The recession left Augusta reeling, but that clearly hasn't kept it from rocking.
This year's Applause Singer-Songwriter Contest features 67 entries, running the gamut from sweet spirituals to hard rock. The musicians involved have invested time, effort and talent, and they now look to you to do your part.
It's time to vote.
Each song will be posted online through Sept. 4, when voting ends. Voting can be done once per person per day at augustachronicle.com, or you can mail in a paper ballot, by circling your favorite below. Only original ballots will be accepted; no copies.
Paper ballots can be sent to: Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle, 725 Broad St. Augusta GA 30901.
The three artists with the highest vote totals, along with three critics' picks, will move on to the final live performance round, taking place Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival. There, they will compete for $400, an entertainment prize package, and the honor and esteem that go with being named the 2009 Applause Singer-Songwriter Contest champion.
Good luck to all involved.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Don't be an A(gusta)-Hole, Punch # 38 and vote for Phil...
That #7 GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING song SAY IT'S ALRITE sure does get my goat.
my fav thing about this is all the new Augusta tunes i'm getting to hear this morning!
When do we get the Phil Hamelton Reunion Show?!!?
#11 Jennifer Parker's "Fooled" is my personal favorite! Wonderful lyrics, beautiful melody, and angelic voice! Sounds like a hit to me!
lets go dem imonde!!!!!!
vote #42!!
Who is the Phil guy? He rocks............I just did some yard therapy thinking about the troops!
I voted for Ronnie Hill!
check out James Bryant #52 he is really good and fine too
Ronnie Hill's song IS a classic country drinking song. Plus he's a damn nice guy. Ronnie all the way!!!
wow, i must say that #9 is the best i've heard. i didn't know augusta had so much talent.
KiLLer VoiCe!!!!! 15) 48Volt
The Astrologist
Americana rock
Good luck!!! w000000000000000t!!!
Wow! There is some fantastic talent in Augusta. I sure wouldn't mind playing with some of you guys. I know a few of you and your songs sound great! See you all in September.
Fooled by Jennifer Parker is AWESOME!!! What a great singing voice!!! This song has hit written all over it.
Kevin Palmer's song. I PROMISE, is a winner. It will save the life of teenagers! BE A WINNER! VOTE for # 45
vote # 53. they are truly amazing. great singing and great music. whooooo # 53!!!
#52 go go go
Vote #46 "Never All That Easy" by the J-man Band. For 3 guys who are 19 and one boy who is 15, I'd say it's a pretty good song!
VOTE #52 The song is good and he sings from his heart. I can hear the voice of our lord speaking as he sings. EVERYONE get behind him and lets push him to the winning spot.
#12 vote will mccranie!!!
gogo gadget great day in the morning!
Go Will!!
we love will!!! vote #12!!
#52 James Bryant is the best
Here we go again with the fan voting, (Vote for number (insert friend's number)!! They're the best!), when people haven't even listened to all of the songs. I wish people would actually listen and then vote. I will say this, there are a LOT of GREAT songs this year! I'm thrilled as can be! If I didn't have a song on here it would be hard to pick a favorite. I believe my song will suffer due to a quick mix. I just hope the best songs make it to the finals and not three great ones and three mediocre ones who got in because everyone in their mega-church or whatever voted because they know the person(s). It's also very nice to hear some great songs by virtual unknowns AND established bands.
Got to see Jennifer Parker live last week for the first time...very talented! A lot of talent on this years card. Like Will McRainie's tune too!
yea augusta bands!!
#7 Say It's Alright by GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING still gets my goat -- right in the goat ear!
Best Wishes to all of you. I haven't listened to all of the songs yet, but I'm working on it! There are some good ones, which makes it hard to decide. I do hope everyone will take time to really LISTEN to the songs. I wish it were JUST the songwriter and the guitar..no bands nothing else, so everyone would be on common ground. That would make it a fair contest. And in the end I hope there are real judges, not friends of the few "in the loop music friends" here in Augusta.
Check out #50 by 40 Going North.