Somerset´s Michael Troy triumphs in singer-songwriter competition
New Bedford Standard Times, May 29, 2002

In front of an enthusiastic audience of about 200, Michael Troy of Somerset emerged the victor on May 18th in the 10th annual Performing Songwriter Competition sponsored by Mansfield´s Rose Garden Coffeehouse.

Mr. Troy and two other finalists each performed two of their original songs just before the night´s featured artist, Lucy Kaplansky, took the stage.

Mr. Troy delivered the winning songs, "Dear Walter" and "Talk Radio" with his rough-hewn voice and smooth fingerpicking style. The judges were impressed with the content of his songs and his "honest, believable" presentation. For his efforts, Mr. Troy received a $100 cash award from the Rose Garden plus a slot in the coffeehouse´s 2002-2003 schedule, and a stage appearance at the New Bedford Summerfest to be held July 12-14. At Summerfest, Mr. Troy will be appearing on a workshop stage with Ms. Kaplansky, Cliff Eberhardt and Colleen Sexton. The other two finalists - Jim Carpentar of Niantic, CT and Michele Kelly of Franklin, MA - also put forth outstanding performances, which made the judges´ selection difficult, coffeehouse host Mac MacLanahan said.

Serving as judges for the event were: Anne Saunders, artistic director of the Falcon Ridge and Winterhawk Festivals; Jerry Christen, president of the Boston Area Coffeehouse Association and founder of a New Moon Coffeehouse in Bedford; and Steve Gretz, founder of the Mozaic Room Coffeehouse in Avon. The Rose Garden Coffeehouse resumes in September with the start of its 14th season of presenting live folk and acoustic music. Many of next season´s concerts have already been scheduled and can be previewed at www.rosegardenfolk.com