Second "Songs Inspired by Literature" Songwriting Contest LaunchesSecond benefit CD to promote literacy nationwide June 21, 2002
The SIBL Project, a San Francisco non-profit organization that promotes reading and adult literacy through music inspired by literature, announced the launch of it's second international songwriting contest beginning June 1st and ending September 6th. Sixteen songs will be included on the CD Songs Inspired by Literature-- Chapter Two. Songwriters can submit songs they've written based on a book, poem or play to The SIBL Project online at www.siblproject.org Winners will be notified by November 15th.
There will be a grand prize awarded worth $2500 and 5 category prizes awarded for best song inspired by African American, Latin American, World, women and children's literature. Funds from sales of the CD will directly benefit literacy projects that do outreach to over 44 million American adults who can't read above the 5th grade level. The next SIBL CD will again feature songs written by well-known artists including "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Tom Waits (from his new release "Blood Money") inspired by the Flannery O'Connor novel with the same title. For more information on The SIBL Project, how to purchase a CD and how to submit a song for the contest, visit the website at www.siblproject.org .
Songs Inspired by Literature -- Chapter One
The first SIBL benefit CD -- "Songs Inspired by Literature" - is a mix of folksongs, art songs and pop songs, each inspired by books or poems. In addition to contributions by known artists like Bruce Springsteen, Aimee Mann, Suzanne Vega, Grace Slick and Ray Manzarek, the project features the winners of a songwriting competition launched by The SIBL Project in May 2001. These include Bay Area songwriters Jill Tracy; Justin Wells, Essence, SIBL Project founder Deborah Padres, and Bob Hillman.
History of The SIBL Project
In 2000, Deborah Pardes launched The SIBL Project, a non-profit organization designed to promote literacy by connecting musicians and authors through a series of songwriting contests, CD releases and events to raise awareness for the cause. Initial funding was provided by the California State Library system in recognition of the potential of this innovative way to promote reading. Funding for The SIBL Project goes directly towards the promotion of adult and family literacy programs, the development of innovative curriculum and the proliferation of outreach programs to increase student enrollment.
SIBL Project Partners
Organizations throughout the U.S. have partnered with the SIBL Project. These include The California State Library (www.library.ca.gov), Balit -- Bay Area Literacy (www.literacynet.org/balit), Center for the Book in the Library of Congress (www.loc.gov/cfbook), KQED Education Network Adult Learning Project (www.kqed.org), Friend of the Library USA and the California Council for the Humanities (www.calhum.org).
"Songs Inspired by Literature" is available for purchase online at www.siblproject.org; at independent bookstores nationwide www.booksense.com; and at public libraries. Retail Price: $15. For more information visit the website at www.siblproject.org
For more information, visit their web site at www.siblproject.org. | 
