LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 26, 2012) — Natalie Graham, a 15 year-old student at New Albany High School, won the third annual Kentucky State Fair Songwriter Contest on July 24, with her song, “Teenage Years.” Two other songs by Natalie, “Numb” and “Games,” earned an honorable mention in the contest. Natalie will receive $250 for her winning entry.
Rob Jamner of Louisville, a senior at St. Francis High School, was first runner-up, receiving a $100 prize for his song, “Lost in the Clouds.” The judges also awarded honorable mention to “Honestly” by Keoni Glory, 19, from Charlestown, Ind.
All three top-ranked songwriters will be invited to showcase their talents in the Farm Credit YAP Tent in the Thrillway at the Kentucky State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 18. The Songwriter Contest Winner Showcase begins at 6 p.m., just before the finals of the Kentucky State Fair Battle of the Bands.
This year’s Songwriter Contest was judged by four professional songwriters, Danny Flanigan, Dewey Kincade, Michael Sanders and Anthony Payton. The youth songwriters who entered their work will receive a written critique offered by these judges. The Kentucky State Fair organizes songwriter workshops, as well, to help develop youth talent.
This contest, open to songwriters ages 14 to 20, is one component of the Kentucky State Fair’s Young Adult Project or YAP, an initiative to feature talented teens and young adults in performance at the State Fair. Located on the Thrillway, the Farm Credit YAP Tent provides entertainment geared for youth audiences throughout the duration of the fair.
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