810 Meadworks to host songwriter’s competition
MEDINA – 810 Meadworks is proud to announce it will be hosting a songwriter’s competition in Orleans County at Meadworks’ unique and intimate outdoor performance space known as The Beegarten.
On July 21, Orleans County songwriters will compete for a choice of a $200 cash prize or professional studio recording time at Watchmen Studios in Lockport. The event will be hosted by a well-known champion of Orleans County’s music scene, Zack Burgess of Albion.
In its fourth season, The Beegarten’s summer music series has hosted some of Western New York’s most talented musicians, including former and current members of national recording artists such as Rusted Root, Modern English, Cheater, Klear and Captain Beyond. In addition, they have hosted two Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame inductees and winners of regional songwriting contests.
“We have brought in a lot of regional talent with an emphasis on bands that perform original music, or covers in an original way,” notes 810 Meadworks owner Bryan DeGraw. “We know how hard it is for original musicians to find a place to perform, or for them to afford to record a quality demo, so this competition provides an opportunity for both.”
In order to be eligible for the contest, the songwriter must either be an Orleans County resident or have significant ties to Orleans County, including long-term employment in the county or a graduate of an Orleans County school. They, or a designated performer, will perform a short set of three or four songs, with one being submitted for the contest, which will be scored by a panel of local judges.
The event is hosted by Zack Burgess, a member of two prominent Orleans County based bands, Zero and Archres. Burgess is one of the organizers of Rock the Park, an annual music festival held in Albion, now in its fifth year.
“Zack was the logical choice to host the event, and he graciously agreed to take himself out of the competition in order to host it,” DeGraw said. “Burgess will be performing some of his own songs as part of the evening’s program.”
Contact thom@caroniamediagroup.com or stop in to 810 Meadworks for information on how to enter the contest.
