Niall Toner to judge at MerleFest songwriting contest

Niall Toner, who received the European Bluegrass Personality 2012 award a year ago, will be one of the panel of judges at this year's 22nd Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Other members of the panel, chaired by Jim Lauderdale, are Charles Humphrey III (bass-player for the Steep Canyon Rangers) and Darrell Scott.

The panel will conduct the first round of judging in Nashville, and the final round at MerleFest 2014, to be held at Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on 24-7 April, where Niall is also scheduled to play several sets. More details are on the MerleFest website. The deadline for entry in the contest is just two weeks from now - 19 February 2014.