Up to 10 songwriters (or songwriting teams) will be invited to perform one original bluegrass song each for an audience of artists, producers and other industry professionals during a Songwriter Showcase at this year’s World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina, hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association. The online application period for the IBMA Songwriter Showcase — slated for Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 — extends through March 31.

Songs will be chosen via a juried selection process that takes into account the quality of the applicant’s work and its appeal to bluegrass audiences. Songwriters interested in being considered must submit an application that includes a demo recording of the song (mp3 format only), song lyrics (PDF only), high-res photos and bios of each songwriter credited on the song, along with names and email addresses. Applicants do not have to be IBMA members. Here’s a link o view the online application and additional information:

https://ibma.org/world-of-bluegrass/songwriter-track/songwriter-showcase-application-information.

Although there is no application fee, those selected to participate and perform their song live in the Songwriter Showcase will have to register for the IBMA Business Conference. This portion of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass will feature a wide array of professional development programming, a keynote speaker, artist showcases and late-night hospitality functions, an exhibit hall, and plenty of networking and relationship-building opportunities.

ibma banner logoExtending from Sept. 25-29, IBMA’s World of Bluegrass also includes the Wide Open Bluegrass festival and the 29th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Show. All are presented by the IBMA – a nonprofit music association that connects, educates and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition, and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide. More information on the organization and is World of Bluegrass may be found online at www.ibma.org.