Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Check out this good news! I'm headed to TX to compete in the final round of the Songwriters Serenade national songwriter competition on May 7. Here's the press release!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2016
 
Songwriter Serenade competition
11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016
Parish Hall, 11135 FM 957, Moravia, Texas
Tickets: $10
 
SONGWRITER SERENADE
SELECTS SEMI-FINALISTS FOR 10th ANNIVERSARY CONTEST
 
15 outstanding performing songwriters showcase their original music
 
Austin, Texas — 15 Semi-Finalists have been chosen for the Songwriter Serenade competition, now in its tenth year. The event will be held on Saturday, May 7 in Moravia, Texas. The semi-finalists, including top songwriters from Texas, California, Colorado, Florida, Washington and Tennessee were selected from more than 110 entrants in the competition. Acclaimed Texas singer-songwriters Susan Gibson, Walt Wilkins and Kevin Welch will be judging the competition.

The competition starts at 11 a.m. with the winner and order of finish determined by 4 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 and are available for purchase online at www.songwriterserenade.com or at the door. Advance purchase is recommended. Parking is free and Children under 12 are free; there will also be food and beverage concessions on site.
 
The crossroads town of Moravia is centrally located just off Interstate 10 between Houston and San Antonio and is also just a short drive from Austin. The competition will be held in a classic wooden dance hall surrounded by live oaks and picnic facilities.
 
The 15 accomplished performing songwriters will compete for $5,000 in prize money. In addition to prize money, the first place winner will be provided accommodations and transportation to the Folk Alliance International Conference, held in Kansas City February 2017. The first place winner will also be provided a showcase through Real Life Real Music (www.RealLifeRealMusic.com) at the Dosey Doe (www.DoseyDoe.com). 

Also, on the evening of the contest (May 7) the winner of the 2016 contest will perform as an opening act for the three Judges, Susan Gibson, Walt Wilkins & Kevin Welch at the Bugle Boy Venue in La Grange. For more information and to purchase advance tickets: www.TheBugleBoy.org

The 2016 semi-finalists are (in alphabetical order):
 
Bostick, Ben – Los Angeles, CA /http://www.benbostick.com
Carroll, John – Nashville, TN / http://johnplaysmusic.com 
Delaney, Andrew – Dallas, TX /  http://andrewdelaneymusic.com
Gassaway, Chase – Austin, TX /  http://www.chasegassaway.com
Hariu-Damore, Crystal – Houston, TX / http://www.ordinaryelephant.net
Holder, Ali - Austin, TX /  http://www.aliholder.com
Laven, Rachel – San Antonio, TX /  http://www.rachel-laven.com
Louise, Gabrielle – Golden, CO / http://www.gabriellelouise.com
Makins, Daniel – Sewanee, TN / http://danielmakins.com
O’Connor, Daisy – Austin, TX / http://www.daisydobedo.com
Rowden, Mandy – Austin, TX / http://www.mandyrowden.com
Starr, David – Cedaredge, CO / http://www.davidstarrmusic.com
Wallace, Alice – Fullerton, CA / http://www.alicewallacemusic.com
Weber, Dan – Vancouver, WA / http://www.danwebermusic.com
Wood, Stephen Grant – Tampa, FL / http://www.thehummingbirds.com
 
Accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Ken Gaines, of Houston, will emcee the event.
 
Established in 2007, the Songwriter Serenade competition gives performing songwriters a platform to showcase their skills. Sharing a deep passion for original music, co-chairs musicians Mike Stroup and Brian Kalinec, philanthropist Tom McDaniel and Lane Gosnay of the Bugle Boy in La Grange, founded the Songwriter Serenade to create a valuable career stepping-stone for songwriters and a memorable listening experience for the audience.
 
Past Winners:

Gina Chavez - 2015
Allie Farris - 2014
Frank Gilligan - 2013
Phoebe Hunt – 2012
Jean Synodinos – 2011
Jessica Graves – 2010
Bill Pasalacqua – 2009
Abi Tapia – 2008
Brian Kalinec – 2007

For more information about this event and a short video with highlights of prior competitions, please visit www.songwriterserenade.com or contact info@songwriterserenade.com.

The Songwriter Serenade is part of the Moravia Fest (facebook.com/visitmoraviatexas), which also features an Artisan Fair and the music of former Songwriter Serenade winner, Frank Gilligan, at the Majek Vineyard & Winery www.majekvineyard.com.  The historic Moravia Store www.themoraviastore.com will also be open into the evening featuring music, dancing and food.
 

Media Contact: Heidi Labensart, 512.698.2621heidi@mcguckinpr.com