Gathering in the Gap songwriting contest opens

BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) — Submissions for the Gathering in the Gap Music Festival’s annual songwriting contest opened on Monday.

Traditional and newer-style songs are encouraged, according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation. Song topics may fall into one or more of the following general areas:

• Songs relative to Americana and related topics
• Topical songs about historic or current events
• Songs should be in genres that have roots in Appalachian culture (Old Time, Bluegrass, Folk, Country, Gospel, Blues, Americana, Rockability)

The Gathering in the Gap Music Festival will be held at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap on May 25 from noon – 10 p.m.

Entry is $10 for the first song and $5 for each subsequent song. Submissions will be accepted until Friday at 4 p.m.

Festival organizers stated entries must be received by Friday, not postmarked.

Songs will be judged on originality, lyrics, melody and relevance to the criteria. Music production and performance quality of entries will not be considered.

Below are the submission guidelines for the contest:

• CD submissions can be mailed to the Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum at 106 West 1st St North, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or dropped off at the park during regular business hours.
• Submissions can also be submitted via email to swvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov. Electronic submissions must be submitted in MP3 format. No other formats will be accepted.
• Each song submission must be accompanied by an entry form, which can be obtained by visiting gatheringinthegap.org or by emailing swvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov.
• Each song entry must contain the lyrics (typed and double-spaced).

For more information on the songwriting contest, the festival and more, click here .

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