The Fredericksburg Songwriters' Showcase is an extremely non-profit operation run by volunteers. We take $10 at the door and split it 5 ways between the house (expenses only) and the 4 performers. Our crowds have ranged from 17 to 128, recently in the 40-60 range.
(I'm trying to grow a pot so we can have a guarantee for the performers, but we're not there yet.) We make no one rich, but it is a listening crowd. No performer has left with less than $50 in the past few years. We present 4 performers on the last Friday of the month. Every one has a good time.
If you make original music, are an experienced performer, and you want to play at the showcase, please send your promotional data to me. At a minimum, I need a musical bio, and a tape or CD. Each year, we get over 100 applications for the 28 performing slots available. Most are very good. Many very good performers don't get to play here. There just aren't enough slots. The ones who do get invited usually have songs that really stand out. For me, they have to pass the "Washington Post" test. I play CDs when I read the Post in the morning. If I put down the paper and grab the CD case to read more, that person has a chance for an invitation. I try to play every submission all the way through although, for some, it is a challenge I can't meet.
The showcase is booked for 2013. If you want to be considered for 2014, please send your information to
Photo by Mike Barker
Chris Rosser, Josh Lamkin, Mary Sue Twohy, and Randy Barrett at the May 2002 Showcase
Updated 12/16/12