HEMPFEST Songwriting Contest and Artist Show Case held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 16th, 2013

Hempfest 2013
Songwriting Contest and Showcase

This is our second year of participation in Hemp History Week. Hemp History Week is a nation wide grass roots education campaign to bring back Hemp farming in the U. S. A. Hemp is a paramount staple crop amid Americas’ rich agricultural heritage, and every day more and more Americans discover the nutritional, ecological, and industrial uses of hemp. The expanding hemp market, estimated at 410 million dollars in 2011, includes thousands of products including healthy food and body care products eco-textiles, clothing, auto parts, and building materials. But do to our own governments’ ridiculous 70-year prohibition of this versatile plant; the D.E.A. is holding back what could become a trillion dollar crop. I don’t care what side you butter your bread on; this kind of stuff really sucks.

Raising public awareness to important issues, and warding off injustice through music, and public demonstration is nothing new. But it sure seems to be a missing piece to a complicated puzzle these days. There is really no shortage of Socio-Political material out there if you want to write about stuff like: Banks being too big to fail, Gun Laws, Gay Rights, Immigration, the latest Economic Cliff, hey pick a disaster and run with the darn thing.

This is why we came up with a Songwriting theme for this years’ observance of Hemp History Week. With a songwriting theme we can accomplish two things at the same time. First we’ll be there in solidarity with the Hemp movement bringing attention to, and learning more about Industrial Hemp. Secondly we will be hearing from some of the most talented songwriters in the region through a contest and one-day showcase event. The contest is geared to encourage songs with some sort of social or political message. With the deadline at June 1st 2013 there should be plenty of time to pen a song or maybe 2 that addresses the songwriter’s beefs and concerns.

There will be $1000.00 in prize money to be awarded to the 6 finalists. All contestants are urged to attend the Awards Ceremony and Songwriters Showcase Showdown. There, we will be featuring some of the competing songwriters who will be there to perform their songs live for the crowd. There will be a $100.00 peoples choice award for the favorite performer that day.

Hempfest 2013
Awards Ceremony and Showcase Showdown

Sunday June 16th 2:00 to 6:00 P.M.
The Elks Lodge
5555 W. Goodhope Rd.
Milwaukee, Wi

Songwriters will entertain and the winners will be announced.

Hempfest 2013
Songwriting Contest and Showcase

Celebrating the awareness for two great causes, Local songwriting, and the legalization of Industrial Hemp

Rules and Regulations

1. Submit each original song, in demo form, on CD, along with a copy of lyric sheet and complete entry form. Only one song per CD, no limit to number of entries.

2. Entry fee $10 per song. You may enter a song in more then one category, but you need to submit a separate CD for each song. You may write one check for the total amount.

3. Each entry must be an original composition. Entries will be presented to the judges anonymously. Deadline for entry: June 1st 2013. Cd’s will not be returned.

4. Your song may be published or unpublished.

5. Songs will not be judged on demo quality. Judges will grade your song for: Lyrics, Music, Originality, and Commercial Values

6. There will be two categories. The first category will include songs with some sort of social message. Whether the song points out some sort of injustice, or a song poking fun at the absurdity of government or what ever. The second category will be everything else.

7. There will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finalists in the two above mentioned categories. Also contestants who are present for the awards ceremony will be given an opportunity to perform some of their original music to those in attendance at Hempfest. There will be a cash prize for peoples choice award for the most popular performance of the afternoon.

Suggestions:

Type your lyrics on one page, put name, address and phone number on the lyric sheet. Attach the lyrics and entry form to the CD with a rubber band. Do this for each entry. Send your package by regular mail. Make checks payable to Hempfest Songwriters Showcase.

Send to: Mark May c/o Songwriters Showcase 4280 N 160th St. Brookfield WI 53005

Category Prize Money Structure

Social Political
1st place $250.00
2nd place $200.00
3rd place $125.00

All Others
1st place $200.00
2nd place $150.00
3rd place $75.00

Peoples Choice Award $100.00

Questions?
Contact Mark May
Email unclemape@sbcglobal.net
Phone 262-751-3837