Carnelia, Miranda Join Mercer Songwriters Project 6/21-27

The Johnny Mercer Foundation in association with The American Music Theatre Project at Northwestern University Presents The 4th Annual Johhny Mercer Songwriters Project June 21-27, 2009

The Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project returns to Northwestern University for its fourth year! We are currently seeking talented songwriters or writing teams, ages 18-30, from all popular music genres to participate.

Located on Northwestern University's Evanston campus, this week-long songwriting intensive will feature award-winning composers and singers in collaboration with talented young writers. Led by our 2009 Master Teachers Craig Carnelia (Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist of Sweet Smell of Success), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Tony Award-winning creator of In The Heights) and Lari White (three-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter), the intensive will include:

MASTER CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
MASTER TEACHER CABARET
STUDENT SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

The week will culminate in a spectacular star-studded Johnny Mercer tribute concert featuring special guest stars, our master teachers, and student songwriters. The legendary Johnny Mercer, master of the American Song and composer of the classics "Come Rain or Come Shine", "Accentuate the Positive" and "Moon River", was dedicated throughout his career to the development of young songwriters and singers.

Last year's program featured emerging songwriters from all over the country representing the worlds of pop, music theatre, hip-hop, folk, Latin and country. Writers must be between the ages of 18-30. For writing teams, at least one member must meet this criterion.

Through the generosity of the Johnny Mercer Foundation, there is no fee for this workshop for the writers and writing teams selected, and a stipend will be offered to cover a portion of travel and boarding expenses.