2010 Winner Sherika Sherard

This year's showcase final of the MBF (Musicians Benevolent Fund) Songwriting Awards takes place tonight (20 January 2011) from 8pm. Six performers will compete at The Bedford, Balham to win £5000 in front of a high-profile panel which includes Alison Clarkson (aka Betty Boo), composer David Arnold, songwriter Shelly Poole, Ally McErlaine of Texas, host Tony Moore and SongLink's David Stark. Each judge has had a great impact on the music business for many years, in either writing, producing or performing. The performers will have the opportunity to play two songs for the judges before the winner is chosen. Previous winners include The Wombats, Fables, Katie Doherty and Alex Lipinski.

This year's short-listed performers are all promising singer-songwriters who are currently studying on music courses.

The finalists are:
Eyes For Gertrude, from The University College Falmouth
Selena Mastroianni, from The Institute of Contemporary Music
Daniel Bryer, from The University of Gloucestershire
Ben Whelan, from Leeds Metropolitan University
De'Borah Powell, from The Brighton Institute of Modern Music
Dan Croll, from Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)

The winner will receive prize money to aid their songwriting career, and all finalists will be given the opportunity to attend two courses organised by the Musicians Union (MU). They will also have the priviledge of meeting their MU representative to receive career guidance. Entrance to this event is by guest list only. Please contact the communications team on 020 7239 9114 or email communications@helpmusicians.org.uk.