Jimmy LaFave Songwriting Contest

About the 2024 contest

Now in its seventh year, the Jimmy LaFave Songwriting Contest is open to unsigned and emerging Oklahoma songwriters in all genres. The contest winner takes home a $1,000 cash prize and a spot in the Gypsy Café lineup.  The People’s Choice Award, decided by online voting, wins a $250 cash prize.  The deadline to enter is March 3, 2024. 

Three contest finalists will chosen based on lyrics, melody, originality, form and musicality by a panel of judges including renowned songwriters and industry professionals Chris Buhalis, Tim McFadden, Brad Piccolo, Deana McCloud and Roger Ray.  

The Jimmy LaFave Songwriting Contest highlights the spirit of mentorship and musical discovery that have become hallmarks of the Gypsy Café festival. Previous winners of the contest include Ken Pomeroy’s “Sidewalk Song” (2018), Dallas Parker aka Faux Draco’s “Abilities” (2019), Joe Baxter’s “Romeo’s Girl” (2020), Ahna Jennings’ “Hope & Gasoline” (2021),  Branjae’s “Free Facts” (2022) and Brent Giddens’ “Shades of Texas (2023).

FEATURED VIDEO

2023 Winner

Brent Giddens
Song: Shades of Texas

Check out the 2023 Contest Finalists below!

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