Songwriting Winners Perform at NAMM - New Contest Begins

The winners of the 2000 USA Songwriting Competition has been announced. Three of the USA Songwriting Competition winners - Jonathan Kingham (Overall Grand Prize) Jennifer Marks (First Prize- Rock Category and Overall 2nd Prize) and Rye (First Prize - Pop Category) will be performing their winning songs at the NAMM Show. Here is the performance schedule (Hall B, Booth # 5218) at the Anaheim Convention Center:

Jonathan Kingham - Thursday 1/18/00 1.30pm & Sunday 1/21/00 2.00pm

Jennifer Marks - Sunday 1/21/00 12.30pm

Rye - Saturday 1/20/00 3.30pm & Sunday 1/21/00 2.30pm

The USA Songwriting Competition has also announced the launch of the Year 2001 songwriting event sponsored by MARS Music Superstores, Mackie, Guild Guitars, D'Addario Strings, E-mu Ensoniq, Mix magazine, Onstage magazine, Music Connection magazine, Audio Technica, Superdups, ASN, Performing Songwriter magazine, Sonic Foundry, Event Electronics and Acoustic Café.

Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and merchandise and exposure, making this the largest prize package in any annual songwriting competition. Also, winners' songs will be featured on a nationally syndicated radio program serving over 60 cities in the US and Canada, courtesy of a new sponsor - Acoustic Café. Judges include record labels such as Warner/Reprise Records, SONY Music, Epic Records, Mars Music Records and Peer Music.

USA Songwriting Competition has been known to give songwriters exposure. Many winners in the past have received recording and publishing contracts, as well as having their songs placed on film and television. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock and Country. It is aimed at promoting excellence in the art of songwriting among writers, composers, bands, singer/songwriters and solo artists in an international forum. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2001.