SAMI, The Songwriter's Association of Mid-north Indiana, had a reason to celebrate this past weekend when it was announced that four of their members were finalists in the 2012 Blooming-Tunes Annual Song Contest. Neil McTavish took second place with the song, "Always On My Mind." Briagha McTavish, Bette Anderson, and Joe Peters were honorable mentions with their songs "Sick", "Life On My Own", and "Heaven and Earth" respectively. Briagha is Neil's daughter and songwriting partner. Bette Anderson is from Kokomo and a veteran member of SAMI. Joe Peters is the co-president of SAMI.
 

"I can't express how grateful I am. I couldn't have done it without SAMI because I wouldn't have even known about the contest without SAMI. SAMI is such a supportive group and we really work hard at making sure all in the group are aware of things like Blooming-Tunes." says McTavish. Joe Peters joked with Neil by telling him that he was in "good company," as he had won in 2009 with his song "Sail Away." SAMI member MJ Bishop was a co-winner with Joe's friend Bill Headley last year.
 

Blooming-Tunes was conceived by Suzette Weakley, a singer-songwriter based in Bloomington IN. She describes Blooming-Tunes as a Song Contest designed for Singer-Songwriters from the Midwest, who have visited the Midwest, who love the Midwest and/or who have Midwest connections. The judging panel includes professional writers typically based in Nashville TN, working musicians/songwriters, and non-musicians who have shown a true ability to support the art of Songwriting and music. The top four winners, of which Neil McTavish is one, will perform their song live at the historic Buskirk Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington, IN on October 13, 2012. Neil says that he will not be performing, however. His daughter played piano and sang on the audition recording and she will perform the song with her sister and violinist Jinty McTavish, and friend Paige Clinkenbeard. "Trust me, you don't want to hear me sing this!" laughs Neil. Paige, a former Purduette, agreed to sing harmonies with Briagha and Jinty, even though she was going into "enemy territory!"
 

Last year's Blooming-Tunes headliner was Don Pedigo, Nashville Tennessee who hails from Southern Indiana. Prior year’s top talent included Jenny Devoe (Indiana based Singer/Songwriter - Commercial Songwriter), CJ Watson (National Award Winning Songwriter), Jeff Gilkinson (founder of 'The Dillards') Tirk Wilder (Nashville PRO writer - 'Eyes of a Texas Ranger'), Tim Grimm & Jan Lucas as well as Jason Wilbur (John Prine Band and radio personality 'In Search of A Song'). The top 15 submissions will be included on the 2nd Annual Blooming-Tunes Compilation CD.
 

SAMI welcomes all songwriters in the area to join them for their meetingsat 7:30 pm every 3rd Tuesday of the month in the basement at the Tippecanoe Arts Federation (Wells Community Center) at 638 North Street in Lafayette.
 

For more information:
 

Blooming-Tunes: http://www.blooming-tunes.com
 

More Blooming-Tunes info on Sonicbids:

http://www.sonicbids.com/Opportunity/OpportunityView.aspx?opportunity_id=107325