The Johnny Mercer Songwriter Project

The American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) at Northwestern University, in association with the Johnny Mercer Foundation is looking forward to hosting the fourth annual weeklong “Johnny Mercer Songwriter Project.” This event will run from in the summer of 2010 on Northwestern’s Evanston Campus, and will feature some of America’s most prominent cabaret and theatre singer/songwriters paying tribute to the legendary Johnny Mercer. In addition to musical performances throughout the week, several acclaimed songwriters, following in the tradition of Johnny Mercer, will serve as faculty for a week-long educational program of master classes and workshops for twelve emerging songwriters.

We are looking forward to a great week of activity and interested writers can receive additional information and an application form at the American Music Theatre Project website www.amtp.northwestern.edu/mercer.html or by contacting Denise McGillicuddy (mercersongwriters@northwestern.edu).

There's also a MySpace page to learn more at www.myspace.com/mercerprogram

Through the generosity of the Johnny Mercer Foundation there is no fee for this workshop, though all participants must cover their own travel expenses. Applicants will be required to submit three songs for adjudication.

The American Music Theatre Project is a new initiative at Northwestern University dedicated to the development of new musicals and creation of exciting educational opportunities in the field of musical theatre.

One of America’s most influential and prolific songwriters, Johnny Mercer (1909-1976) wrote some of the most enduring standards of the 20th century including: “Accentuate the Positive”, "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby", "I Remember You", "Come Rain Or Come Shine", "One For My Baby", "Hooray for Hollywood", and "Moon River." He also wrote songs for 90 motion pictures, won four Academy Awards, wrote six Broadway shows, including St. Louis Woman and Li'l Abner. He also discovered and nurtured artists including Margaret Whiting, Jo Stafford, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

Check out the highlights from the 2006 event at: www.mannoftalent.com/mercer2006