These are the seven Finalists who will play live at the Second Annual Suwannee Riverkeeper Songwriting Contest, 1-5 PM, Saturday, August 24, 2019, for you and the Judges to hear, so the Judges can select the winners, at The Salty Snapper in Valdosta, GA.

“We got another awesome line up. Glad I’m not a judge,” said Sara Squires Jones, one of the Committee that selected the Finalists.

In the order we received their songs, with what they wrote about themselves:

Scott Perkins of Smyrna, GA, with Country/Folk song, “‘Till the Waters of the Suwannee Bring You Home,”

Atlanta Native Scott Perkins has been writing songs since 1974, and performing (Silver Lining Band; The Donuts, Little Perks in Paradise) all along, mostly incognito—maintaining his secret identity as a mild-mannered Pension Consultant.

Dick Grillo of Live Oak, FL, with a Folk/Country song, “Dear ‘Ol Suwannee,”

Dick Grillo has served at Advent Christian Village in various capacities since 1982, currently as Senior Director of Community and Church Outreach. His degree in music and years of experience have allowed him the opportunity to uniquely blend career skills in service to those in and around Dowling Park. This project is truly a labor of love for the community.

Jadean Jourden of Ponte Vedra, FL, with a Newgrass Bluegrass song, “Save our Suwannee,”

It is with the greatest honor and humility that I share with my Global Music Family that I have been nominated in this year’s Josie Music Awards as Vocalist of the Year in Jazz/Blues & Rising Star of the Year! josiemusicawards.com

Kyle Chamberlain and David Rodock of Adel, GA, with a funk song, “Alapaha Laphogs,”

Dirty Bird Chamberlain—valdosta-based singer songwriter and lead vocalist for the band Dirty Bird and the Flu

Norene Olsen of Hahira, GA, with a folk song, “Driftin Down the Suwannee,”

An Air Force retiree, I also was an English and science teacher at the high school and college levels. I published my first poem at 10, and subsequently published several in high school and college in local publications. Although I sing in the church choir, I have no formal music education beyond grade school and a college music appreciation class.

Sabrina Deets of Sparks, GA, with a Roots Rock sign, “Take Me To Suwannee,”

I’m a one-woman-band, been traveling all thru the midwest and southern US, and found home in the beautiful south Georgia area. Music is the air I breathe. I love all types of genres, but 60s and 70s classic rock is definitely where my heart beats. I love life and aspire to learn and create as much as possible in the short time I have on this planet.

Tom Hochschild, of Valdosta, GA, with a folk song, “Withlacoochee Watershed,”

Tom Hochschild is a singer, guitarist, and harmonica player who has entertained people throughout the eastern United States at weddings, restaurants, and festivals. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Tom grew up singing and playing guitar with his grandfather and uncles around the dinner table. He has been in numerous cover bands, and even received some interest in his original music from Universal Records. These days, Tom gives back to the community by playing music at festivals and fundraisers for social causes, such as homelessness and after school programs.

Finalists: don’t forget to show up for sound check at 11AM.