Entries are now being sought in the 2016 Wildflower! Performing Songwriter Contest that is held in conjunction with the annual Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival, May 20-22, in Richardson, Texas, just a few minutes north of Dallas.

Midnight on March 1 is the deadline for singer-songwriters who perform in the acoustic, Americana, bluegrass, blues, Celtic, country or folk genres to submit recorded songs (two per $20 entry, three-entry limit) in mp3 format via email, mail or Sonicbids. No physical CDs will be accepted.

A panel of judges will choose ten finalists to perform two songs on the Singer-Songwriter Stage during the 24th annual event that is billed as North Texas’ largest music festival. They’ll be judged based on both their songwriting craft and the presentation of their songs as they compete for cash prizes. Four finalists will each receive $500, while $100 will be awarded to each of the remaining six. All performing finalists will receive festival passes for themselves and a guest, lodging, green room access for food and beverages, and the opportunity to perform solo sets on the festival’s Courtyard Stage. The four winners will also be featured in a 75-minute spotlight round on Sunday afternoon.

Last year’s winners were Annalise Emerick (TN), George Ensle (TX), Crystal Yates (TX) and Frank Martin Gilligan (TX).

For more information, visit www.wildflowerfestival.com/singersongwriter.html.