New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Zebra Pen presents 3rd Annual Songwriting Sweepstakes celebrating the path to self expression

Songwriters nationwide to share their original lyrics on social for a chance to win a $5,000 USD cash prize

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 04/21/2026

(EDISON, NJ) -- /CNW/ - Zebra Pen Corp. a leading innovator in writing instruments, presents its #PathToSelfExpression Songwriting Sweepstakes for 2026. Entering its third year, the national sweepstakes continues to celebrate creativity, storytelling, and the power of written words by inviting songwriters to showcase their original lyrics for a chance to win a $5,000 USD cash prize, and supply of Zebra Pen products to fuel their creative journey. The sweepstakes runs until May 8, 2026.

After two successful years of inspiring lyrical talent nationwide, the 2026 sweepstakes builds on the momentum and strong engagement from the songwriting community. Participants are invited to post a video of themselves performing their own original lyrics on Instagram or TikTok. Each qualifying post serves as an entry into the sweepstakes.

"Songwriting is such a powerful form of self-expression, and it all starts by putting pen to paper," said Ken Newman, Director of Marketing at Zebra Pen Corp. "The passion and creativity we've seen from participants year after year reinforces why this program matters. We're excited to once again celebrate songwriters and support them as they bring their words to life."

Past winners Lupe Dragon and Golden West, credit the sweepstakes with helping them invest in their craft and take tangible next steps:

"One of my proudest moments as a songwriter was winning Zebra Pen's Path to Self Expression Songwriting Sweepstakes," said Lupe Dragon, 2024 sweepstake winner. "When I entered, I was in a lot of debt from trying to make my dreams come true.  With the help of Zebra Pen, I was able to settle my debts and finished paying off my new guitar. I love being a part of this program because Zebra Pen sees the value of music and arts, and continually finds ways to give back to the community."




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



"A crazy cool coincidence was that we both always used Zebra Pen in school, in our creative writing and drawing. It was a full circle moment getting involved with Zebra Pen for this amazing sweepstakes," said Golden West, 2025 sweepstakes winner. "It not only brought us back to the memories of what started our creative journey, but winning this sweepstakes gave us the amazing opportunity to fund our new musical project for this year!! It's kept our creativity going and we cannot be more grateful!"

Launching on International Songwriters Day, the #PathToSelfExpression Songwriting Sweepstakes reflects Zebra Pen's ongoing commitment to empowering songwriters through every stage of the creative process.

#PathToSelfExpression Songwriting Sweepstakes Details

Grand Prize: $5,000 USD cash prize + a supply of Zebra Pen products

Additional Prizing: Four (4) runner-up winners will each receive a $250 USD cash prize + a supply of Zebra Pen products

How to Enter:

* Post a video on Instagram or TikTok performing your own original lyrics

* Tag @zebrapen_usa 

* Use the hashtags #PathToSelfExpression #ZebraPenSweepstakes #ZebraPenPartner

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Full terms and conditions are available here.

Zebra Pen Corp. was founded in New York in August 1982 as an independent corporation wholly owned by Zebra Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan. Based in New Jersey, Zebra Pen Corp.'s mission is to deliver high-quality writing and creative products that provide value and inspire self-expression. Its product lineup includes ballpoint pens, gel pens, rollerball pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, markers, and brush pens. With more than 40 years of excellence in the U.S., Zebra Pen continues to innovate through advanced ink technology and trusted product lines including MILDLINER™, CLiCKART®, STEEL®, SARASA®, and Z-Grip®. Learn more at ZebraPen.com.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


DJ Drewski - Mayor's Summer Concert Series

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


IMAGINE LENNON LIVE

Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Ready or Yacht: The Best of Yacht Rock

Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info