Submissions for the Suwannee Riverkeeper Songwriting Contest are now open.
The event is a fundraiser for WWALS Watershed Coalition.
Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman says that “Submissions can be songs about any river, stream, spring, sink, swamp, lake, or pond in the Suwannee River Basin or Estuary (except not the Santa Fe Basin; that has its own contest).”
On Saturday, August 20, finalists will play at the Contest from 7-10 PM, and judges will deliberate at the Turner Center Art Park, 605 N. Patterson St., in Valdosta.
The first place winner will be awarded a $300 cash prize.
Attendees are invited to dine and browse the artworks at the Turner Center.
In addition, there will also be a cash bar, kayak raffle and a silent auction, as well as a range of novelties for sale.
“There’s always room for a new song about the Suwannee River, or other rivers in the Basin or Estuary!” said 2018 winner and 2019 headliner Laura D’Alisera, now a member of the WWALS Songwriting Contest Committee.
Judging is based on integrity, historical value, and/or present value of the waters, originality of lyrics and music, and performance.
Extra credit will be given for naming the most rivers (springs, etc.) and the contestants' use of storytelling about the history and/or attributes of the Suwannee River Basin.
“We had a blast and heard some great music from the community last year, and we are looking forward to some fine submissions for 2022!” said Josh Duncan, a Judge last year, and Scribe of the Committee.
At the moment the committee has decided to enforce COVID precautions such as masks when people are close to other people not in their party, temperature testing, and social distancing.
“I’m happy to provide sound support again!” said David Rodock, of Dirty Bird and the Flu, and Committee member.
“And I’ll be providing sound equipment,” said Jen Anders.
To learn more about the contest visit wwals.net/pictures/2022-08-20–songwriting