Friends of New River Gorge National River, Inc. (Friends) is hosting its first ever songwriters’ competition to honor the milestone “birthdays” of the National Parks of Southern West Virginia this year. Songwriters from around the region submitted original compositions inspired by the parks, and the competition will conclude with a performance at the Historic Fayette Theater in Fayetteville, West Virginia, on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 6pm.
The concert, open to the public, will feature the top ten artists as selected by a judging panel, where they will perform. Attendees will vote for their top three favorites, and winners could receive up to a $250 cash prize for their song. Concertgoers are asked for a $5-10 donation at the door, and concessions, merchandise, and a raffle will be available. Proceeds from the event will benefit Friends to help carry on the group’s mission of enhancing, supporting, and promoting the national parks.
“To see this come to light is a thrill,” says Friends volunteer Aaron New. “We had so many talented songwriters submit, and these ten are just a small look at the diverse talent that exists in this area’s music community.”
New River Gorge National River was established in 1978 to protect 53 miles of the New River in West Virginia. Bluestone National Scenic River and Gauley National Scenic River joined the National Park Service in 1988 to protect more of the state’s popular waterways.
Friends of New River Gorge National River, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides valuable support to all three national parks of southern West Virginia. Memberships are accepted at three levels. Level one members receive a members-only newsletter and sticker. Level two members receive a members-only newsletter, sticker, discounts at local businesses, and access to members-only events and programs. Lifetime members receive all the benefits of level two. To learn more about Friends or to become a member, visit www.friendsofnrgnr.org. To learn more about the three parks, visit www.nps.gov/neri, www.nps.gov/blue, or www.nps.gov/gari.
