
      3. Release form (below) signed by all writers.
      4. Typed lyric sheet.
      5. Check or money order for $25.00 (U.S currency) for each entry, payable to CSA. Do not send cash. CD or other entry medium, AND Lyric sheet,  MUST BE LABELED with Entrant’s Name, Address, Email, Telephone Numbers, Song Title & Co-Author’s Name(s), if Applicable.
   2. SUBMISSIONS ON LINE:
      You may enter the 2010 Podunk Bluegrass Songwriting Competition online via Connecticut Songwriters Association. For more information go to  www.ctsongs.com.  There is a $3 additional online processing fee.
4. CDs, MP3, DVD or Tapes and Lyrics will not be returned.  No one will receive personal notification of receipt of an entry.
5. MAIL ENTRIES TO:
   CSA, PO Box 511, Mystic, CT 06355  Entries must be received by May 1, 2010. Overnight entries must be sent by the US Postal Service’s Express Mail. The competition cannot provide confirmation of receipt of individual entries.  Entries received after the deadline will not be considered.
6. SONGWRITING ENTRIES
   All entries must be the original work of contestant. contestant may enter as many songs as desired. Each song, however, constitutes a separate entry and must have its own entry form, lyric sheet, release,  and recorded MP3, cassette, CD or DVD submission. Check or money order must reflect the total number of songs submitted. Multiple songs by the same writer or co-writers may not be selected as finalists in a single category, except for songs co-written with different writers or a solo composition and a co-written song. All applicable U.S. copyright laws apply, and all rights to submitted material remain entirely with the copyright holder.   CSA and  PBSC acquire no rights to any works submitted.  CSA and Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival are not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, insufficient postage, stolen, or misappropriated entries.   Entry fees are non-refundable.
7. JUDGING
   Entries will be judged by professional songwriters, publishers, or other music industry professionals from the CSA and Podunk Music Festival music community. All entries will be judged on originality, lyrics, melody and the song’s overall craft.   Recording and performance quality are not considered. All decisions by judges are final and not subject to inquiry or appeal.  Finalists will be determined and notified by the week of June 1. Only finalists will be personally notified.  Entrants will not be provided with scores of their entries.
8. FINALISTS
   Three finalists will perform on the Main Stage at Podunk in East Hartford, CT. Transportation to and from the festival and any other expenses are the responsibility of the finalist. Each finalist will receive up to two all access passes to the festival. Co-writers will be treated as one writer for credentials and prizes.  In the event of a tie among top-ranked entries, the one with the earliest postmarked registration date will be chosen.  The winner song will be performed by all bands entered in the 2010 Podunk Band Competition as a required song for competition.
9. PRIZES
   Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. All prizes will be awarded to name on entry form. Division of prizes among co-authors is responsibility of winners. Taxes are the responsibility of winners. Void where prohibited. All Federal, State and Local laws and regulations apply.
10. INDEMNITY AND RELEASE
    Signature on entry form constitutes each song submitted is an original work and releases The CSA and Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival Songwriting Competition, sponsors, Town of East Hartford, and Podunk from all liability. Entry also constitutes permission to use winner’s name and likeness for future advertising and publicity without compensation. By entering, entrants agree that they have no right to bring, and covenant not to bring any claim, action, or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against CSA, PBMF, or any other sponsoring organization or judge in connection with this competition.
11. WINNERS
    For a list of winners, after June 5, 2010 email: rmoss@easthartfordct.gov or send self-addressed, stamped envelope to: 
    The Podunk Bluegrass Songwriting Competition
    50 Chapman Place,
    East Hartford, CT 06108.

Additional Prize Information

ALL FINALISTS WILL RECEIVE

• All Access Podunk credentials for up to two
• Listing and link on the Podunk Bluegrass website
• One box of D’Addario Strings
• One-year subscription to Bluegrass Music Profiles magazine

1st PLACE WINNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE

• A performance on the Main Stage at Podunk on Friday  August 6, 2010
• A check for $300
• Lifetime Membership to CT Songwriters Association ($400 value)
• An additional box of D’Addario Strings

2nd PLACE WINNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE

• A check for $150
• A slot on the Saturday night Workshop Stage

3rd PLACE WINNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE

• A slot on the Saturday night Workshop Stage

Competition Deadline
Contestants must enter by May 1, 2010 by completing the Official Entry Form and mailing it to:           
CSA, PO Box 511, Mystic, CT 06355 USA
OR by entering online at www.ctsongs.com

Questions?    Email:  info@ctsongs.com

Please Note:

• Only entries submitted according to the rules will be considered.
• We do not provide personal notification of receipt of entries.
• Mail entries accepted only at the PO Box in Mystic via US Postal Service.
• No deadline extensions. No exceptions.
• One MP3, DVD, CD or cassette per entry.
• Song must be performed live at Podunk on Friday, August 6th, 2010

Podunk and the Connecticut Songwriters Association are non-profit organizations dedicated to furthering the craft and appreciation of original and traditional music.

BLUEGRASS GUIDELINES

Bluegrass is a style of acoustic music that originated in the 1940s when Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs combined elements of country/western, gospel and blues music with the British, Irish, and Scottish music of their Appalachian mountain heritage. It is played most commonly on the mandolin, fiddle, five-string banjo, six-string guitar, and upright bass, but the resonator guitar ("Dobro"), harmonica, and electric bass are also found in bluegrass. Percussion is not generally used, with the insistent rhythm being a result of the interplay of the stringed instruments. Bluegrass music is often called "that high lonesome sound" but it includes a wide range of lively instrumentals, sweet ballads in three-part harmony, soulful a cappella gospel quartets and up-tempo love songs.

The unique, driving sound of the original Blue Grass Boys was built upon by many musicians, including the Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley, Jim & Jesse, and Jimmy Martin. Bluegrass blossomed with artists like the Osborne Brothers, the Dillards, the Seldom Scene, the New Grass Revival, and Hot Rize. Today bluegrass is popular worldwide, and its stars include Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss & Union Station, the Del McCoury Band, Laurie Lewis, the Lonesome River Band, Blue Highway, and the Nashville Bluegrass Band.

Bluegrass is a very inclusive music, with friendly and informal jam sessions springing up around almost every event. It's a great way to learn to play an instrument and sing, for kids and adults alike. Almost all bluegrass events have a family atmosphere, and performers and listeners are equally welcome. We hope to see you soon at a bluegrass event!

Need More Information?

Complete festival information may be found here on the web or by calling the East Hartford Parks and Recreation at (860) 291-7166.

The Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival will celebrate its 15th year with one of its most outstanding line-ups to date. The festival will run from Thursday, August 5th through Sunday, August 8nd at Martin Park in East Hartford, Connecticut.   People always ask, "How nice can this festival be if it's in a city?".  But once you arrive at Martin Park you will find all the city sounds melt away and the mature park keeps the city sounds out and the bluegrass in.