Skip to content

Islands songwriting contest

Songwriters, get out your notes for the 2014 Islands Songwriting Contest.

This is the fifth year the Cowichan Folk Guild has presented the contest, open to residents of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

"This contest is an excellent opportunity for all Islands songwriters to gain recognition for their talent. The theme of the contest this year is history. Do not take the theme too literally, think outside the box, and write a great song about history," said spokesperson Bobbie Blue.

The field will be narrowed to nine songwriters for each regional performance, where they will perform their

songs for an audience and a panel of judges, who will vote for their favorite song.

The contest is divided into three regional semifinals to be held in June: the North Island -Tuesday June 17th in Courtenay at the Mex Pub, 1003 Ryan Road, hosted by Bruce & Judy Wing.

The Central Island -Saturday June 14th in Duncan at the Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse at Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram Street.

The South Island -Sunday June 15th in Victoria at the Victoria Folk Music Society Coffeehouse at Norway House, 1110 Hillside Avenue.

The nine semi-finalists (three from each region) will perform their songs on the opening night Friday, July 18) of the 30th Anniversary Islands Folk Festival.

A panel of music professionals will select the three winners.

The first place winner will receive a professionally produced and recorded version of his or her song from Zak Cohen at Woodshop Recording Studios in Duncan, an additional performance at the Festival, and radio airplay.

Second and third place prizes will also be awarded.

Contest rules and a printable entry form are available at the Cowichan Folk Guild's website: http://www.islandsfolkfestival.ca/. Deadline