7 SONGWRITERS NAMED TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS WEEK 2026 FINALISTS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 4, 2026 – Seven songwriters impressed judges, connected with the audience and earned respect from their fellow songwriters, named finalists during Tennessee Songwriters Week 2027 showcases statewide, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced. Showcases were held at Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge, The Reserve in Kingsport, Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, Barrelhouse Ballroom in Chattanooga, Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Temple Theatre  in Portland and The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville. The showcase events highlight seven distinct musical regions that have played a major role in the musical development of Tennessee across a diverse range of genres.

Kingsport Finalist

• Finalist: Amanda Robinette
• Finalist Song Title: Lucky Girl
• Bio: Amanda Robinette is from Blountville, TN and is an ETSU graduate. She is a live local musician who plays for weddings, private events, wine bars, and more. However, her favorite thing to do is write songs. Her dream is to release her own music and get to share her songs with the world.
• Socials: Instagram: amanda___kate

Pigeon Forge Finalist

• Finalist: D Boone Pittman
• Finalist song: The Gardener
• Bio: Raised in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, D Boone Pittman was steeped in Appalachian roots, outlaw country, and classic rock from an early age. Those influences forged a songwriter grounded in storytelling tradition. Drawing inspiration from artists like Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom T. Hall, Pittman crafts songs that wrestle with love, loss, faith, and the hope that carries us through.
• Socials: Facebook: D Boone Pittman and the Fugitives, Instagram: Dboonepittman

Chattanooga Finalist

• Finalist: Keefe Klug
• Finalist Song: Viking Funeral
• Bio: Keefe, a dynamic writer and performer, has made Atlanta, GA, his creative home after years in Wisconsin and Florida. His diverse stage experience includes sharing a stage with acts like Cake, OKGo!, Switchfoot, Sir Mix-a-lot, Afroman, and Heidi Newfield. Keefe also performs every year at the BMI Island Hopper songwriter festival. His talent was recognized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in December 2020, when he was named "One to Watch."
• Socials: Instagram: @keefeklugmusic; Youtube.com/keefeklug

Memphis Finalist

• Finalist: Derek Sellers
• Finalist Song: Find My Way to You
• Bio: Derek Sellers is a professional musician based out of Memphis, TN. He grew up in Cullman, Alabama, where he learned to play the guitar & piano. He graduated in 2008 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). There he received a Bachelor’s of Music Technology, with a focus in guitar performance. He’s played more 2,000 shows across the Southeast. Derek has been a professional musician for over 14 years - playing weddings, corporate events, local venues, parties, church services and so much more.
• Socials: instagram.com/dereksellers; www.youtube.com/@dereksellers

Franklin Finalist

• Finalist: Andrew Worley
• Finalist Song: ‘Til the Sun Comes Back
• Bio: Andrew Worley is originally from London, KY. 3 years ago, he moved to White House, TN to pursue his passion for making music. Since then, he has released his debut EP and has been storytelling at every writers round he can find. He is currently writing and recording for a 2026 release.
• Socials: @andrewworleymusic -  Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube

Portland Finalist

• Finalist: Ryan Jacobs
• Finalist Song: Dog Years
• Bio: Ryan Jacobs is a Nashville-based country artist blending the melodic strength of ’90s country with the grit of modern Americana. Raised in a small Oregon town and shaped by years living in Europe and Mexico, Jacobs brings a distinct global perspective to classic country storytelling. His sound draws from the timeless hooks of Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw, paired with the raw, introspective edge of Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson. Jacobs’ debut album, recorded in Nashville and available on all major streaming platforms, showcases his range across heartfelt ballads, driving honky-tonk cuts, and high-energy live anthems. He has performed at premier venues including the Bluebird Café, 3rd & Lindsley, The Listening Room, Chief’s Neon Steeple, Doug Fir Lounge, and Mississippi Studios, and has showcased at SXSW. In 2023, Jacobs appeared at the Oregon Jamboree Festival alongside headliners Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Parker McCollum, and Ashley McBryde. His touring résumé also includes opening slots for national acts such as 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. With a proven live track record, polished songwriting, and a sound that honors tradition while pushing forward, Ryan Jacobs is positioned for continued growth across festivals, touring, and radio-adjacent audiences.
• Socials: Instagram: @ryanjacobsmusic

Knoxville Finalist

• Finalist: Colleen d'Alelio
• Finalist song: Heavy Coat
• Bio: Colleen is a cellist and songwriter who has called Knoxville home for 6 years. Her songwriting is inspired by so many genres, including her classical background, coffeehouse, folk, and jazz. When she isn't performing her original music under the name Stranger May, she can be found touring and performing with Knoxville folk band, Redd and the Paper Flowers. She loves recording cello for other songwriters, making coffee, and taking her dog Peppa for long walks in the park.
• Socials: Instagram: stranger.may.music

Next, all 7 finalists perform their original songs at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event March 29 in front of music industry professionals, family and friends. Each finalist also earns a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a commemorative Taylor guitar.

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state's musical stories, history and attractions. Since its inception in 2019, the program will celebrate more than 6,000 songwriters who have shared their original music on Tennessee stages.

Mark your calendar! Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcases in 2027 will be Feb. 21-27, 2027 with qualifying rounds kicking off in late January 2027.

Photos & Video

• High-res photos and social media assets. Photo courtesies are in the folder title.
• Video: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Future Stars are Discovered
• Video: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Music History is Written

Tennessee Sounds Perfect

Hear it here. The home of seven genres of music – blues, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, country, gospel and soul. Discover why Tennessee Sounds Perfect.

• Tennessee’s Seven Music Genres
• Small Town Music Sites
• Ultimate Concert Venues
• Tennessee Music Festivals
• Plan your Tennessee Musical Road Trip

ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

TNvacation.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Press Website

Media Contacts:

Jill Kilgore

Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov

Lisa Valentine

Lisa.Valentine@tn.gov