AVNAF and the Nor-East'r Music & Art Festival proudly offer two excellent ways to inspire young, talented people to be recognized for their gifts and to earn prizes that will help further their skills as up and coming performers.

Craig Carrick along with the AuSable Valley NorEast'r Association of Folk (AVNAF) has been sponsoring a guitar giveaway each year offering complete guitar packages to at least three or possibly up to six younger people during the NorEast'r Music & Arts Festival.  Find out more...

The Voices of the Future Songwriting Competition was created to encourage and facilitate growth for young aspiring songwriters. The brain-child of Dan Hazlett of Songwriters Anonymous - a group of SE Michigan songwriters who meet each month too share songs, critique works, discuss business, host workshops and network among friends - the prizes for this competition include tuition for a weekend at John Lamb's Songwriter's Retreat, gift certificates to Elderly Instruments and more. Find out more...