Fourteen finalists were named this week in the 2010 Philadelphia Songwriters Project Songwriting Contest. They are Tania Alexandra (Philadelphia, PA and Colorado), Nick Annis (Hollywood, FL), Mary Bichner (Philadelphia and Boston, MA), Casey Catti (Philadelphia), Julie Clark (Norfolk, VA), Amanda Duncan (New Jersey), The Fleeting Ends (Upper Darby, PA), Damon Hamilton (Philadelphia), Robby Hecht (Nashville, TN), Charlotte Littlehales (Philadelphia), Michael Logen (Nashville, TN), Johnny Miles (Westmont, NJ), Liz Miller (Philadelphia), and Erik Mitchell (Philadelphia).

The contest, which was open to performing songwriters in all genres and had love songs as its theme this year, drew nearly 600 submissions from 22 states and seven countries, according to Dena Marchiony, president, co-founder and executive director of the Philadelphia Songwriters Project. A panel of judges selected the finalists based on lyrics, music, originality and presentation.

A finals show is slated for Sunday afternoon, May 23, at Brownies 23 East in Ardmore, PA. Audience members will join the panel of judges in picking four winners who will earn performance opportunities at various festivals and venues in Pennsylvania this summer.

Philadelphia Songwriters Project is a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource for local and regional songwriters – providing them with opportunities to showcase their music, improve their work and advance their careers. More information can be found online at www.phillysongwriters.com.