Rose Garden Coffeehouse Hosts 21st Annual Performing Songwriter Competition

April 15 is the entry deadline for the 21st Annual Rose Garden Coffeehouse Performing Songwriter Competition.

Judges will select three finalists to perform their two submitted songs during live finals on May 18, preceding The Squeezebox Stompers’ featured performance that evening, says Mac McLanahan, artistic director for the monthly, all-volunteer, nonprofit acoustic music series. Now in its 24th 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 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 Martin Swinger, while runners-up were Dan Cloutier and Ashley Jordan.

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