Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition
The Grassy Hill Kerrville festival is renowned for its deep commitment to the art of songwriting. At the heart of this commitment is the New Folk Competition, an annual search dedicated to discovering and elevating promising new singer-songwriters. By providing a professional platform for emerging talent, the competition has become a vital stepping stone for artists transitioning from local scenes to wider recognition.
The selection process is rigorous. From a pool of approximately 800 entries, only 32 finalists are chosen. These artists are invited to perform two of their original songs during an afternoon showcase at the Threadgill Theater. The stakes are high: from these finalists, six winners are selected. In addition to receiving cash prizes, winners earn the prestigious opportunity to perform a 20-minute set on the festival's main stage.
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Key Facts
- Selection Rate: Only 32 finalists are chosen from roughly 800 annual entries.
- The Prize: Six winners receive cash awards and a 20-minute main stage performance slot.
- Judging: The competition utilizes peer-professional judging to ensure high artistic standards.
- Venue: Finalists perform their initial showcase at the Threadgill Theater.
- Legacy: The competition is highly prestigious due to its history of identifying future stars.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
A win at Kerrville carries significant weight within the singer-songwriter community. This prestige is rooted in the festival's long history of recognizing artists who later achieve mainstream or critical success. Interestingly, the competition's value is not limited to the winners; several notable performers gained visibility as finalists even without taking home a top prize.
Notable Past Participants
Over the decades, the New Folk Competition has featured a diverse array of talent. Some of the most prominent names to have graced the stage include:
- Winners: Tom Russell & Patricia Hardin (1975), Rick Beresford (1977), Eric Taylor (1977), Vince Bell (1978), Tish Hinojosa (1979), Robert Earl Keen (1983), John Gorka (1984), Darden Smith (1985), Hal Ketchum (1986), James McMurtry (1987), Buddy Mondlock (1987), Pierce Pettis (1987), David Wilcox (1988), Anne Feeney (1989), Johnsmith (1990), Slaid Cleaves (1992), Cosy Sheridan (1992), Tom Kimmel (1993), and Ellis Paul (1994).
- Finalists: Nanci Griffith (1978), Steve Earle (1978), and Lyle Lovett (1980, 1982).
Competition History and Winners (2003–2013)
The competition continues to draw talent from across North America, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In recent years, the winners' cash honorariums have been supported by the Texas Folk Music Foundation, Vic & Reba Heyman, and the Jim Ross Memorial Fund.
| Year | Notable Winners | Total Finalists |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Adrianne Lenker, Ed Romanoff, Ellis, Honor Finnegan, Eric Bettencourt, Ben Bochner | 31 |
| 2012 | Korby Lenker, Nicolette Good, Edie Carey, Whit Hill, Alicia McGovern, The Sea The Sea | 32 |
| 2011 | Grace Pettis, Megan Burtt, A. J. Roach, Mai Bloomfield, Cassie Peterson, Karyn Oliver | 32 |
| 2010 | Daniel Colehour, Michael Troy, Kate Klim, Andy Gullahorn, Jon Brooks, Kim Richardson | 32 |
| 2009 | Louise Mosrie, Rebecca Loebe, Carrie Catherine, Ernest Troost, Tom Neilson, Lucy Wainwright Roche | 32 |
| 2008 | Devon Sproule, RJ Cowdery, C. J. Watson, Hans York, Robby Hecht, BettySoo | 32 |
| 2007 | Danny Schmidt, Storyhill, Carla Gover, David Llewellyn, John Wort Hannam, Anthony da Costa | 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many songwriters are selected as finalists each year?
Typically, 32 finalists are selected from a pool of approximately 800 entries to perform at the festival.
What do the New Folk winners receive?
Winners receive cash prizes (honorariums) and the opportunity to perform a 20-minute set on the festival's main stage.
Where do the finalists perform their initial showcase?
The finalists share their songs during an afternoon appearance on the stage of the Threadgill Theater.
Who funds the cash prizes for the winners?
Cash honorariums have been provided by the Texas Folk Music Foundation, Vic & Reba Heyman, and the Jim Ross Memorial Fund.
Do you have to win to benefit from the competition?
No. The competition carries significant prestige for all finalists, and several artists who were finalists but did not win have gone on to achieve wider success.