The Sixth Annual  South Country Fair Songwriting Competition attracted musicians from across  the province to the Slice, April 27— some well known, some who play a lot  in the Lethbridge scene and others who I had never heard before.

The performers also had a variety of styles as a there was a plethora of fiddles, banjos and mandolins in the packed house. George Fowler, whose  jazz/ western swing song  won the newcomer’s category to rapper Furious D.

Leanne Copithorne brought a whole crew from west of Calgary including a mandolin player, guitarist and a backup vocalist, who all took second place.  Angela Healy and George Arsene who had played the night before with his band Rancho Deluxe, got honourable mentions.

 Matthew Robinson, Leeroy Stagger’s former lead guitarist, won first place in the Old Pro category a category for which the participants have released a CD for sale.

Calgary songwriter Chris Gheran placed second in the category while Peter Stone from Edmonton indie rock band 100 Mile House and Amy Thiessen got honourable mentions.

 There were a couple new awards as well. Chris Gheran won for best performance. And, there was a special draw this year for a guitar donated by Lucky Star Guitars which 100 Mile House took home.

The finalists also included Tynan Groves, Jean Greer McCarthy, Reg Coleman, Caroline Freeman/Murray Nelson, George Fowler,  Jon Martin , Dan Prairie, Rob Moss and Furious D.