Smithville, TN—Music lovers packed Smithville’s The Harvester Performance and Event Center to cheer on performers competing in the opening round of Tennessee’s fifth annual statewide Songwriter’s Competition sponsored by Tennessee Department of Tourism.

Twenty singer songwriters had five minutes on The Harvester stage to perform their best original song for the audience and a panel of seasoned judges from Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree.

At the end of the night they named Collins Horton, Nashville resident and native of Brandon, MS, best of show. With his baritone voice and clean picking, Collins claimed the night’s top honors with his performance of Jack and Darlene, a story-song about how his grandparents met. From Smithville, Collins advances to regional competition February 25th in Gallatin at The Palace  with eyes on the final round at Nashville’s Blue Bird Cafe in late February.

“The way the Songwriter’s Competition is structured, there can be only one winner at each venue in Middle Tennessee,” notes Bert Driver, Harvester owner and host. “But this s event was a winner for everyone involved: the performers, the audience, our judges, the state organizers and staff.

“It was a team effort, all around and a great night to catch live music by Tennessee’s up and coming singer songwriters.”

Competitors, by order of appearance, were: Soraiya Campbell, Frankie Thrower, Parker Hastings, Sarah & Kelly Finc, Jimmy Garrett, Collins Horton, Lorianna Carter, Todd Perry, Alannah McCread, Tony Bank, Ellis Griffi, Garrett Hal, Matt Dillo, Ashley Lyn, Megan Carolan, Lauren Gottshal, Josh Drive, Mick Fury, Shannon Eastman and Jacob Melton.

Smithville Jamboree Board put together the panel of distinguished judges tasked with the difficult task of selecting the winner. Panel members included Darrin Vincent of Dailey & Vincent, a Grammy Award Winner, and  member of  The Grand Ole Opry; Vanissa Braswell Murphy, past Chair of the Music & Arts Department, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire;

Michelle Canning from the International Bluegrass Music Association and a member of IBMA Songwriters Committee; and songwriter,

James Kee of East Nash Grass, Band and leader of the house band at the Smithville Jamboree.

DTC Communications recorded the entire event, and all performances will be available for viewing on DTC’s local access channel.

For information on upcoming live music events at The Harvester or the 2023 concerts series at The Burlap Room visit www.bertdriver.com and visit smithvillejamboree.com for information about the 2023 Fiddlers' Jamboree & Craft Festival.