The 5th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) deadline is approaching. IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D'Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Sonicbids.com, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and XM Satellite Radio.

Unlike American Idol, IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels, there is no age limit and people from all countries can enter and best off all entrants do not have to stand in line for hours or days in order to audition. Entrants need to mail in an entry form along with a CD recording or enter online on IAMA's website.

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Therefore, winning songs will be heard on radio. Winners and runner-ups will also be featured on IAMA's compilation CD.

Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition and originality. Winners are selected by a panel of established artists and industry professionals. Past year's winners include: Charlie Dore, Fertitta and McClintock, Jen Foster, Mistin' (Australia), David Francey (Juno award winner from Canada), April Verch (Canada) and Millish.

Charlie Dore, 4th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) Overall Grand Prize winner has her song "Looking For My Own Lone Ranger" aired this week on Acoustic Cafe Radio show (9/29/08 10/5/08). Charlie is known for her Top 10 Billboard hit "Pilot of the Airwaves" in 1979/1980. She has since reinvented herself as a Folk Singer-Songwriter.

Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted on CD, the artist may perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. DEADLINE: All entries must be postmarked by November 10 '08 or earlier. Check out: http://www.inacoustic.com