'WV Regional' Regional Winner Announced:
Dave McCormick of Advances to the NewSong International Finals

dave mccormick 2006 'wv regional ' contest winner

June 26, 2006

Charleston, WV: It was one soggy regional round finals of the national Mountain Stage NewSong Contest at FestivALL Charleston this past weekend, but despite the downpour seasoned singer-songwriter Dave McCormick of St. Albans, W.Va., was named the winner in the end.

Nine finalists from across West Virginia (a tenth bowed out because of an injury) competed on an outdoor stage June 25, during the citywide FestivALL Charleston event. McCormick, a popular performer in the state, impressed the judges with the songcraft, vocals and stage presence shown in performing his two original songs, ‘One of Those Angels’ and  ‘Where Are You Moses.’ He’ll now compete in the national finals Aug. 26, during the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, Academy and Festival in Shepherdstown, W.Va., near Washington, D.C. Both of his winning songs can be heard on the online jukebox player here on the www.newsongfestival.com website.

The round took place during a steady rain in downtown Charleston, which led to power being cut to the stage right after the last contestant sang. That nixed a planned concert by NewSong Recording artist Diana Jones, who judged the round with NewSong producer/co-founder Gar Ragland and noted West Virginia singer-songwriter John Lilly. In show-must-go-on fashion, Jones -- a past contest entrant -- and other performers retired to a nearby coffeeshop where she led off a NewSong song circle.

This year’s WV Regional Round finalists are:

• Trancedent Third, Charles Town – 'Whole Without You'
• Michael Wells, Switzer – 'Dignity'
• Rich Allen, Cross Lanes – 'Grandma's Song'
• Nick Fry, Huntington – 'I Will Love You'
• Kayla Lancaster Elkview – 'Letter to Jesus'
• Dave McCormick , St Albans – 'One of Those Angels'
• Jeff Taulton, Charles Town – 'I'm Going Bald'
• Demdranger, Charles Town– '50 Cent'
• Mark Spangler, Lewisburg – 'How Is Your World'
• Andrew Miller, Spencer – 'Different'

A separate award for 'Best Charleston Song' goes to Paul Epstein of Charleston, WV for his song 'Charleston.'

Aug 26 • 06
WV Regional Winner competes in the International NewSong Contest finals.

One of five co-winners selected to perform on internationally broadcast Mountain Stage Show!

Additional questions? Contact us at contest@newsongfestival.com.

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