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The deadline for the Songwriter Showcase is Friday, April 23, said Tony Caldwell, who heads the competition.
Songwriters can submit a CD containing two original and previously unpublished and unrecorded songs. Include name, address, phone number and the $25 entry fee.
CDs will not be returned, and those who are selected will be notified by Friday, April 30.
Selected artists will perform Saturday, May 8, on the Jefferson Street stage at the festival. The three finalists will perform a 20-minutes set of original material on Sunday, May 9 at the festival.
Judging this year's songwriters' competition is singer-songwriter Shannon McNally.
Originally from Long Island, McNally now lives in Holly Springs. She's released several solo records, including her latest, "Coldwater," and has toured and performed with Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Rufus Wainwright, Ryan Adams and Stevie Nicks. She has performed on "The Late Show With David Letterman," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and NPR.
"Her style is like a female Bob Dylan," Caldwell said. "She'll be a great judge."
McNally also will perform at the festival at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 8.
Get the facts
Submit a CD with two original and previously unrecorded and unpublished songs by the end of the day Friday.
Include your name, address, phone number and entry fee of $25.
Artists will be notified by April 30.
For more information, call the GumTree Museum at (662) 844-2787.
Entertainment schedule for Cellular South GumTree Festival
May 8
10 a.m. - Selected artists from the songwriters' competition
11 a.m. - Shannon McNally
Noon - Michael Boyd
1 p.m. - The Foshorchestra
2 p.m. - The Waco Dead
3 p.m. - Balance Jazz Trio
4 p.m. - File Under Fire
5 p.m. - 69 Model
May 9
11 a.m. - Songwriters' Showcase winners
Noon - TomFoolery
1 p.m. - The Benders
2 p.m. - The Embrace
3 p.m. - Daniel Karlish Trio
4 p.m. - The Funk Network