Annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project Returns to Northwestern

The Johnny Mercer Foundation (JMF) and the American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) at Northwestern University will present the 11th Annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project. The weeklong songwriting workshop for emerging songwriters and writing teams will take place from June 19 through 25, on Northwestern's Evanston campus.

The program is accepting applications from aspiring young songwriters and songwriting teams between the ages of 18 and 30 working in any popular music style through Friday, March 4. An online application, application guidelines and information are available online.

With returning award-winning master teachers Craig Carnelia, Andrew Lippa and Lari White leading the week, the project will culminate June 25 with Songwriters In Concert, a program showcasing the talents of the program participants, the master teachers and a celebration of Johnny Mercer's life and legacy.

Through the generosity of the Johnny Mercer Foundation, the program is free-of-charge to selected songwriters who are housed on Northwestern's Evanston campus and receive a stipend for travel expenses and meals.

The Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project hosts the nation's most promising emerging songwriters in musical theater, country, Latin, rock, contemporary and pop music, and continues the legacy of legendary songwriter Johnny Mercer. Mercer was a dedicated mentor to young singers and songwriters throughout his career.

Last year, more than 130 applicants applied for one of the 12 spots in the prestigious program, which has been a catalyst to the careers of many artists. Among them are Latin Grammy-winner Obie Bermúdez, singer and actress Jennifer Peña, Tony Award-nominated Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Michael Koomin and Chris Dimond, Adam Gwon, Carrie Manolakos, Morgan Karr, Michael Mahler, Alan Schmuckler, Benjamin Scheuer, and Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair.