NASHVILLE PUBLISHERS SEEK NEW SONGWRITERS

Area songwriters will have a rare opportunity to be heard by two of Nashville's most successful music publishers. Scott Gunter of Almo Irving Music and Chris Oglesby of BMG Publishing have launched the careers of some of Nashville's top hit makers and part of what keeps them at the top of their game is their constant desire to discover extraordinary new talent. They are expanding their search outside of Nashville and they have asked hit writer, consultant and Bluebird Cafe host Barbara Cloyd to help them. Fifteen applicants whose songs show a high level of creativity and originality will be invited to spend the weekend of Aug. 23 - 25 with these Music Row pros at The Holiday Inn, Marietta Georgia, outside of Atlanta.

The event will begin on Friday evening at 8:00PM with an informal get together and guitar pull. Saturday will be spent looking at songs brought in by the participants and discussing the craft and business of commercial songwriting. There will be a performance on Saturday night by hit Nashville writers. On Sunday morning the event will conclude with a breakfast and question/answer session.

The publishers are not charging for their time but there is a fee of $165 per writer, which will go to cover expenses. Some scholarships are available. Breakfast is included but rooms are not. Writers may secure their own lodging or take advantage of the workshop's discount room rate.

To apply, send three songs on tape or CD with lyric sheets and a $25 non-refundable application fee to Barbara Cloyd's Songwriting Workshop, PO Box 120376, Nashville TN 37212. Applications must be received by July 15th. Please send the songs that best express your creativity, personality and originality, not necessarily the ones you think are most "commercial." All applicants will be sent a response by July 23rd. Those who are not accepted will receive some feedback and constructive advice on their writing. Tapes and CD's will not be returned.

For more information visit www.barbaracloyd.com or write to the above address.