The Sparks & Wiry Cries GRAND songSLAM is a unique competition for emerging composer/performer teams to premiere new art song in partnership with the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and hosted by composer Tom Cipullo. In the poetry-slam tradition, audience members vote on their favorite performances, and $2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.

Our event will take place as the very first evening event at the NATS National convention in Knoxville, TN, June 26th, 8:00 pm, 2020. THERE WILL BE PERKS for successfully registered teams for participating in the Knoxville GRAND SLAM at NATS including a waived team registration fee from ‘Sparks’, a 30% discount/ accepted team member for registration at NATS, and for songSLAM composers, you may sell your scores at the Sparks & Wiry Cries booth royalty-free the whole weekend!

The team registration for the first GRAND songSLAM and is now open HERE. Please note that traditionally, slots tend to fill up in under 30 minutes. Teams can be comprised of past songSLAM competitors from anywhere in North America, AND there will be at least three spots RESERVED (first come first served) open to teams local to the KNOXVILLE, TN area. Successful Teams will be notified by email no later than one week after registration closes. The registration for the Sparks & Wiry Cries GRAND songSLAM is free! PLEASE NOTE THAT *IF* THE CONVENTION IS POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19, your spot for the GRAND songSLAM will be held for you if you would like to use it, during the rescheduled conference.

Attendance is FREE for those who are registered and attending the NATS National Conference.

Click HERE for detailed event information and competition rules.