March 31 is the deadline for singer-songwriters to enter the 2019 Grassy Hill Songwriting Competition that is held in conjunction with the Connecticut Folk Festival and Green Expo. Five finalists will be invited to perform two of their submitted songs during the annual free outdoor event that takes place in New Haven’s Edgerton Park on Saturday, September 7, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The competition is open to solo or duo singer-songwriters, who must enter a minimum of two songs – each of which (not to exceed four minutes in duration) will be judged on the quality of songwriting. There is a $25 fee for submission of the first two songs, with an option to enter additional ones for $20 each. Songwriters retain all rights to the songs they submit.

From among the five finalists (to be named and notified by April 30), a panel of judges — comprised of music industry professionals and DJs — will select a winner to receive $150 and be awarded a paid slot in the 2020 festival lineup. Last year’s winner was Susan Cattaneo, a Boston-based singer-songwriter.

More information on the competition, as well as link to an online application, can be found at www.ctfolk.com/competitions.

CT Folk is a nonprofit organization dedicated to traditional and contemporary roots music, introducing listeners to emerging singer-songwriters, and to caring for the earth. Besides presenting the festival, CT Folk also hosts a First Fridays concert series that runs from October through May and promotes folk music throughout Connecticut.