2024 Singer-Songwriter Competition Finals
Friday, Jul. 19 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)
CompetitionsSinger-Songwriter
Perennial Acorn fan favorite Singer-Songwriter Competition Finals returns for its 12th consecutive year to The Acorn. A panel of esteemed judges and our beloved Acorn audience will participate as six finalists take the stage for this thrilling performance, with the field narrowing to the 'top three' artists over the course of two rounds.
Acorn favorite Peter Carey will be our host and emcee for the evening.
The final vote and ultimate champion is audience choice, so be prepared to be dazzled, choose a favorite and cast your vote.
This concert serves as our next recording partnership activity with 88.1 WVPE Public Radio which will air in a future "The Sauce Live from The Acorn" broadcast on WVPE! We'll be capturing LIVE footage at the show - come get in on the action!
The Finalists
Alex Austin
Alex Austin is a singer-songwriter hailing from Wayland, Michigan. Also the leader of the West Michigan band, Deerfield Run, Alex writes and sings strong original songs designed to pull at the heart strings and make you think. His debut solo album, Nobody's Home, was released in February 2024, with a live EP scheduled for release in April 2024.
Alex Austin is a singer-songwriter hailing from Wayland, Michigan. Also the leader of the West Michigan band, Deerfield Run, Alex writes and sings strong original songs designed to pull at the heart strings and make you think. His debut solo album, Nobody's Home, was released in February 2024, with a live EP scheduled for release in April 2024.
Hannah Baird
Hannah Baird is a songwriter from St. Joseph, Michigan. She’s been writing in some capacity (poetry, stories, songs, etc.) for the past 10-15 years, but really started pouring into music in college. Hannah credits music as being mainly her way of processing life and the journey of growing and healing and discovering and becoming.
Hannah Baird is a songwriter from St. Joseph, Michigan. She’s been writing in some capacity (poetry, stories, songs, etc.) for the past 10-15 years, but really started pouring into music in college. Hannah credits music as being mainly her way of processing life and the journey of growing and healing and discovering and becoming.
Emily Barnes
With a voice that cuts to the bone and songs that pull on the heart strings, Emily Barnes has the ability to turn any room into a listening room. With a diverse four albums and many miles under her belt, Barnes is a seasoned singer-songwriter who continues to build a grassroots following from city to small town, one new believer at a time. For the past 10 years Barnes has been touring nationally performing her original songs and has had the honor of performing stages such as Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition, Showcase Artist for Folk Alliance, Blast on the Bay Emerging Songwriter, and Whitefish Songwriter's Contest finalist.
With a voice that cuts to the bone and songs that pull on the heart strings, Emily Barnes has the ability to turn any room into a listening room. With a diverse four albums and many miles under her belt, Barnes is a seasoned singer-songwriter who continues to build a grassroots following from city to small town, one new believer at a time. For the past 10 years Barnes has been touring nationally performing her original songs and has had the honor of performing stages such as Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition, Showcase Artist for Folk Alliance, Blast on the Bay Emerging Songwriter, and Whitefish Songwriter's Contest finalist.
Sadie Gustafson-Zook
Every time Sadie Gustafson-Zook carves a linoleum block, sews a pencil case out of scraps, or admires the way the ink in her Pilot G-2 glides over her journal, she thinks, “I should be doing this all the time.” The act of creating something tangible is the air Sadie breathes. Her songwriting is the same- weaving an internal dialogue, the stories she tells herself, warm melodies and clever chords into something real, something she can physically feel with her hands and her throat. And chances are that you’ll be able to feel them too. Based in Goshen, Indiana, Sadie’s songs have been endorsed by some of the most respected songwriting contests from across the country, winning Kerrville Folk Festival’s 2022 New Folk Contest (as well as placing as a finalist in 2020), earning second place at the Rocky Mountain Folk Fest’s Songwriter Showcase, and winning first place at the NewSong + LEAF Songwriting Contest. Sadie has been featured on the Basic Folk podcast and on Folk Alley.
Every time Sadie Gustafson-Zook carves a linoleum block, sews a pencil case out of scraps, or admires the way the ink in her Pilot G-2 glides over her journal, she thinks, “I should be doing this all the time.” The act of creating something tangible is the air Sadie breathes. Her songwriting is the same- weaving an internal dialogue, the stories she tells herself, warm melodies and clever chords into something real, something she can physically feel with her hands and her throat. And chances are that you’ll be able to feel them too. Based in Goshen, Indiana, Sadie’s songs have been endorsed by some of the most respected songwriting contests from across the country, winning Kerrville Folk Festival’s 2022 New Folk Contest (as well as placing as a finalist in 2020), earning second place at the Rocky Mountain Folk Fest’s Songwriter Showcase, and winning first place at the NewSong + LEAF Songwriting Contest. Sadie has been featured on the Basic Folk podcast and on Folk Alley.
Sam Robbins
Sam Robbins is often described as an "old soul singer songwriter." A nationally touring musician whose music evokes classic singer songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona. An avid performer, he has gained recognition from extensive national touring, as one of the six 2021 winners of the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition, and as one of the four Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s “Most Wanted” in 2023. Leading songwriting workshops and exciting performances across the country, Sam Robbins has gained a reputation as one of the brightest rising stars in the national folk music community.
Sam Robbins is often described as an "old soul singer songwriter." A nationally touring musician whose music evokes classic singer songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona. An avid performer, he has gained recognition from extensive national touring, as one of the six 2021 winners of the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition, and as one of the four Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s “Most Wanted” in 2023. Leading songwriting workshops and exciting performances across the country, Sam Robbins has gained a reputation as one of the brightest rising stars in the national folk music community.
Andy Sydow
Americana/folk singer-songwriter Andy Sydow is a jack-of-all-trades. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist who's lyrics paint a picture of poetic realism, the Nashville based, Colorado native tours consistently both solo and with a backing band. Throughout the course of a show he’s known to croon an audience with acoustic guitar ballads, sing a few numbers on his lap steel, and even sit down at the keys to show off his surprising boogie-woogie piano chops. Andy has had the chance to open for acts such as Chuck Prophet, Lucero, Brett Dennen, Shane Smith & The Saints, and Anders Osborne. He was also named a finalist in the Telluride Troubadour Contest (2024), LEAF Songwriter Contest (2024), Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Competition (2023 & 2021), Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Songwriter Competition (2023), and International Songwriting Competition (2021). This fall, Sydow will release Night Skin, a full length album produced by Anders Osborne. Recorded at Dockside Studio in Maurice, LA, Mike Dillon and Casandra Faulconer contributed percussion and bass.
Americana/folk singer-songwriter Andy Sydow is a jack-of-all-trades. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist who's lyrics paint a picture of poetic realism, the Nashville based, Colorado native tours consistently both solo and with a backing band. Throughout the course of a show he’s known to croon an audience with acoustic guitar ballads, sing a few numbers on his lap steel, and even sit down at the keys to show off his surprising boogie-woogie piano chops. Andy has had the chance to open for acts such as Chuck Prophet, Lucero, Brett Dennen, Shane Smith & The Saints, and Anders Osborne. He was also named a finalist in the Telluride Troubadour Contest (2024), LEAF Songwriter Contest (2024), Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Competition (2023 & 2021), Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Songwriter Competition (2023), and International Songwriting Competition (2021). This fall, Sydow will release Night Skin, a full length album produced by Anders Osborne. Recorded at Dockside Studio in Maurice, LA, Mike Dillon and Casandra Faulconer contributed percussion and bass.
The Judges
Donnie Biggins
Donnie Biggins is a singer/songwriter from Oak Park, IL. He is a member of Chicago’s The Shams Band and owner/operator of Chicago music venue, Robert’s Westside. Donnie is also the Talent Buyer for The Acorn in Three Oaks, MI. Donnie has been writing songs and performing live since 2005. He released his debut solo album, Profiles, in November 2016. The album received press and airplay from the Chicago Tribune/Chicago Now, Glide Magazine, WGN Radio, WXRT, CHIRP Radio and Radio One Chicago.
Donnie Biggins is a singer/songwriter from Oak Park, IL. He is a member of Chicago’s The Shams Band and owner/operator of Chicago music venue, Robert’s Westside. Donnie is also the Talent Buyer for The Acorn in Three Oaks, MI. Donnie has been writing songs and performing live since 2005. He released his debut solo album, Profiles, in November 2016. The album received press and airplay from the Chicago Tribune/Chicago Now, Glide Magazine, WGN Radio, WXRT, CHIRP Radio and Radio One Chicago.
Jayne Kelli & AJ Swearingen
With their siren harmonies and prolific songwriting, AJ Swearingen & Jayne Kelli's body of work has cemented them into the Americana scene, being hailed by Red Line Roots as artists “others would do well to emulate down the road." The duo achieved critical success with their independently released albums, The Marrying Kind and Cold-Hearted Truth , earning features on Gretsch Guitar, Americana Highways, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, and NY Country Swag. With songs heavily nodding to the folk and country of the '60s and '70s, they've shared the stage with legends ranging from Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers to folk icons Tom Rush and David Bromberg.The husband and wife duo’s original music is described as very song-driven and vocal-forward — an Americana acoustic blend of both folk and country. Their latest offering, Build Myself Up From the Ground, evokes nostalgia for the folk and country music of a bygone era, while forging a path distinctly its own.
With their siren harmonies and prolific songwriting, AJ Swearingen & Jayne Kelli's body of work has cemented them into the Americana scene, being hailed by Red Line Roots as artists “others would do well to emulate down the road." The duo achieved critical success with their independently released albums, The Marrying Kind and Cold-Hearted Truth , earning features on Gretsch Guitar, Americana Highways, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, and NY Country Swag. With songs heavily nodding to the folk and country of the '60s and '70s, they've shared the stage with legends ranging from Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers to folk icons Tom Rush and David Bromberg.The husband and wife duo’s original music is described as very song-driven and vocal-forward — an Americana acoustic blend of both folk and country. Their latest offering, Build Myself Up From the Ground, evokes nostalgia for the folk and country music of a bygone era, while forging a path distinctly its own.
Maggie Kubley
Maggie Kubley is a solo performer, songwriter, comedian, writer, storyteller, and video artist. She has been making her uniquely midwestern multimedia performance works for the better part of the last two decades. Kubley’s music, comedy, video works, and evening-length multimedia performance pieces have been presented at various music venues, (Lincoln Hall, Metro, Subterranean, Schubas, Constellation, Donald E Stevens Convention Center), listening rooms, storytelling events, performance salons, (Salonathon, Chicago Home Theatre Festival, CHIRP Radio’s First Taste, Chicago Cultural Center, David and Reva Logan Center for the Arts) and theatre/music events (The Fly Honey Show, Taste of Chicago) throughout Chicago. The music of Celine Neon, Maggie’s feminist-forward pop duo, has been featured in national commercials and has performed in venues throughout Chicago and Los Angeles. The Chicago Tribune described Kubley as “compelling and one-of-a-kind” and The Chicago Reader hailed her “boisterous production and infectious pop melodies.”Kubley currently serves as the owner and lead educator at Noteworthy Music School, a community-minded music school in Plymouth, IN.
Maggie Kubley is a solo performer, songwriter, comedian, writer, storyteller, and video artist. She has been making her uniquely midwestern multimedia performance works for the better part of the last two decades. Kubley’s music, comedy, video works, and evening-length multimedia performance pieces have been presented at various music venues, (Lincoln Hall, Metro, Subterranean, Schubas, Constellation, Donald E Stevens Convention Center), listening rooms, storytelling events, performance salons, (Salonathon, Chicago Home Theatre Festival, CHIRP Radio’s First Taste, Chicago Cultural Center, David and Reva Logan Center for the Arts) and theatre/music events (The Fly Honey Show, Taste of Chicago) throughout Chicago. The music of Celine Neon, Maggie’s feminist-forward pop duo, has been featured in national commercials and has performed in venues throughout Chicago and Los Angeles. The Chicago Tribune described Kubley as “compelling and one-of-a-kind” and The Chicago Reader hailed her “boisterous production and infectious pop melodies.”Kubley currently serves as the owner and lead educator at Noteworthy Music School, a community-minded music school in Plymouth, IN.
Guest Performer
Dylan Reed Leavitt
Dylan Reed Leavitt is a twenty year old singer-songwriter hailing from Valparaiso, Indiana. Since the age of thirteen, Dylan has deeply involved herself within the local music and theatre scene, and is soon to take her passion for songwriting to Berklee College of Music. Her passion for music lies not only in an appreciation for expression through sound, but in the paramount scope for advocacy that lies within it. Her original style and natural audience rapport has built her a significant following, which she strives to wield as a weapon for change. Dylan is known for poignant lyrics and tongue-in-cheek banter, and was the Winner of the 2020 Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition.
Dylan Reed Leavitt is a twenty year old singer-songwriter hailing from Valparaiso, Indiana. Since the age of thirteen, Dylan has deeply involved herself within the local music and theatre scene, and is soon to take her passion for songwriting to Berklee College of Music. Her passion for music lies not only in an appreciation for expression through sound, but in the paramount scope for advocacy that lies within it. Her original style and natural audience rapport has built her a significant following, which she strives to wield as a weapon for change. Dylan is known for poignant lyrics and tongue-in-cheek banter, and was the Winner of the 2020 Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition.
RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.
Turn your show experience into a memorable stay! The Loft at The Acorn offers a spacious, industrial-chic apartment above The Acorn theater. Click here for photos and rental information.
Box Office opens at 4:00pm ET
Starts 7:00pm, doors open 6:00pm
