10464305_10152064252005728_333135309996454982_nFinalists have been named in the 12th annual songwriting contest produced by The Philadelphia Songwriters Project. The 10 finalists have been invited to compete in a live finals showcase on Sunday afternoon, May 21, at Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, during which a panel of celebrity judges and the audience will select four winners and two alternates. Winners will be afforded non-compensated opportunities to perform during various festivals and concert series in the region this summer.

The contest finalists for 2017 are Jay Carlis (Media, PA), Emily Drinker (Philadelphia, PA), Judy Kass (Tarrytown, NY), Eleanor Kleiner (Beacon, NY), Jason McGovern (Media, PA), Laura Promiscuo (Philadelphia, PA), Grant Maloy-Smith (Wakefield, RI), John Sonntag (Lambertville, NJ), Lynne Taylor (Newburyport, MA), and Adam Web (Havertown, PA).

Songs of Our Time was this year’s contest theme. Judging panels comprised of music industry professionals evaluated the submitted songs based on lyrics, music, performance quality, and how well they met the theme criteria. The contest was open to performing songwriters in all genres and of all experience levels.

The Philadelphia Songwriters Project (www.phillysongwriters.com) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource for local and regional songwriters – providing them with opportunities to showcase their music, learn, network and advance their careers.

Editor’s Note: It was my pleasure to again serve as one of the contest’s second-round judges, although I recused myself from evaluating a couple of entrants.