6th Annual Groove in the Grove Songwriter Festival

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Skylands Songwriters Guild hosts a full afternoon of music at Vasa Park in Budd Lake, NJ

In its sixth year, “Groove in the Grove” Songwriter Festival returns to Vasa Park in Budd Lake, NJ on June 11, 2016, from 1 to 9pm. Presented by the Skylands Songwriters Guild (SSG), Groove in the Grove features local and regional independent songwriters from the tri-state area, with a focus on original music. Showcasing acoustic performances followed with an evening concert by The Grip Weeds. Admission at gate is $15/Adult, $10/Student, children 12 and under-free.

This community oriented, family-friendly event offers attendees a chance to experience firsthand the art of song craft from talented performers in a comfortable, relaxed setting on the picturesque grounds of Vasa Park. The venue boasts two outdoor performance stages, a large on-site playground, plenty of parking and convenient bathroom facilities. There will be a variety of arts/craft and service vendors. Delicious festival food available for purchase from Vasa Park's Arlington Lodge 62 along with a fine selection of American and European Beers from Vasa's fully stocked outdoor cash bar! Lawn chairs and blankets welcome, no pets or coolers please. Professionals from Mountain Ledge Music to provide Stage Management and Sound Engineering. Event is Rain or Shine - in case of inclement weather, all musical performances will be held in Vasa's large banquet hall.

The headlining act, The Grip Weeds, have "sported many different styles of original material, from Psychedelic and Garage Rock to Folk-based ballads and thought-provoking social commentary," indicates the band's website.

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In addition to the regularly scheduled performers at the Groove in the Grove Songwriter Festival in June, an Open Mic was held on Thursday, May 26th at Enzo's Pizzeria in Budd Lake where more than a dozen contestants performed in the hopes of earning a 15-minute spot to play at the Festival. The acts entered in one of two categories – amateur or open. The "Best Of" artist in each category was selected by a panel of industry celebrities which consisted of Jeff Rusch of WNTI.org Internet Radio of Centenary College, Joe Pszonek of Radio Nowhere On WMSC and Loretta Hagen, a seasoned songwriter who is part of this year's Groove lineup. It was a great night of original music from a diverse range of artists.

Skylands Songwriters Guild is a recognized 501 (c)(3) educational non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the community of Singer/Songwriters of Northwest New Jersey and the surrounding region. We seek to provide enlightenment to the public, revealing talents of songwriters, and offering educational and performance resources to artists to advance their craft. All donations are tax deductible.