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.
Your submission will be reviewed by at least two of us but I take all the blame for the final decision. If you pass the audition, I'll need a photo for publicity. Folks that provide an e-mail address get a reply a lot faster than those who don't. If you must, you may call me at (540) 898-0611, but please don't call too often.
I get many, many applications from excellent performers. Our schedule just isn't big enough to accommodate them all. Sometimes, I include up to two cameo performers per show. These performers will do one song each and will not be compensated. I tend to select people local to Fredericksburg for these slots. I hope that this might give an opportunity for some folks to appear at the showcase who would otherwise have to wait a long time for a regular performing slot (right now, we are booked over a year in advance for the performing slots). Appearance as a cameo performer does not rule out a later appearance as a regular. If you're interested in a cameo slot, please let me know when you send me your stuff. I will try to make the rounds of the Fredericksburg open mikes occasionally to scout for talent. If you know you're going to appear at one of these and you're interested, please let me know.
Photo by Mike Barker
Chris Rosser, Josh Lamkin, Mary Sue Twohy, and Randy Barrett at the May 2002 Showcase
Bob Gramann
122 Laurel
Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Updated 2/14/07