Local music legend Howie Damron is coming to town to lend an ear for a competition that will select one songwriter to travel to Tennessee to record a song with him and his producer Charlie Chadwick.

Damron and Keith Kouns, owner of Kouns Tunes, will select a panel of judges to evaluate the performances of songwriters and acoustic musicians.

“This area shows so much talent,” Kouns said. “I believe this must take place to air the talent and creativity. Our purpose is not the contest. Our whole theme is (the idea of) creative minds coming together and enjoy each other’s crafts.”

The contest will take place at the End Zone Pizzeria, located at 422 S. 2nd St., on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. It is free of charge. Writers should bring their own instruments and cords. The sound system will be provided.

Howie Damron is from Chesapeake, Ohio, has been playing guitar since he was 8-years-old, worked with more than 100 Nashville artists, performed on almost every stage in the nation and has had his own show in Las Vegas, Nev., according to his Web site.

Damron, Kouns and the other judges will be looking for individuality, song formatting and delivery and other criteria, Kouns said.

The panel of judges will be selected from local musicians, those in the local music industry and also the public.

The winner of the evening will compete against the winners of future evenings for the chance to record a song, Kouns said.

“We expect to see surges of people come,” Kouns said.

The next competition date has not been set because the first night will help the judges determine how many more competitions are needed, he said.

Audience members may also enter the event at no cost as long as space is available.

Anyone who has questions should contact Keith Kouns at (740) 516- 0794.