Making the Cut Songwriting Contest

To celebrate the centennial of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Ballard Locks, songwriters from all musical genres are encouraged to enter a song contest. The top 15 songs will be recorded at Jack Straw Cultural Center, thanks to a grant from 4Culture. The contest is organized by Maritime Folknet, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the performance and enjoyment of music that reflects our maritime past and present.

Although the subject of the contest is located in Seattle, Washington, and the funding comes from King County 4Culture, the contest is open to songwriters everywhere.

"Songs make history come alive," says Maritime Folknet President Alice Winship. "In the hundred years since they were constructed, the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Ballard locks have made changes for the people of King County, both positive and negative. The effects were widespread, changing the landscape and lakes. Populations and industry shifted. There are many vivid images and dramatic events that would make good song material."

Songs entered in the contest can be about historical events, or about the effects on people and places down to the present day. All genres of music are encouraged: folk, rock, rap, blues, or alternative. The winners will be chosen by a diverse panel of local musicians. To get more information or enter the contest, songwriters can visit the Maritime Folknet website at http://maritimefolknet.org/

To assist songwriters in getting historical information, Maritime Folknet will help songwriters communicate with heritage organizations to get information on their song topics. More information about the centennial, including historical photos, can be found on the Making the Cut website at http://makingthecut100.org. The website also has a list of events and exhibits planned by many local historical groups.

"Sometimes the most effective and memorable songs are short and simple," says Winship. "We would like to collect songs in a wide variety of genres, documenting the experiences of many different population groups."

The deadline for entries is January 9, 2017.

Contact: Alice Winship
Maritime Folknet
Email: walice1@qwest.net
Phone: 206-448-0707
http://maritimefolknet.org/