Four artists have been selected as finalists in the Avalonfest 2010 Performing Songwriter Competition and will perform before a panel of judges and the festival audience on Friday afternoon, August 13. They are Dean Batstone, a Canadian-born, New York-based singer-songwriter; TM Hanna, a Northern Virginia songwriter and multi-instrumentalist; Gina Holsopple, a Kansas-born and central New York-based singer –songwriter, and Tortoise and Hair, the Atlanta, Georgia-based husband and wife duo of Adrienne and Dustin Cottrell. The winner will perform a paid 30-minute set the following day and will receive a trophy and an invitation for a paid booking at next year’s festival.

Avalonfest takes place August 13-15 at a clothing-optional resort and campground near Paw Paw, West Virginia. Artists slated to perform during the festival include Craig Bickhardt, Creole Stomp, Anne Hills, ilyAIMY, Iona, David Kleiner (winner of last year’s competition), Guy Mendilow Band, Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade, Resonance, The Two Man Gentlemen Band and Randall Williams. Dancing, group sings, workshops, and a Sunday morning open mic also are slated. More information may be found online.