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SINGER/SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

2011 SINGER/SONGWRITER CONTEST WINNERS!

• 1st Place - Lara Herscovitch, Durham CT  
  
• 2nd Place - John Gillette, Poultney VT  
  
• 3rd Place - Patrick Fitzsimmons, Burlington VT
  
  

2011 SINGER/SONGWRITER SHOWCASE FINALISTS!

• Derek Burkins, Jericho, VT
• Jess Clemons, Underhill, VT
• Jane Fallon, Brookline, NH
• Patrick Fitzsimmons, Burlington, VT
• Scott Forrest, Rochester, VT
• John Gillette, Poultney, VT
• Lara Herscovitch, Hamden, CT
• Helen Hummel, Portland, ME
• Jon LaDeau, Brooklyn, NY
• Luke Liddy, Newton, NJ

Singer/Songwriter Showcase Overview

Ten talented singer-songwriters will earn a spot on the main stage at SolarFest - The New England Renewable Energy Festival, as part of the event's annual Songwriter Showcase competition in July. The top three performers will receive prizes and gifts, including cash and recording time at a professional music studio. The winner will be invited back to perform as a featured musician at SolarFest in 2013.

The competition is open to all artists who write and perform original music and are not currently signed to a major recording label. Musicians may enter more than one song for consideration; there is a $10 entry fee per song. Submissions must be postmarked by May 21, 2012 in order to be included in this year's competition. Finalists will be notified of the results in early June.

Entrants and finalists are evaluated on the quality of their material, from the lyrics and vocal skills to the song structure and instrumental arrangement. Though initial submissions may feature accompanying musicians, the ten selected finalists must perform solo and accompany themselves on stage.

The eighteenth annual SolarFest will take place on July 20, 21, and 22. Finalists in the Songwriter Showcase will take to the main stage on Saturday, the 21st. Last year's winner was Lara Herscovitch of Durham, Connecticut; past competitors have included Ray LaMontagne, Gregory Douglass, and Jeffrey Foucault. Our panel of judges have included professional musicians, public radio show hosts, and music columnists.

2012 Songwriter Showcase Competition Rules

Contestants may submit one or more of their own original songs for consideration.
Contestants cannot be signed to major label or have a major publishing deal.

Showcase Competition Prizes:

• 1st Place:
  • $1,000 of recording studio time courtesy of Southview Arts
  • SolarFest 2012 Main Stage Performance
  • $300
• 2nd Place:
  • $500 of recording studio time
  • $200
• 3rd Place: $200

Additional Gifts from Vermont Soap - Each performing finalist will be given a Vermont Soap Gift basket, the winner will also receive a Liquid Sunshine Green Up Kit.

Entrance Fees
The entrance fee is $10 per song. Checks should be made out to SolarFest and included with the entrance materials. Online submissions can be made through our secure online shopping cart. 

Submission Format
Contestants should submit their recordings on an audio CD with the track number(s) clearly specified or by providing a link to each song on our online entry form. Production quality is not critical, but live-show recordings should strive to have a minimum of crowd noise.  Songwriters are responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of their digital files. In all cases, a check for the appropriate entry fee should be mailed to SolarFest and postmarked by the deadline, May 21, 2012.

There is no official US mail entry form, but all entries must include the artist's current address, phone number, and e-mail address. Though not required, a short biographical note is often helpful. Supporting materials such as press kits will not be returned.

To enter via US Mail - send submissions and appropriate entry fees by May 21, 2012 to:

SolarFest
12 McNamara Road
Middletown Springs, VT 05757
Attn: Songwriter Showcase

Notification
Ten finalists will be chosen for the Songwriter Showcase. You will be notified in early June if you are selected. Only finalists will be notified. Check our Web site after June 15, 2012, for a list of finalists.

Showcase Competition Performances
Ten finalists will each play two original songs on the Festival Main Stage. All finalists will receive two complimentary weekend SolarFest passes.

Judging Criteria
Judges at each stage of the competition will consider the following qualities:

• Composition (both music and lyrics)
• Arrangement
• Vocal Ability
• Instrumental Technique

The following guidelines apply to the finalist performances:

• Acoustic instruments with pickups are permitted, including basic EQ, but no effects are allowed.
• Instruments allowed are those that can be carried out on stage with the performer.
• Keyboards WILL be allowed, but only in piano mode (no synthesizer/effects).
• No backup musicians are allowed. This is a solo competition.
• Recommended time limit: 5 minutes per song. Points will be deducted for significantly exceeding this limit.
• During the weekend, finalists may perform in their own sets on our main stage. Back-up musicians may join the artist for these sets.

Our final judges will include representatives from various parts of the music industry, such as media reviewers, producers, program hosts, booking agents, and fellow musicians. This will provide all of our finalists with a chance to make a positive impression on listeners who are well positioned to help further their careers.

Need more info now? Email us at songwriter@solarfest.org or call 802-775-1627.

Past Winners of SolarFest's Singer/Songwriter Showcase

• Lara Herscovitch (2011)
• Jessica Smucker (2010)
• Kelly Ravin (2009)
• Meg Cossaboom Willey (2008)
• Chuck E, Costa (2007)
• Barbara Phaneuf  (2006)
• Phil Henry (2005)
• Nick Ogawa  (2004)
• Diana Jones  (2003)
• Christopher Williams  (2002)
• Amy Fairchild  (2001)
• Jody Williamson (2000)