Merlefest This Weekend / Chris Austin Contest Today

Merlefest began yesterday afternoon and continues today. The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest finalist competition, hosted by MerleFest, will be held today. Writers of the 12 songs, selected from over 744 entries, will compete on the Austin Stage in Alumni Hall at MerleFest today. Now in its 24th year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of music industry professionals, under the direction of volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. The first place winners will receive $600 cash from MerleFest and a performance slot on the Cabin Stage on Friday night. For more details about the contest, visit  www.MerleFest.org/ChrisAustinSongwritingContest.  The complete lineup and stage schedules are posted at merlefest.org/lineup and available on the MerleFest mobile app; festival updates are delivered via Twitter (@MerleFest) and Facebook.