Podunk Bluegrass: Songwriters Competition

First Prize $300 cash, Lifetime membership to CSA ($400 value)
Second Prize $100 and a pair of 4-day tickets to the 2012 Podunk Bluegrass Festival ($180 Value)
Third Prize $50 and a pair of Tickets to the 2012 Podunk Bluegrass Festival
See more additional prizes below

Official Rules and Guidelines

1. ELIGIBILITY

The Podunk Bluegrass Songwriting Competition (PBSC) is open to those whose primary source of income (50% or more) is not derived from songwriting or publishing. Income from performing gigs is not songwriting income. First place winners during the past five years may not re-enter in the specific category in which they won. Co-writers are subject to the same eligibility requirements as the named entrant.

2. CATEGORY

Bluegrass (see appendix for genre guidelines)

3. TWO WAYS TO ENTER

(a) SUBMISSIONS BY MAIL:
Send the following with each entry:
a) One completed entry form per song (photocopy acceptable). Signature must be original.
b) One song per CD (preferred medium). Entries may also be submitted on cassette, DVD, or mp3 file on CD or Mac-compatible USB flash.
c) Release form (below) signed by all writers.
d) Typed lyric sheet.
e) Check or money order for $28.00 (U.S currency) for each entry, payable to CSA. Do not send cash. CD or other entry medium, AND Lyric sheet, MUST BE LABELED with Entrant’s Name, Address, Email, Telephone Numbers, Song Title & Co-Author’s Name(s), if Applicable.

(b) SUBMISSIONS ON LINE:
You may enter the 2012 Podunk Bluegrass Songwriting Contest online via Connecticut Songwriters Association. For more information: www.ctsongs.com. There is a $3 additional online processing fee.

4. SUBMITTED MATERIALS

CDs, MP3, DVD or Tapes and Lyrics will not be returned. No one will receive personal notification of receipt of an entry.

5. MAIL ENTRIES TO:

CSA, PO Box 511, Mystic, CT 06355 Entries must be received by May 1, 2012. Overnight entries must be sent by the US Postal Service’s Express Mail. The contest cannot provide confirmation of receipt of individual entries. Entries received after the deadline will not be considered.

6. SONGWRITING ENTRIES

All entries must be the original work of contestant. Contestant may enter as many songs as desired. Each song, however, constitutes a separate entry and must have its own entry form, lyric sheet, release, and recorded MP3, cassette, CD or DVD submission. Check or money order must reflect the total number of songs submitted. Multiple songs by the same writer or co-writers may not be selected as finalists in a single category, except for songs co-written with different writers or a solo composition and a co-written song. All applicable U.S. copyright laws apply, and all rights to submitted material remain entirely with the copyright holder. CSA and PBSC acquire no rights to any works submitted. CSA and Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival are not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, insufficient postage, stolen, or misappropriated entries. Entry fees are non-refundable.

7. JUDGING

Entries will be judged by professional songwriters, publishers, or other music industry professionals from the CSA and Podunk Music Festival music community. All entries will be judged on originality, lyrics, melody and the song’s overall craft. Recording and performance quality are not considered. All decisions by judges are final and not subject to inquiry or appeal. Finalists will be determined and notified by the week of June 6. Only finalists will be personally notified. Entrants will not be provided with scores of their entries.

8. FINALISTS

Three finalists will be invited to perform on the Main Stage at Podunk in East Hartford, CT. Transportation to and from the festival and any other expenses are the responsibility of the finalist. Each finalist will receive up to two all access passes to the festival. Any additional band members must purchase a ticket to enter the festival. Co-writers will be treated as one writer for credentials and prizes. In the event of a tie among top-ranked entries, the one with the earliest postmarked registration date will be chosen. The winner song will be performed by all bands entered in the 2012 Podunk Band Competition as a required song for competition.

9. PRIZES

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. All prizes will be awarded to name on entry form. Division of prizes among co-authors is responsibility of winners. Taxes are the responsibility of winners. Void where prohibited. All Federal, State and Local laws and regulations apply.

10. INDEMNITY AND RELEASE

Signature on entry form constitutes each song submitted is an original work and releases The CSA and Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival Songwriting Contest, sponsors, Town of East Hartford, and Podunk from all liability. Entry also constitutes permission to use winner’s name and likeness for future advertising and publicity without compensation. By entering, entrants agree that they have no right to bring, and covenant not to bring any claim, action, or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever against CSA, PBMF, or any other sponsoring organization or judge in connection with this competition.

11. WINNERS

For a list of winners, after August 8, 2011 email: ehpodunkman@yahoo.com or send self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
The Podunk Bluegrass Songwriting Contest
80 Brandegee Lane
Berlin, CT 06037

OTHER INFORMATION

ALL FINALISTS WILL RECEIVE:

All Access Podunk credentials for up to two
Listing and link on the Podunk Bluegrass website
One-year subscription to Bluegrass Music Profiles magazine

1st PLACE WINNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE:

A 10 minute performance on the Main Stage at Podunk on Friday, August 3, 2012. Must include song chosen as one of the top three.
A check for $300 (Three hundred)
Lifetime Membership to CT Songwriters Association ($400 value)

2nd PLACE WINNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE:

A check for $150. (One hundred Fifty)
A 10 minute performance on the Main Stage at Podunk on Friday, August 3, 2012. Must include song chosen as one of the top three.

3rd PLACE WINNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE:

A check for $50.00 (Fifty)
A 10 minute performance on the Main Stage at Podunk on Friday, August 3, 2012. Must include song chosen as one of the top three.

Questions? Email: info@ctsongs.com

Please Note:

Only entries submitted according to the rules will be considered.
We do not provide personal notification of receipt of entries.
Mail entries accepted only at the PO Box in Mystic via US Postal Service.
No deadline extensions. No exceptions.
One MP3, DVD, CD or cassette per entry.
Song must be performed live at Podunk on Friday, August 3rd, 2012

Podunk and the Connecticut Songwriters Association are non-profit organizations dedicated to furthering the craft and appreciation of original and traditional music.

BLUEGRASS GUIDELINES

Bluegrass is a style of acoustic music that originated in the 1940s when Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs combined elements of country/western, gospel and blues music with the British, Irish, and Scottish music of their Appalachian mountain heritage. It is played most commonly on the mandolin, fiddle, five-string banjo, six-string guitar, and upright bass, but the resonator guitar ("Dobro"), harmonica, and electric bass are also found in bluegrass. Percussion is not generally used, with the insistent rhythm being a result of the interplay of the stringed instruments. Bluegrass music is often called "that high lonesome sound" but it includes a wide range of lively instrumentals, sweet ballads in three-part harmony, soulful a cappella gospel quartets and up-tempo love songs.

The unique, driving sound of the original Blue Grass Boys was built upon by many musicians, including the Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley, Jim & Jesse, and Jimmy Martin. Bluegrass blossomed with artists like the Osborne Brothers, the Dillards, the Seldom Scene, the New Grass Revival, and Hot Rize. Today bluegrass is popular worldwide, and its stars include Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss & Union Station, the Del McCoury Band, Laurie Lewis, the Lonesome River Band, Blue Highway, and the Nashville Bluegrass Band.

Bluegrass is a very inclusive music, with friendly and informal jam sessions springing up around almost every event. It's a great way to learn to play an instrument and sing, for kids and adults alike. Almost all bluegrass events have a family atmosphere, and performers and listeners are equally welcome. We hope to see you soon at a bluegrass event!