NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 26, 2025 – The first of seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists, Sarrenna Johnson impressed judges, the audience and fellow songwriters on stage at The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville last night, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today. Johnson competed against 13 other songwriters to win the showcase. Six other showcase events are scheduled this week, including at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, Ole Red in Gatlinburg, Paramount Bristol in Bristol, Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Temple Theatre in Portland and The Franklin Theatre.

“I am so so excited that I get to go play the Bluebird!” says Johnson. “This was so amazing to get to go play on the Bijou stage. I was really really surprised and it was just super fun to get to be a part of a night with a bunch of different talented people.I’m really grateful. Thank you!”

Johnson advanced to The Bijou from the qualifying round held at The Laurel Theater in Knoxville. Performing her winning song “Audacity” on guitar, she showcased her raw, emotional lyrics for the audience. Though she is an experienced performer, Johnson just recently began sharing what she describes as “her confessional lyrical stylings”.

The showcase, presented by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Visit Knoxville, celebrates the craft that put Tennessee on the map: songwriting, in all genres of music.

"We’re incredibly proud to see Knoxville representing East Tennessee through the Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase at the renowned Bijou Theatre,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “Our entire region is rich with talent, and last night’s event showcased that in a way that welcomes visitors eager to experience Tennessee’s musical heritage, from iconic artists of the past to fresh new music in the present."

Each of the seven finalists earn the opportunity to perform at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March with music industry professionals, a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, two-night stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel and one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). Songwriters performed at qualifying rounds at nearly 50 venues, museums, attractions and cafes including Boyd’s Jig & Reel in Knoxville, Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points in Cleveland, Gather Coffee Lounge in Oneida, Maple Hall in Knoxville, MoCo Brewing Project in Wartburg, Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria in Knoxville, and The Laurel Theater in Knoxville to advance to the showcase event.

Judges included musician, songwriter, and owner of The Arbor Studio John T. Baker, entertainment writer, radio, and podcast host Wayne Bledsoe, entertainment journalist and Maryville College Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications Steve Wildsmith, singer-songwriter Kevin Abernathy, and Nathan Achilles with The Bluebird Cafe. Judges considered lyric originality, performance and connection with the audience.

Music has always been a part of Knoxville, and the Bijou Theatre has been at the center of that legacy. The city played a large part in Ken’ Burns Country Music Documentary on PBS Country Music. Giants Roy Acuff, Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins and Kenny Chesney are only a few of the greats who were born in the region and got their starts in Knoxville. Popular new artists from the area include Kenny Chesney, Morgan Wallen, and Kelsea Ballerini.

Many other musicians honed their skills in Knoxville just before moving on to major fame, including Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, The Louvin Brothers, Kitty Wells and The Everly Brothers. By combining perfect harmonies with the rock and roll genre, Don and Phil Everly made a global impact on popular music. It was in Knoxville that the brothers began performing as a duo, discovered rock ‘n’ roll - and met country music icon Chet Atkins. Many of the Everly Brothers’ hits were written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, a songwriting team famous for “All I Have to Do is Dream,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” and of course, “Rocky Top” - UT’s beloved fight song. Everly Park in Knoxville pays tribute to their success.
 

Singer-songwriter Evie Andrus served as host of the event. Andrus serves as president of the East Tennessee Bluegrass Association and as a graduate assistant for UTK Appalachian String Ensembles.

2024 Tennessee Songwriters Week Knoxville finalist Jacc Moran performed at the event. Moran is a singer and songwriter in the band Run 40, who are planning a new album to follow their first EP, “High Water”,which is available on streaming services. 2023 Tennessee Songwriters Week Knoxville finalist Melanie LaFoy and 2022 finalist Tyson Leamon also performed.  LaFoy’s band, nightjar, is set to release an album in the coming months, following the recent release of singles “Molecules” and “Mississippi Past Knoxville”. Leamon performed his winning song “Who I Am” from the 2022 competition, which has recently gone viral on TikTok, garnering close to 5 million views for his performance on Noah Peters’ @theesingingbarber TikTok account.

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the seventh annual Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state's musical stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception in 2019, more than 4,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on Tennessee stages during the annual celebration each February.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, Taylor Guitars, music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers. 

Follow the journey of these songwriters and join the fun by following @tnvacation on social media and #tnsongwritersweek.

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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.