JAMES KEELAGHAN WINS FIRST PRIZE IN FOLK CATEGORY IN USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

Juno award-winning folk troubadour, James Keelaghan, has won first place for a second time, in the USA Songwriting Competition folk category for his song Message To The Future. The competition is the worlds leading international songwriting contest. I'm pleased, again, to have the honour of winning the folk category of the USA Songwriting Competition," Keelaghan remarked. Message To the Future is a song of hope, hope that there will be a future in which there are people that will still understand love and family and justice." Message To the Future is on Keelaghans fifth solo album, Road, which was released in Canada on Jericho Beach Music and in the US on Hightone Records.

The USA Songwriting Competition received over 32,000 entries this year and offers over
$50,000 US in cash and prizes. The competition offers prizes for the top songs in 15 genres as well as an overall grand prize and 2 runners up. James is the only winner from Canada this year with 2 songs in the Folk finals.

The competition is administered by Lion Heart Productions, which founded the event in 1996 with the sole purpose of giving songwriters exposure and deserved recognition.    It is judged by a blue ribbon panel of industry experts including artist managers and major label A&R reps. For more information regarding the USA Songwriting Competition, visit www.songwriting.net

Keelaghan's award comes with number prestigious showcasing opportunities at venues such as the North American Folk Alliance and SXSW, airplay on the nationally syndicated US radio program, Acoustic Café, and approximately $2000 in cash and prizes.

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