April 15 is the entry deadline for both the Philadelphia Songwriters Project’s 2011 Songwriting Contest and the 19th Annual Rose Garden Coffeehouse Performing Songwriter Competition.

Revolution – whether across the ocean, in our backyard or in your own head — is the theme of this year’s Philadelphia Songwriters Project Songwriting Contest, which is open to performing songwriters in all genres. Songs will be judged based on lyrics, music, originality and presentation. Winners will earn performance opportunities during various festivals and concert series in Pennsylvania this summer and fall. Finalists will be notified on May 6, while winners will be announced following a Finals show on May 22.

Last year’s contest drew nearly 600 submissions from 22 states and seven countries, according to Dena Marchiony, co-founder, president and executive director of the Philadelphia Songwriters Project. The 2010 contest’s four winners – Tania Alexandra, Johnny Miles, Ryan Tennis and The Fleeting Ends — opened for such artists as The Bacon Brothers and Shawn Colvin and played Bethlehem Musikfest and the Philadelphia Folk Festival last summer.

Established in 2003, the 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, learn, network and advance their careers. More information on the organization and its songwriting contest (including tiered entry fees) may be found online at www.phillysongwriters.com.

Entries also are being sought through April 15 for the 19th Annual Rose Garden Coffeehouse Performing Songwriter Competition. A panel of three industry-professional judges will select three finalists to perform their two submitted songs during live finals on May 21 preceding singer-songwriter Vance Gilbert’s featured performance that evening, says Mac McLanahan, artistic director for the monthly, all-volunteer, nonprofit acoustic music series. Now in its 22nd year, the Rose Garden Coffeehouse takes place at The Congregational Church in Mansfield, Massachusetts, just off 1-95 between Boston and Providence.

The winner — who will be chosen based on his/her songwriting ability, stage presence and performance skills — will receive a $100 prize and a featured gig at the Rose Garden
Coffeehouse. Last year’s winner was Larry Murante (Seattle, WA), while runners-up were Jim Colbert (Bellefonte, PA) and Chris Elliott (Leverett, MA).

Additional information, rules and an entry form for the contest, which has no entry fee, are posted on www.rosegardenfolk.com.