FERRIDAY — The third-annual Ferriday Songfest is scheduled for next Saturday, and three of the music industry’s top songwriters and performers will be there to offer song writing advice.

Grammy-nominated Odie Blackmon, Grammy-winner Kenny Greenberg and three time-Grammy-winner Ashley Cleveland will all be a part of this year’s panel for the song fest.

Festival organizer Tommy Polk said the panelists will discuss songwriting, information on the music business and information on the creative process in music.

“We are going to be here to critique songs and offer advice on how to improve them,” he said. “We are all going to be there to offer constructive criticism.”

Polk said these artists have worked with Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, Gary Allan and Kenny Chesney, as well as numerous other recording stars.

“They are all at the top of their game as writers, musicians and producers,” he said.

This is Blackmon’s third year with the event, and Polk said Blackmon brings more than just music industry experience.

“Blackmon is currently teaching songwriting at Vanderbilt University,” he said. “He teaches skills that songwriters can really use.”

Polk said he will also be helping with the workshop.

“I spent 30 years in Nashville working in the music industry,” he said. “I am a songwriter, and I have written songs for people such as Crystal Gale and Martina McBride.”

Polk said the event was started with the help of Ferriday Mayor Glen McGlothin.

“He asked me to start it to help bring people into Ferriday,” he said. “Music tourism is important, and this just helps add another event that brings music to Ferriday.”

Polk said the Ferriday Song Fest will start at 9 a.m. Saturday and the costs will be $20 in advance, and $25 at the door.”

“It is first come first served,” he said.

Polk said the workshop would last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and that after that they would be heading to Bowie’s Tavern.

“If you attend the event you will be given a wrist band for Bowie’s,” he said. “You will be given an opportunity to perform one song at the open-mic night, and after everyone performs, the three panelists will put on a show.”

Polk said they are looking forward to another successful year.

“Our event is a both a truly enjoyable and memorable event that also happens to be amazingly helpful and educational,” he said. “And, every penny that is spent goes to help promote music in Ferriday.”

The event was made possible through local sponsors, Polk said.

“We couldn’t have done it without support from the community,” he said.

Anyone wanting to register or wanting any further information on the Ferriday Song Fest can go online to ferridaysongfest.com or contact Polk at 601-431-6149.