SolarFest, which bills itself as the New England Renewable Energy Festival, is seeking songwriters to perform in its annual Songwriter Showcase this July.  Ten singer-songwriters, who write and perform original music and are not currently signed to a major recording label or publishing deal, will be selected to perform two songs and compete to be among the three winners of cash prizes and studio time.   All finalists will receive two complimentary passes for SolarFest, which takes place July 11-13 at the Forget-Me-Not Farm in Tinmouth, Vermont. 

The first-place winner also will be invited back to perform as a featured artist during next year’s SolarFest.  Chuck E. Costa of Madison, Connecticut, was the first place winner in the 2007 SolarFest Songwriter Showcase.  Previous winners include Barbara Phaneuf, Phil Henry, Nick Ogawa, Diana Jones, Christopher Williams, Amy Fairchild and Jody Williamson. 

Contestants will be judged based on the quality of the song’s composition (both music and lyrics), arrangement, vocal ability, instrumental technique and (during the actual showcase) overall performance skills.  Songwriters may submit one or more songs on an audio CD with the track number(s) clearly specified for consideration, along with an entry fee of $10 per song.  Checks should be made payable to SolarFest and sent to the nonprofit organization’s office at 12 McNamara Road, Middletown Springs, Vermont 05757 – Attn: Songwriter Showcase.  The postmark deadline is May 3.  Digital files also may be e-mailed.  For information about proper procedures and other competition details, visit www.solarfest.org and click on Songwriter Showcase.