Held at Northwestern University, the week-long intensive program features master classes and workshops and will end with "Songwriters - In Concert," a showcase of new works by the program's participants, who will share the stage with lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The concert, scheduled for June 29 at 8 PM, kicks off the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University’s 2013 SummerStage season.

The 2013 Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project participants include David Are, Jake Brunger, Pippa Cleary, Matt Deitchman, Jed Feder, Luke Hawley, Peter Jericho, Jillian Kelleher, Heather Robb, Jean Rohe, Sarah Rogo, Justina Shandler, Simon Scheuer and Allison Strong.

Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, this year's participants work with master teachers Jon Lind, award-winning songwriter and senior vice president of artists and repertoire (A&R) at Hollywood Records; Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist Craig Carnelia; and three-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Lari White.

Along with Pasek and Paul, graduates of Songwriters Project include Fred Ebb Award winner Sam Willmot, and Latin Grammy Award winners Obed Bermudez and Jennifer Pena.

More information about the program can be found at mercersongwriters.org. Tickets to the showcase can be obtained by calling (847) 491-7282 or visiting tic.northwestern.edu/summerstage.