Mountain City Hosts Successful Tennessee Songwriters Week Qualifying Round at Doe Valley Farm

Doe Valley Farm and the Johnson County Tourism Office proudly hosted the Tennessee Songwriters Week Mountain City Qualifying Round, welcoming 12 outstanding songwriters and an enthusiastic audience of music lovers for an afternoon dedicated to original music, storytelling, and community connection.

Songwriters and spectators traveled from three states to attend, underscoring the regional reach and strong inaugural impact of Mountain City’s first-ever qualifying round. The event showcased a diverse range of musical styles and heartfelt performances, highlighting the depth of talent found throughout Northeast Tennessee and the surrounding region.

Participating Songwriters

• Amber Taylor – Butler, TN

• Jesse Bond – Mountain City, TN

• Michael Manning – Elizabethton, TN

• Eric Steven Rickards – Johnson City, TN

• Julie Williams – Elizabethton, TN

• Teresa Ransom – Butler, TN

• Penny Lea – Mountain City, TN

• Jason Edwards – Banner Elk, NC

• Thistle and Thorn – Elizabethton, TN

• Just Chuck – Butler, TN

• Brian Allen Cox – Elizabethton, TN

• Mason Ledford – Marion, NC

  
  

Performances were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges with deep roots in music and arts education:

• Ella Patrick, Birthplace of Country Music & Radio Host; Performer

• Derek Vaden, Professional Producer & Musician

• Jasmine Davis, East Tennessee State University - Adjunct Faculty, Bluegrass, Old-Time & Roots Music

  
  

Left to right: Brian Allen Cox, Eric Steven Rickards, Julie Williams and Mason Ledford. Photo credit: Dan Culinane

After thoughtful deliberation, four artists were selected to advance to the Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase at The Reserve in Kingsport, Tennessee, on Monday, February 23:

• Julie Williams

• Mason Ledford

• Eric Steven Rickards

• Brian Allen Cox*

*Brian Allen Cox will serve as the official alternate and will advance should one of the finalists be unable to compete in the next round.

Tennessee Songwriters Week is a statewide initiative celebrating original songwriting and supporting emerging artists across the state. From each Showcase event, one songwriter will ultimately be selected to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville later in 2026—an opportunity widely regarded as a milestone in a songwriter’s career.

Event organizers extend sincere appreciation to all participating songwriters, judges, partners, volunteers, and attendees who helped make the inaugural Mountain City Qualifying Round a success. Hosting this event reflects the Johnson County Tourism Office’s dedication to celebrating original music, preserving our rich musical heritage, and positioning our community as a welcoming destination for musicians and music lovers throughout the region. Follow our Facebook page for updates!

A full photo album from the event is available on the Visit Mountain City – Johnson County, TN Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/VisitMountainCity.JoCoTN/

Photo credit: Dan Culinane