NEWS RELEASE
Thursday, February 5, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Three Local Songwriters Advance to Next Round of Tennessee Songwriters Week Competition
Kingsport, Tenn. – Three local songwriters won the Kingsport Qualifying Round for the 2026 Tennessee Songwriters Week competition and will advance to the showcase rounds later this month. The qualifying event, hosted by Visit Kingsport at Model City Tap House, was held on Wednesday, February 4.
15 songwriters took the stage to perform their original song for a panel of judges with hopes of walking away with a ticket to the next round of the competition. The songwriters were judged on their song quality, performance and lyrical originality.
Jared Bentley, an Elizabethton native performed his original song, Most of the Least, which earned him a spot in the top three. Joining him was Landon Camper (Bristol, VA) with his song, Just as Well and Cameron Payne (Johnson City, TN) with his song, Time.
The audience and those watching live on Facebook were also treated to special performances from two of the judges: 2022 Showcase Finalist and member of Donnie and the Dry Heavers, Chancellor Lawson and country music singer-songwriter and regional favorite, Momma Molasses.
The winners of the Kingsport qualifying round advance to a showcase event to be hosted by Visit Kingsport on February 23 at The Reserve in downtown Kingsport. Seven showcase finalists from across the state will earn prizes, including performing at the historic Bluebird Cafe, a one-year-membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a branded commemorative guitar.
A state statute designated the last full week of February each year as Tennessee Songwriters Week, which is traditionally a slow month for tourism and travel. Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues and songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues.
