PA Heritage Songwriting Competition Rules

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PHSC Entry Form

Entry Fee:
     $15 per song – Limit two songs per entrant. Fee is non refundable

Category:
     Pennsylvania Heritage: The songs must have a PA namesake or theme, and can be Americana , Folk, or Bluegrass

General Contest Rules: 

  • Established rules for the event follow below
  • The top 3 will be chosen by a panel of judges.
  • Entry Deadline: May 15, 2008 (postmarked)
  • Winners will be notified by June 1, 2008.
  • Winners will be invited to perform at Smoked Country Jam in June.  Second & third place will perform their winning songs between set changes during the Saturday afternoon set. First place will be showcased between the afternoon & evening set on Saturday.
  • Cash and/or merchandise will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

 Competition Showcase Venue:
    Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass Festival, June 19-21, in Loganton , PA
                               
Winner’s Perks:
     •   Cash and/or merchandise will be awarded to the top three places.
     •   Full-festival passes for Smoked Country Jam will be awarded the top three place winners.
     •   First place will perform the winning entry on stage at the Smoked Country Jam.

Recording:
       A condition of entering will be permitting the SCJ performance to be recorded so each year's contest winner’s songs can be
       included on a SCJ Compilation CD, to be sold at other SCJ events and on the SCJ website. The recording will also be submitted
       to the Smithsonian Folkways Library to be cataloged.

Eligibility:
      The Pennsylvania Heritage Songwriting Contest is intended to be an “Amateur’s event and is not open to “professional”
      songwriters or those whose primary source of income (50% or more) is derived from songwriting or publishing. Income from
      performing gigs is not songwriting income. First place winners may not re-enter the following year. Co-writers are subject to the
      same eligibility requirements as the entrant.  Artists paid to perform at SCJ are not eligible to enter PHSC in the year they are
      being paid.

PA Heritage Rules

  • Registration is now open.

  • Entrants must submit the official PHSC Entry Form

  • Contestants should submit a cassette tape or CD with the songs/tracks for consideration clearly specified along with one printed copy of the song lyrics. Don’t Send Bio’s or Press Packages.

  • Contest entry is $15/song (limit 2 songs per person) Recordings will not be returned.

•  Recording quality is not critical and recordings with multiple instruments and/or vocals are acceptable, as long as we can still
   hear and appreciate THE SONG.

  • Checks are made out to Smoked Country Jam

  • Send your CDs/tapes and entrance fee via mail: to:
              PHSC c/o Ecosa Music, 30 Pinewood Pl, Asheville, NC 28806

  • Contestants cannot be signed to a major label or publishing deal.

  • The Pennsylvania Heritage Songwriting Contest is open to any amateur songwriter.

  • Each song submitted must be entrant’s original work.

  • A song is defined as a melody with lyrics. A single entry should be no longer than five (5) minutes in duration. Songs will be disqualified that significantly exceed the limit.

  • Closing and announcement dates may be changed without notice.

  • Contestants must be at least 13 years of age.

  • Any contest winner under the legal age of 18 must provide the express written consent of a parent or legal guardian within 48 hours of notification in order to receive prizes and/or promotion through the contest sponsors.

  • Entrants retain all publishing rights to their song(s).

  • Contestants will be eliminated for false registration, making false claims, or “cheating.”

  • Smoked Country Jam reserves the right to disqualify any contestant for misrepresentation during the contest.

  • Songs in violation of any copyright not owned by the contestant will be eliminated.

  • All contestants must provide accurate contact information or no prizes will be awarded.

  • Additions or deletions to these rules may be made at the discretion of Smoked Country Jam, and may be enacted at any time.

  • Performers who are scheduled to perform at SCJ are ineligible for the competition.

  • All tapes and CD’s must be postmarked by May 15, 2008 to be eligible.

  • The place winners will be chosen from by a panel of judges.

  • The top three place winners will be notified by June 1, 2008. Only place winners will be notified.

  • Winners will play their original song on the Smoked Country Jam stage. First place will be showcased.

  • Acoustic instruments with pickups are permitted, but no effects are allowed.

  • Instruments; those which can be carried out to the mikes with the performer.

  • No backup musicians allowed. This is a solo competition.

Category Scoring

  • 50% Quality of Composition (includes depth, insight, cleverness, beauty...)
  • 25% Quality of Vocal Rendering (includes vocal quality, pitch, delivery, etc...)
  • 25% Quality of Delivery (instrumental technique, induction of charismatic mania, etc)

Competition Prizes & Awards  

  • 1st Place - $100 & merchandise
  • 2nd Place - $75 & merchandise
  • 3rd Place – $50 & merchandise
  • Prizes will be awarded at Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass Festival, June 19-21.

Winner’s Benefits:

     •  Cash and/or merchandise will be awarded to the top three places
     •  A pass for Smoked Country Jam will be given to the top three places.
     •  Winners will perform their song on stage at the festival.

 Showcase Schedule

  • Entry Deadline: May 15, 2008 (postmarked)
  • Winners will be notified by June 1, 2008.

PHSC Entry Form

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