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2009 SolarFest Songwriter Showcase Results
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| First Place |
Second Place |
Third Place |
Kelly Ravin
Jericho, Vermont |
RJ Cowdery
Columbus, Ohio |
Jess Clemons
Burlington, Vermont |
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SolarFest is pleased to announce that Kelly Ravin of Jericho, Vermont, was the first-place winner of this year's annual Songwriter Showcase. The judges noted Kelly's distinctive voice, his stunning guitar playing, and the witty nature of his compositions in making their decision. RJ Cowdery of Columbus, Ohio, earned second-place honors, with Jess Clemons of Burlington, Vermont, in third place. The ten finalists provided an impressive variety of performances and gave the judges much to talk about during their deliberations.
The Songwriter Showcase is a competition open to anyone who writes and performs original music and who is not currently signed to a major recording or publishing deal. Contestants are judged on the quality of the song's composition, their vocal delivery, and the overall performance during the showcase. Details about the 2010 competition will be posted on the SolarFest Web site later this year.
SolarFest selects up to ten songwriter finalists to perform at the Festival, where they are judged by a panel of their peers and industry professionals. This summer's awards included cash prizes, recording time at Southview Arts Recording Studio, a gift box from Vermont Soapworks, and a chance to perform on the SolarFest Main Stage in 2010.
The finalists were (in alphabetical order):
- Derek Aramburu of Cypress, Texas
- Peggy Atwood of Shokan, New York
- Sam Chase of Scituate, Massachusetts
- Jess Clemons of Burlington, Vermont
- Rj Cowdery of Columbus, Ohio
- Chris Elliott of Leverett, Massachusetts
- Robert "The Peace" Kendes of Rutland, Vermont
- Karen McFeeters of Colchester, Vermont
- Paddy Mills of Bath, Maine
- Kelly Ravin of Jericho, Vermont
Past Winners of SolarFest's Singer/Songwriter Showcase
The 2009 Singer/Songwriter Showcase
This 2009 Singer/Songwriter Showcase information is displayed for informational purposes only. Check back for 2010 Showcase rules, etc.
Ten talented singer-songwriters will earn a spot on the main stage at SolarFest, New England's 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 2010.
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 20th (deadline extended!) in order to be included in this year's competition.
Entrants and finalists are evaluated on the quality of the material, their vocal delivery, and the overall performance. Though submissions may feature accompanying musicians, the ten selected finalists must perform solo and accompany themselves.
The fifteenth annual SolarFest takes place on July 10, 11 and 12. Finalists in the Songwriter Showcase will take to the main stage on the morning of Sunday, the 12th. Last year's winner was Meg Cossaboom Willey of St. Albans, Vermont; past competitors have included Ray LaMontagne, Gregory Douglass, and Jeffrey Foucault. Judges have included professional musicians, public radio show hosts, and music columnists.
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2009 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
(as of January, 2009)
- 1st Place:
- $1,000 of recording studio time courtesy of Southview Arts
- SolarFest 2009 Main Stage Performance
- $300
- 2nd Place:
- $500 of recording studio time
- $200
- 3rd Place:
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee is $10 per song. Checks should be made out to SolarFest and included with the entrance materials.
Submission Format
Contestants should submit their recordings on an audio CD with the track number(s) clearly specified. Production quality is not critical, but live-show recordings should strive to have a minimum of crowd noise. Songwriters may also submit digital files already posted on the Web or burned to a CD or DVD. Those wishing to e-mail files should inquire in advance about proper procedures. 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 20, 2009.
There is no official 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 sometimes helpful. Supporting materials such as a press kit will not be returned.
Send submissions and/or appropriate entry fees by May 20, 2009 to:Text with strong emphasis
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 on or shortly after June 1, 2009 if you are selected. Only finalists will be notified. Check our Web site after June 10, 2009 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 family 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, 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 802-235-1113.
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