The NYC Singer Songwriter Circle has been around for about 20 years, constantly supporting talent from the entire North America, in particular through their Annual Songwriting Contest, now in its 5th year. In the past the contests the Circle’s jury was able to recognize the potential of artist such as Norah Jones, Vanessa Carlton and Lisa Loeb among others before they became mainstream. The Circle recently announced the 12 finalists of the 2010 contest – chosen from thousands of submissions. The NYC/NJ area is well represented by female duo Lucius, Todd Alsup and NJ based Amber Skye (in the picture). The SongCircle’s 2010 Grand Prize winner will be determined by live performances by the twelve finalists before an esteemed panel of judges on November 18 and the 19th at the City Winery in New York City. Tickets for both shows can be purchased online here for $25.