Four artists have been selected as finalists in the Avalonfest’s annual performing songwriter competition for 2011: Doug Brouder (Gettysburg, PA), Kyle Carey (Portsmouth, NH), Kathy Moser (Stanhope, NJ) and Sarah Pinsker (Baltimore, MD).

The four artists, each of whom submitted two original songs, will perform them before a panel of judges (Mike Agranoff, Jennie Avila, Shari Gallery and Sue Trainor) and the Avalonfest audience on Friday afternoon, Aug. 12. Each receives two three-day festival passes, meals and a campsite. A paid half-hour performance spot as part of Saturday’s festival program, an invitation for a paid booking at the 2013 festival, and a trophy will be awarded to the winner. Recent previous winners have included Gina Holsoppple (2010), David Kleiner (2009), Kaydi Johnson (2008) and Joe Giacoio (2007).

Now in its 14th year, Avalonfest is a music, arts and craft festival that takes place August 12-14 at a clothing-optional resort and campground near Paw Paw, West Virginia. In addition to Holsopple and Agranoff, artists slated to perform during the festival include The Carpenter Ants, Coyote Run, Christabel and the Johns, Dixie Power Trio, Gathering Time, Hot Soup!, ilyAIMY, Magpie, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, and 3 Penny Acre. Dancing, group sings, workshops, and an open mic also are slated.

The fee to enter the Avalonfest 2011 Performing Songwriter Competition is $25. A list of application procedures and contest rules can be found online at www.avalon-resort.info.