The April 3 deadline is approaching for the 2009 Wildflower Performing Songwriter Contest that is associated with the annual Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival, May 15-17, in Richardson, Texas, just a few minutes north of Dallas.

From among all the entries received, ten finalists will be chosen to compete for prizes. The Judge’s Choice will receive a new Gallagher GC-70 guitar and case plus $100, while three other finalists will receive $500 cash awards. All performing finalists will receive lodging and the opportunity to appear on the festival’s Acoustic Café Stage.

Last year’s top winner was Bob Sima (Woodbine, Maryland), while Ann Zimmerman (Salina, Kansas), BettySoo (Austin, Texas) and Thomas “Scott” Pearce (Winterville, North Carolina) received $500 cash awards.

Information on this year’s contest, for which entries will be accepted via mail or Sonicbids, may be found by clicking on “Contest” at www.wildflowerfestival.com or by contacting Al Johnson, the contest manager, at al.johnson@cor.gov.

The Dallas Songwriters Association has announced the winners of its 2008 Song Contest. The grand prize winner and recipient of a Gibson guitar and other prizes is Mark Glasmire of Arlington, Texas, for “Missing You.” Glassmire also captured first place in the Americana/Folk/Bluegrass category. Taking second place in that category and named as second runner-up in the overall competition was Brandi Sidoryk of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for “Stalker.” Mark Stepakoff of Wellesley, Massachusetts, placed third in the Americana/Folk/Bluegrass category for his song, “When Vernon Moved from Tupelo.”

In the Singer-Songwriter category, top honors went to Garrison Doles of Orlando, Florida, for “Mahalia Jane.” Sean Murphy of Dana Point, California, placed second with “Same Damn Thing,” while Neil Nasset of Austin, and Chris Liddiard of the United Kingdom tied for third place with “Rags to Gold” and “Everybody Needs a Dream” respectively.

Awards also were presented in eight other categories, including one called Barebones. Will Hopkins of Nashville, Tennessee, the first place winner in that category for “My Devil Dues,” also was the first runner-up in the overall competition.

The annual song contest is just one of many activities sponsored by the Dallas Songwriters Association, which is committed to “Motivating and Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere.” A nonprofit educational organization dedicated to providing information about the craft and business of songwriting, the association hosts monthly meetings, as well as showcases, seminars and workshops throughout the year; encourages interaction and networking among its members and with related music organizations; and publishes a newsletter called Songwriter Notes. More information on the Dallas Songwriters Association and its 2008 Song Contest can be found at www.dallassongwriters.com.