Two songwriters from Oliver Springs and Nashville will advance in a state competition after qualifying in Oak Ridge on Wednesday.
The two songwriters who advanced were Rachel McIntyre-Smith of Oliver Springs and Sam Hatmaker of Nashville. They were selected from a field of 20 contestants in a qualifying round at Oakey’s Bar and Grill in Oak Ridge on Wednesday, February 8.
“Each competitor was judged based on their overall performance, originality, and connection to the audience,” Explore Oak Ridge said in a press release.
The songwriters played their original compositions before a panel of expert judges and an audience of supporters. The judges’ panel featured a mix of musicians and songwriters from the area representing various musical genres and expertise, including former “American Idol” finalist Janelle Arthur.
“Tennessee has always been known as a hub for songwriters, and we take pride in expanding that creative culture in Oak Ridge,” said Katy Watt, Explore Oak Ridge president. “We are elated to send a handful of gifted songsmiths on to the showcase event and look forward to cheering them on during their journey!”
McIntyre-Smith and Hatmaker will advance to the next round of the Tennessee Department of Tourism’s Tennessee Songwriters Week. They will compete in the showcase round at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville on February 20.
Those who place at the showcase event will go on to the final event, where winners will receive an array of prizes, including performing an original piece at the historic Bluebird Cafe, a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International, and a branded commemorative guitar, the press release said.
For more updates on Tennessee Songwriters Week, visit tnvacation.com/songwriters-week.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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