Avalonfest 2010
Performing Songwriter Competition

Each year Avalon hosts a competition to recognize talented performing songwriters, a process that helps artists gain both credibility and visibility. Songwriters are invited to submit for consideration two songs that have not yet been released for sale. This year we have selected four artists as Finalists to perform at Avalonfest before a panel of judges and the Avalonfest audience on Friday afternoon, August 13. The winner will receive a paid performance spot in Saturday's festival program, an invitation to be booked as a paid performer in next year's Avalonfest, and the unique Avalonfest 2010 Performing Songwriter Competition trophy.

The Avalonfest audience is invited to vote, too! Pick up your ballot at the merchandise tent.

2010 FINALISTS

Dean Batstone: Dean Batstone is a Canadian-born, New York-based singer/songwriter whose songs have been described as world class, combining a rich and distinctive voice with strong melodies, formidable guitar playing.. He has 8 full length releases to date and is particularly praised for his well crafted lyrics. His latest CD, 'No Angel', has received considerable airplay and his current promotional tour brings him to his first appearance in West Virginia at 'Avalonfest'. www.deanbatstone.com

TM Hanna: Northern Virginia songwriter and multi-instrumentalist T M Hanna describes himself as "two cups traditional small town values and a tablespoon of good old American mischief." He keeps his audiences smiling with a refreshingly honest and clever wit. His fun-loving, even keeled nature is pervasive in his songs, which subtly convey humility and reverence for nature and the celebration of life. www.TMHanna.net

Gina Holsopple: Gina Holsopple's clear vocals and down-home sound have become a favorite of fans from Minnesota to Baltimore. Her music has been described as "captivating" and "inspiring." Gina was a winner of the New Song Contest at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS (2009), the Schroeppel Songwriter Series contest (2007). She has performed at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX, and she was a featured performer in the New Artists' Showcase at the 2000 National Women's Music Festival. www.ginaholsopple.com

Tortoise and Hair: Tortoise and Hair is the husband and wife duo of Adrienne and Dustin Cottrell. Both Adrienne and Dustin are classically trained musicians, having studied together at Florida State University. Their witty and insightful performances are booked frequently throughout the southeast. A close listen to their original songs will reveal a healthy sense of humor alongside a fundamentally serious attitude toward life. www.tortoiseandhair.com

COMPETITION JUDGES

Our Avalon Songwriting Contest judges were invited because of their ability and interest to help performing songwriters exercise their craft, create new gig opportunities, and develop fan base in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Anne Hills: Tom Paxton says: "Anne Hills is such an exquisite singer that it's understandable that people might be swept up in the pure beauty of her voice and thereby overlook her writing. That would be a mistake. … Anne's writing…is as direct, melodic and deep as any work being done today. " Anne also is known for her skill in indentifying powerful, well-crafted songs by other writers to include in her repertoire. We are pleased to welcome Anne back to Avalon as our featured songwriter and Performing Songwriter Competition judge this year.

Scott Moore: Vice President and booking coordinator of Focus Music, presenting concerts in Maryland and Virginia; member of the Takoma Park Folk Festival program committee; Moore Music house concert host.

Shari Gallery: Concerts Chair, Hampshire County Arts Council, WV; Artistic Director, The Bottling Works, Romney, WV . Sue Trainor: Performing songwriter; member of the trio Hot Soup; master teaching artist offering songwriting residencies and assemblies in schools as well as professional development and community workshops; talent coordinator for Avalonfest.

You: Pick up your ballot at the merchandise tent.