GUIDELINES: This competition is open to solo and duo singer-songwriters. Each contestant must be prepared to perform a minimum of two original compositions and two cover songs. All songs must be performed live with an instrument and must include lyrics. The competition will be structured in three stages: a qualifying round, a semi-final round, and a final round. There will be four qualifying rounds held on each Monday throughout April, from 7:00PM to 8:30 PM. During each qualifying round, participants will perform one original song. Three contestants from each round will advance to the semi-finals. An entry fee of $10 is required to participate in a qualifying round. Contestants who are not selected to advance may re-enter the competition on a different Monday in April for a reduced fee of $5. All entry fees will be pooled to fund competition prizes. The semi-final round will take place on May 19th. Contestants who advance from the qualifying rounds will perform one original song and one cover song. The original song may be the same one performed during the qualifiers, though this is not required. Eight contestants will be chosen to move on to the finals. The final round will be held on May 31st. Finalists will perform one original song and one cover song. These selections must be different from any songs previously performed during the qualifying or semi-final rounds. There will be a 1st place winner, a 2nd place winner, and a Judges’ Pick winner. The Judges’ Pick winner will not necessarily be a high-scoring contestant; they will be the performer who left the most impact on the judges. Scoring Criteria: Lyrics: 5 possible points. Musical Composition: 5 possible points. Performance: 5 possible points. Crowd Reaction: 5 possible points.Prizes include recording time at Rainmaker studio, cash and possible live performance opportunities!