Bookmark and Share  

Do you like to participate?

Want to Volunteer??
Join in the fun and get the inside track. We can use your help whether you have a lot or a just a little bit of time to spare. Send us an email.

Takamine Guitar
Wanted:
Songwriters who love to perform...

to join our celebration of songwriters.

Songwriter's Spotlight
(Open Mic Contest )

Returning for 2011

Participating Venues >>
Rules and Regs. >>

If you are a burgeoning singer/songwriter in the Tidewater area and want a chance to perform on stage at the festival, keep reading. ..

We have happily partnered with a few select establishments that have active open mic nights to host songwriting contests. They will be looking for original acoustic songs. One winner will be chosen from each place and will perform a 15 minute set of their original music on Saturday, October 1 at the festival. This contest is a songwriting event, no bands please.

If this sounds like you please visit the following places for when and how they are running their respective contests.


Participating Venues

Thursday, September 1, 2011- 7 pm
Victorian Station - 757-723-5663
36 North Mallory Street, Hampton, VA 23663

Congratulations to the winners!!
Ryan Scarberry with Ben Lassiter
Scott Varney
Alternate: Jimmy Masters

Thursday, September 8, 2011- 8 pm
Cozzy's Comedy Club & Tavern - 757-595-2800
9700 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601

Congratulations to the winners!!
Micah Foxx
Twisted Folksters
Alternate: Bill Miles


Open Mic Contest Rules and Regulations

  1. Open to any singer/songwriter.
  2. Entrants must perform their orignal music.
  3. Entrants must be willing and able to perform a 15 minute set of original music on stage at the 6th Annual Smithfield Music's Aiken & Friends Fest, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 between Noon and 2 pm in Smithfield, VA. (time will be assigned by email)
  4. One winner will be chosen – we need the winner’s name, email and phone number before September 15, 2011 to schedule them. Please submit by email info@aikenandfriendsfest.com or phone Terry Rhinier 757-357-2214.
  5. Winner receives a 15 minute slot to perform at the festival and 2 Weekend Passes to all the festival events including all the workshops as well as the In-the-Round concert Friday night. Each entrant receives a Field Pass ticket for Saturday, Oct. 1 (at Will Call).
  6. No bands – solos and duos only.
  7. Winners will be selected by the venues who will consider creativity, songwriting ability, crowd response and performance quality.
  8. Questions please contact: 
    Terry Thompson Rhinier
    Special Events Coordinator
    Smithfield & Isle of Wight Director of Tourism 
    (757) 357-2214
     terry.rhinier@iwus.net

Thank you. Good luck! We look forward to your participation.