top of page
What' New
Cranberry Festival
copperhead road for print-02_edited.jpg
Copy of what’s new (1).png

Where songwriters rise and stories take flight. Write it. Sing it. Bring your song to the mountains.

🎵 Tennessee Songwriters Week 2026​.

doevalleyfarm.png

Official Qualifying Round in Mountain City!

Saturday, February 7  1:00–4:30 PM | Performer Check-In at 12:00 PM
Location: Doe Valley Farm  |  313 Stagecoach Loop  |  Mountain City, TN

Doe Valley Farm and the Johnson County Tourism Office are proud to serve as an official qualifying host for Tennessee Songwriters Week 2026—a statewide celebration of the craft, soul, and stories of songwriters across Tennessee. Join us as emerging and established artists take the stage to share original music that reflects the heart of our region.

​

MEET OUR 2026 CONTESTANTS BELOW!

​

Tennessee Songwriters Week was established by state statute in 2019 to support local music venues, uplift songwriters, inspire travel during the winter season, and spotlight the places where Tennessee music lives.

🌟 About Our Qualifying Round

Our qualifying event will feature up to 16 pre-registered contestants, each performing one original song. Please note that you must be 18 years of age or older to enter the contest!


From these performers, a panel of judges will select three songwriters to advance to the Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase rounds, held February 22–28, 2026, at the Kingsport Showcase Round!  All genres welcome.

​

Showcase winners will then move on to a once-in-a-lifetime performance at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville on March 29, 2026, along with additional prizes such as a one-year membership to NSAI and a commemorative guitar.

TSW 2026 Social Graphic - Picture Qualifying Rounds (1).jpg

🎤 Performer Registration

We will accept no more than 16 performers, first-come, first-served, through pre-registration only.
All entries must meet official Tennessee Songwriters Week eligibility requirements, including:

  • Song must be original and written by the performer.

  • Artists may perform solo, with up to two accompanists, or with light percussion.

  • No backing tracks unless the track is original.

  • Performers may only compete in one qualifying round statewide.

  • Lyrics must be submitted ahead of the event.

  • Song content may not include disparaging or inflammatory language.

​

REGISTER HERE!

ONLY 16 CONTESTANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.  NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION. 

If you are unable to attend the competition, please contact us immediately so we may invite someone from the wait list.

 

Download FAQ for Songwriter Contestant​

Download Official Rules

​​​

📝 Judging Criteria

Performances are judged in two categories:
1. Quality of Song (scored 1–10)

  • Originality of lyrics and melody

  • Narrative clarity

  • Avoidance of clichés

2. Performance (scored 1–6)

  • Vocal clarity and connection

  • Instrumentation quality and tuning

  • Stage presence and audience engagement​

​

🗓 Event Schedule – Saturday, January 31

  • 12:00 PM – Performer Check-In & Lyric Submission

  • 1:00 PM – Qualifying Round Begins

  • 4:00 PM – Judges’ Final Deliberation & Announcement of Top Three

​

Audience members are welcome—come cheer on incredible local and regional songwriters!

​

🎶 What Is Tennessee Songwriters Week?

This annual celebration takes place the last full week of February, highlighting the state’s unmatched musical heritage with live performances in venues across Tennessee. It encourages travel, supports local music economies, and honors the songwriters who keep Tennessee’s stories alive.

​

Learn more at the official website:
👉 https://classic.tnvacation.com/songwriters-week

​

📍 Join Us in Mountain City!

Whether you're a performer, music lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, Tennessee Songwriters Week is a chance to discover the voices shaping tomorrow’s music—right here in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee.

TSW26-CONTESTANTS

MEET THE 2026 CONTESTANTS

We’re thrilled to welcome an outstanding group of songwriters from across the region to Mountain City for the Tennessee Songwriters Qualifying Round. These talented artists bring original songs, unique voices, and powerful stories to the stage, creating an unforgettable afternoon of live music and friendly competition. It’s an honor to host them in our community and invite music lovers to experience the creativity, passion, and possibility that make this event so special—because every great songwriting journey starts with a moment like this.

Amber-Taylor

Butler, Tennessee

Amber Taylor

​Singer songwriter originally from Georgia. I have lived in Butler TN for the past 6 years and now have 2 children with my husband. My heart will always be in writing and performing music, with my own soulful style full of classic country, rhythm and blues. ​​

JesseBond

Mountain City, Tennessee

Jesse Bond

Classically trained pianist Jesse Bond turned to songwriting and self-taught guitar after leaving formal lessons at 17. After years of experimenting with bands and home production, he now pursues an intermittent solo project and lives in Mountain City.

Michael Manning_Headshot.jpeg

Elizabethton, Tennessee

Michael Manning

Michael Manning is a songwriter from East Tennessee. His writing is focused on faith-based lyrics and storytelling. He is registered with ASCAP and an active member of SongTown, based in Nashville.

Eric-Rickards

Johnson City, Tennessee

Eric Steven Rickards

Blending American genres of blues and folk, Eric Steven Rickards writes with a searchlight for honesty in the human experience. The rich storytelling of Tom Waits meets tAmericana pop sensibilities of Tom Petty in Rickards’ expansive original catalogue. 

Julie-Williams

Elizabethton, Tennessee

Julie Williams

Julie Williams is born and raised in Upper East Tennessee. Embracing her roots as her regional background reflects in her songwriting. Folk, Celtic, Bluegrass, and County fuse together to create her unique sound as she paints vivid pictures with her words and storytelling. 

Teresa-Ransom

Butler, Tennessee

Teresa Ransom

I was raised in Tennesse and married my high-school sweetheart. He spent 20 years in the Air Force and I was a nurse. We moved back to Tennessee when he retired. I retired in 2023

Penny-Muller

Mountain City, Tennessee

Penny Lea

I started writing music when I was 12. I toured the US and Canada as a motivational speaker for youth and adults and also sang at my appearances. I recorded my album at Doc’s Place in Nashville several years ago. I just recently began writing again.  

Joshua-Evans

Banner Elk, North Carolina

Jason Edwards

Originally from the Midwest, Jason made a few pit stops around the world before ending up in the Tri-Cities region. A punk rocker in his youth, he evolved into a singer-songwriter who enjoys combining elements of varying genres.He likes going on adventures with his best friend Sneakers, a little black cat. 

Natosha-Thistle

Elizabethton, Tennessee

Thistle & Thorn

Local to Butler and was raised in Elk Mills. I’ve sung for eveyone around Little Milligan school because of JR Campbell and Mr. Calhoun. I’ve loved music since I was big enough to know what it was and it’s continued to be a large part of my life. My husband Steven and I play all over every weekend from TN to NC to VA. 

Just Chuck.jpg

Butler, Tennessee

Just Chuck

Charles Skarsaune, aka Just Chuck, has played guitar since college and began performing in bands soon after. Now a solo act by choice, he covers everything from rock and country to Motown, folk, and bluegrass—delivered with one voice and one guitar.

Brian-Cox

Elizabethton, Tennessee

Brian Allen Cox

Brian Allen Cox is a husband, father, and proud pap who began playing guitar 15 years ago. Songwriting has become a healing passion for him, and he’ll perform his original song, “I Try Not To Forget,” about learning from past mistakes.

MasonLedford-BlueStump

Marion, North Carolina

Blue Stump

Mason Ledford, lead vocalist and guitarist for Blue Stump Band, has been writing songs and playing guitar since tthe age of14, drawing from his church roots and truly rich family harmonies.

Get to Know Us

Embrace our great outdoors .  .  . 

Breathe in our fresh clean air . . . 

Revel in the sound of an aviary symphony each morning . . . 

And gaze up at our beautiful starry sky!

 

You'll quickly come to love our way of life as you enjoy our spirit of adventure . . . rich musical heritage . . . and some of the most incredible  scenery anywhere in the US. 

​

Located in the Northeast tip of Tennessee, we have become a popular vacation destination offering exciting outdoor adventures, fun on the beautiful Watauga Lake, fine dining experiences and welcoming trademark festivals. 

 

Situated at the highest valley in the area, you will want to make Mountain City in Johnson County an annual trip!

Experience the best kept secret in Tennessee! DOWNLOAD OUR FREE INFORMATION HERE:

Privacy Statement:  By submitting this form, you will will receive our special visitor newsletter. You may opt out at any time. We do not sell, rent or barter any email addresses.  Thank you!

Instagram
bottom of page