Fifteen performing songwriters from Texas and five other states will showcase their original songs and talents as they compete for $3,200 in prize money during the annual Songwriter Serenade competition on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Moravia Parish Hall in Moravia, TX.
As semifinalists in the competition, Ben Bochner (Eugene, OR), Brad Boyer (Friendswood, TX), Megan Burtt (Denver, CO), Allie Farris (Nashville, TN), Ali Holder (Austin, TX), Libby Koch (Houston, TX), Rob Lytle (Oak Bluffs, MA), Ashley Monical (Austin, TX), Daisy O’Connor (Austin, TX), Marina Rocks (San Leon, TX), Raina Rose (Austin, TX), Jan Seides (Austin, TX), Reed Turner (Austin, TX), Michael Waid (San Antonio, TX) and Laura Zucker (Lafayette, CA) will each perform for a panel of three judges (noted singer-songwriters Susan Gibson, Kevin Welch and Walt Wilkins) and an audience from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following an hour-long lunch break, seven selected finalists will each perform one different original song for the judges and the audience between 3 and 4 p.m. Singer-songwriter Ken Gaines hosts.
The songwriters will be evaluated based on lyrics (imagery, story, creativity, and originality), melody (structure, phrasing, and rhythm), performing ability (vocals, musicianship) and stage presence/audience rapport. Prize money will be awarded to all participants immediately after the finals, while an awards ceremony is slated for 4:30 p.m.
In addition to a $750 cash prize, the first-place winner will join 2013 Songwriter Serenade winner Frank Gilligan for a performance that evening at The Bugle Boy in La Grange, TX and also will be offered a coveted Performance Alley showcase during the February 2015 International Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City.
Songwriter Serenade was established in 2007 to provide performing songwriters with a platform to showcase their skills before their peers, a panel of esteemed judges and an enthusiastic crowd of music lovers. Previous first-place winners, in addition to Gilligan, include Phoebe Hunt (2012), Jean Synodinos (2011), Jessica Graves (2010), Bill Passalacqua (2009), Abi Tapia (2008) and Brian Kalinec (2007).
For more information and to purchase tickets at $10 for the event in Moravia, visit www.songwriterserenade.com.
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