(MT. OLIVE, NJ) -- Skylands Songwriters Guild (SSG) will be hosting the Groove Acoustic Open Mic Challenge on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 7:00pm at Enzo’s Pizzeria, 382 Rt 46, Budd Lake, NJ where two talented local/area singer-songwriters will each be awarded a 15 minute spot to open the Groove in the Grove Indie Music Festival, which will take place on Saturday, June 9 at 1:00pm.

Only artists performing their own original songs will be considered (no covers please) and only acoustic instruments will be permitted. There is a 3 person limit per act (unless a cappella). Hopeful contenders will be allowed to play 2 songs (with a 10 minute maximum). Past performers at the Festival are ineligible. Likewise, past winners of the Challenge are ineligible for 3 years. Songwriters may register in one of two categories as follows:

Amateur Category – Someone relatively new to songwriting / has limited professional recordings and does not normally play in public as a singer-songwriter. Can be a performing musician who usually does cover songs and is now venturing into working on their own material.

Open Category – Fairly established songwriter with professionally recorded songs (CDs), who is known for performing their own original songs on a regular basis.

One act in each category will receive: 15 minute spot to perform at the Festival; Free all-day admission to the Festival for the performer; and $25.00 compensation.

The Challenge will be judged by a panel of three area industry celebrities to include Jeff Rusch, host of The Crow's Nest (WNTI), Joe Pszonek of Radio Nowhere and  guest singer-songwriter Sharon Goldman. Judges’ decision will be final.

Pre-registration is required. Slots are limited and offered on first-come basis. Applicants should complete form and submit payment on-line. Registration fees (Fee is per act: solo, duo or trio): Current SSG members = $10; Non-members = $15

The public is welcome to come and support the participants and enjoy great food and song. Non-performing attendees: $5 at the door. Discounted tickets to the Festival will be available at this event - one night only (6/7/18)

The 8th Annual Groove In The Grove Indie Music Festival takes place on Saturday, June 9 at 1:00pm (Rain or Shine) at Vasa Park, 1 Vasa Drive, Hackettstown, NJ (Mt. Olive Twp. - Budd Lake).  The Festival brings some of the area’s best singer-songwriters to Northwest New Jersey! This WXPN welcomes event offers an afternoon full of original music in a shaded, park-like setting with on-site playground, plenty of FREE parking and interesting craft / service vendors - perfect for the whole family! Festival food & adult beverages available for purchase. Tickets are $15/Adult, $10/Student, children 12 and under FREE. Always great music, food and FUN! For up-to-date information, visit event website at www.grooveinthegrove.com.  

Skylands Songwriters Guild, based out of Ledgewood, NJ, is a recognized 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating the Singer-Songwriter community of Northwest New Jersey and surrounding region. Donations are tax deductible.

Skylands Songwriters Guild hosts learning and networking events such as songwriting workshops /seminars, Open Mics/Coffeehouses, songwriter showcases and festivals. SSG is a volunteer-run organization with support from member dues, grants, donations and community sponsors. Its members, all independent artists, are diverse from budding amateurs to accomplished performers or simply original music enthusiasts!

PHOTOS: Winners of the 2017 Open Mic Challenge, performing at the 7th Groove in the Grove Songwriter Music Festival.  (TOP) Bill Buttner (BOTTOM) Alexis Von Auloc.  Photos by Cathy Miller Photography