Songwriters Sought: Music Man Stages Second Annual Contest

As Michael Grass tells it, the idea for The Music Man Songwriting Contest was planted when a local minister visited the store early last year.

Grass, owner of on Whitmore Lake Road, said Pastor Ken Shelton of Brighton's sat down in the acoustic room one day and began to belt out a few of his own songs.

"He blew us away. We were just in awe and we thought, how many other people are out there who are so talented and just don't have their songs heard?" Grass said.

The idea took root and grew into a competition that drew 60 entries in 2010, Grass said. This year, entries are trickling in and will be accepted through May 14.

Songwriters may enter by uploading video performances of up to two songs to The Music Man's Facebook page. Or, they may make an appointment to have staff at The Music Man videotape performances at the store.

The public is invited to listen to the songs on Facebook and then vote for their top three favorites May 15-19.

On May 21, 10 finalists will be invited to perform live during an event in the store, and the top winner will be announced on WHMI and will play live on the local radio station between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

First prize is a Washburn Jumbo 12-string guitar valued at $1,300; second prize is Propellerhead recording software valued at $300.

"We're just looking for original songs," said Grass. "We're looking for a nice song that just draws everybody in."

Last year's top prize went to Jeff Pianki, Grass said, a 22-year-old from Milford who wrote and performed his song "Margaret" on a borrowed guitar. For his win, Pianki walked away with an Ibanez acoustic valued at $1,500.

"You couldn't have given it to a better person," Grass said. "He is so talented, and he needed it."

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect that the contest's 10 finalists will perform their songs at The Music Man during an event on May 21, and the top winner will be announced and play live on WHMI.