If you’ve ever dreamed of following in the footsteps of great songwriters like Carole King, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon, come August 21, you just may get your first break in St. Marys.
Jamaster Productions is hosting a Songwriters Showcase and is inviting talent from around the region to compete for prizes that include 12 hours of recording studio time, a trip to Nashville, a $1500 press photo session, media coverage, and cash. The Songwriters Showcase will be held at the Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park in St. Marys.
The brainchild of local musicians Dave Duggan and Arlie McLendon, the Songwriters Showcase presents area talent with the opportunity to get their original music heard by several recording representatives as well as talent scouts from Florida to Nashville. The event is designed for songwriters of all genres. According to Duggan, many artists have gotten their start by participating in regional competitions such as this one.
“All it takes is for one person with connections to be impressed by a song,” said Duggan. “If you have the talent, you can make an impression, and who knows…end up in Nashville.”
McLendon, who has been writing songs and playing locally for more than 20 years agreed.
“You never know where these types of competitions can lead you,” he said. “You just have to pick your best material and sparkle on the stage to get the talent scouts’ attention. And with the new roof over our waterfront amphitheatre, we have the perfect venue for showcasing the talent.”
Judging will be based on originality, authenticity, and difficulty; overall lyrics, melody, and performance, and stage presence as in the performer’s ability to capture the audience.
There will be a first, second, and third place winner plus a People’s Choice Award that will go to the songwriter voted on by attendees at the event
For more information, call 904-535-3955 or visit www.jamasterproductions.com.
Last year, we filmed at the Songwriters Contest at Treehill Nature Center in Jacksonville, Fl. Here is that video.
Now you can spend Sunday afternoons in Howard Gilman Waterfront Park enjoying the nice weather while listening to live country music on stage.
The even kicks off on Sunday May 2nd, when Marshall Rowland in co-operation with St. Marys Downtown Development Authority will host “Country Sunday in the Park”. This event features the best of South East Georgia’s country music musicians and singers as well as several members of the Woodbine Opry.
Bring your whole gang, lawn chairs or a blanket and plan to spend time in the park. Country in the Park starts at 3 PM in the afternoon and the musicians will keep performing until the crowd is ready to go home, at least that’s what our information says.
And the best thing is – it’s a free concert!
Rowland, who occasionally sits in with the Woodbine Opry on Saturday nights, will take the mike as emcee. He’s a Country Music pioneer in North Florida having been associated with WQIK in Jacksonville and WBGA in Brunswick, both country music stations. Rowland started his country music career by playing for dances and shows throughout the area, and now he’s bringing country music to downtown St. Marys.
Country in the Park takes place on the first Sunday of the month during the summer. For more information call 912-882-8111.
St. Marys’ residents and visitors will now have seven more memorable experiences to add to their 2010 memoirs.
Beginning April 17, and extending beyond Labor Day, the City of St. Marys will be serving up monthly outdoor concerts and performances at the Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park. Shows begin at 7 pm, and guests are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs.
“Whether you’re seeking a relaxing evening with your sweetheart or an event that your entire family can enjoy, the Starry Nights line-up has something for everyone,” said Janet Brinko, Director of St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The 2010 Starry Nights schedule is:
April 17, 2010 – Southeast Community Church Worship Band
Enjoy a contemporary praise band under the stars
May 15, 2010 – No Known Cure Band
A variety of popular music – Director of Camden’s Joint Development Authority, David Keating will be entertaining as a member of the band.
June 12, 2010 – Camden Cabaret
Enjoy the young singing talents of Camden County as they perform “A Taste of Hollywood”
June 19, 2010 – Reminisce to the Oldies
Enjoy the music under the stars
July 10, 2010 – Lisa Allen’s Dance Works
A fun filled evening of dance and a “Back to School Fashion Show”
August 14, 2010 – Big V. and the Screaming Deacons
A mixture of oldie’s music to popular music of today
September 18, 2010 – River Jam
Enjoy the battle of several youth bands
All Performances will begin at 7P.M. and end around 9P.M.
For more information Please contact St. Marys Convention and Visitors Bureau 912-882-4000 or info@stmaryswelcome.com
Join St Marys residents at the Gilman Waterfront Park from 7P.M.-9P.M. for Starry Nights. Bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs. Enjoy a Saturday Night outing with family, Friends and pets with delightful entertainment under the stars.
Beginning April 17, and extending beyond Labor Day, the City of St. Marys will be serving up monthly outdoor concerts and performances at the Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park. Shows begin at 7 pm, and guests are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs.
“Whether you’re seeking a relaxing evening with your sweetheart or an event that your entire family can enjoy, the Starry Nights line-up has something for everyone,” said Janet Brinko, Director of St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The 2010 Starry Nights schedule is:
April 17 Southeast Community Church Worship Band (contemporary praise)
Mary 15 No Known Cure (pop music)
June 12 Camden Cabaret “A Taste of Hollywood”
August 14 Big V. and the Screaming Deacons (oldies to contemporary)
September 18 River Jam (battle of the youth bands)
The Spring Festival at the St. Marys Howard Gilman Waterfront Park on April 3, 2010 from 12:00 til 6p.m. The event will have a free concert “Praise In The Park” featuring recording artist AC Cordell and the Revive Worship Band, Lorenzo Taylor, Dana Mackley, Troy Sneed and many others.
On September 5th through the 7th the Catfish Festival will be held in downtown Kingsland. Nothing goes better with crispy southern-fried catfish than a succulent serving of country music. And festival goers can feast on this and much more during Kingsland, Georgia’s Annual Labor Day Weekend Catfish Festival which runs from Saturday through Monday. This 3-day event is the largest festival in Southeast Georgia and scheduled events include a parade, free concerts, arts & crafts booths, southern fried and Cajun catfish, a variety of food booths, antiques and collectibles, entertainment, children’s amusement area, a 5K run, a classic car & tractor exhibition, and the annual Lion Club’s Pancake Breakfast. Sponsored by the Kingsland Community Betterment Program, the City of Kingsland and the KCVB.
Contact the Kingsland Welcome Center at 912-729-5999 or www.VisitKingsland.com for more information.
Kingsland Catfish Festival is looking for locals bands to perform at the 2009 Annual Labor Day Catfish Festival on September 5-7, 2009.
Musicians will perform on Sunday (Gospel/Christian music) and Monday to include Country, Pop, Top 40, Rock’n Roll/Light Rock.
Submit demo CDs to
P.O. Box 2887, Kingsland, GA 31548 by June 8, 2009.
Auditions may be required.
Selected entertainment will not receive monetary compensation. Stage and sound support will be provided for bands that are selected to perform.
www.KingslandCatfishFestival.com
At the “Old School House” Woodbine Community Center come out and enjoy delicious and well priced home cooked food, tea and dessert and enjoy the music in this beautiful historic venue. On Friday nights, enjoy Blue Grass and Gospel and on Saturday night enjoy Country Western Music. Plate dinners are available at 6:00 p.m. for $8.00. The music starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact 912-576-3600.
February 6 & 7 from 6pm – 9pm
February 13 & 14 from 6pm – 9pm
February 20 & 21 from 6pm – 9pm
February 27 & 28 from 6pm – 9pm
On February 20th and 21st join us for the Mardi Gras Festival in downtown St. Marys! A family-oriented festival featuring a bicycle tour, 5k run, street dance, parade, and arts & crafts. Enjoy On-stage music & entertainment and karaoke contest. Lots of fun for all ages. Free admission. Come on down for this annual formal costume ball & dinner held in St. Marys. We’re bringing a little bit of New Orleans to Georgia!
On Saturday, January 10th 2009 at 10:00 AM in Downtown Kingsland, the wildcat parade of pride will be held. Everyone is invited to enter in the Wildcat Parade of Pride, participation is free and we are looking for who has the most WILDCAT SPIRIT!? There will be spirit contests and fun for all! Don’t forget to wear your wildcat blue!
The Wildcat parade of pride is a community celebration in honor of the Camden County Wildcats 2008 State Championship win. The parade activities will be on Saturday, January 10th, 2009. The parade line up will start at 9:00am on HWY 17 and the parade activities will begin promptly at 10:00am. We are planning spirit contests for the parade entries that have the most Wildcat pride. Please plan to join us for a fun & festive victory tribute honoring the community’s Camden County Wildcat spirit and pride!!
For more information, including participation forms, go online to www.VisitKingsland.com/calendar or please call 912-729-5999.
