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 Cyndy Montgomery Reeves congratulates Annie Robinette and Jonathan Dean Snellings the Grand Prize winners in the competition.

   It was 'standing room only' for the first Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival, Songwriting Competition Finale and Awards Presentation, which took place in the Magnolia Room at the Edgewater Hotel.

 “These two hours turned out to be the most awesome evening of entertainment!” remarked Cyndy Montgomery Reeves, SMSWF Founder and Festival Director.

  “It was an incredible evening," said Karen E. Reynolds, host and program director for Writers Block on WDVX. "Not only were all of the finalists incredibly talented songwriters, but the Magnolia Room was packed beyond capacity. Even with extra seats added, people lined the walls and were spilling out into the hall."

   A panel of judges made up of music industry professionals helped make the competition a quality event. Judges included: Karen E. Reynolds-Professional Singer/Songwriter, Music Industry Consultant; Barbara Cloyd-Hit Songwriter, Owner of Ready for The Row and host for the famous Bluebird’s Café;  Chris Oglesby-formerly of BMG Publishing, Publisher and Owner of Oglesby Writer Management;  Scott Southworth-Award Winning Songwriter and host of the Music Row Show on WSM in Nashville; PJ Steelman-Grammy Nominated Songwriter and Producer; Kathrine Weeks-Professional Songwriter, Concert Promoter and President of GyrlGroove; Lee Mayer-Concert Promoter, Artist Management, Booking Agent and Producer, President/Owner of Houla Entertainment; and John Condrone-Grammy Nominated and Dove Award Winner Singer/Songwriter.

   The GRAND PRIZE WINNER of the competition was Jonathan Dean Snellings from Knoxville, with his song, "CAN'T HIDE CRAZY". Dean also took home the LISTENER’S CHOICE award for the same song.   Overall Top of the Line Winner – “Hanging On” written by Annie Robinette, Bristol, TN; Overall Finalist – “These” Mason Jars” written by Regan and Tekeesha Odom of Bakersville, NC; and Overall Runner Up -  “Love’s No Accident” written by Mitch Townley, Knoxville, TN.  Additional category winners include:

   Bluegrass Category Winner - "Keep it Simple", Top of the Line"- "Why", Finalist "Let em Fly", all three written by Dan Heimsoth, Cary NC; Runner -up "Appalachian Mountains" by Dave Maggard, Sevierville, TN. 

   Country Category Winner - "Can't Hide Crazy" by Jonathan Dean Snellings, Knoxville, TN; Top of the Line - "Mason Jars" by Regan and Takeesha Odom, Bakersville NC; Finalist - "Love's No Accident" by Mitch Townley Knoxville, TN; Runner Up- "All I Really Want" by Jonathan Dean Snellings, Knoxville, TN.

   Gospel/Inspirational Category Winner: "They Didn't Know Who They Were Fooling With" by Earnest Vaughn, Cincinnati, OH; Top of the Line - "Prayer (The Steering Wheel Song)" by Mitch Townley, Knoxville, TN - Finalist - "Distance" by Scott Parker, Oliver Springs, TN; Runner Up - "All I Really Want to Know " by Annie Robbinette, Bristol, TN.

   Pop Rock Folk Category Winner: "Hanging On" by Annie Robbinette, Bristol, TN; Top of the Line - "Right Before My Eyes" by Wyatt Easterling, Nashville, TN; Finalist - "Mess of Your Heart"; Runner Up - "Away" both by Tom Paisley, Birmingham AL.

   Lyrics Only Category Winner: "Unmarked Grave" by Peter Gilman, Cullowhee, NC; Top of the Line - "The River" by Logan Heinzelman, Mt. Dora, FL; Finalist - "America's Pastime" by David Haley Lauver, Knoxville, TN; Runner- Up - "Mama's Don't Lie" by Rhonda Champion, Sevierville, TN.

"On behalf of the SMSWF, we would like to extend our congratulations to the overall winners, as well as, all of the songwriters who entered this year’s competition,” said  Reynolds.  “They are all winners for getting involved and placing their songs in our trust,” she added. 

  The second annual Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is set for Aug. 15-18, 2013, and will once again take place in downtown Gatlinburg,TN. Submission dates for the 2013 Songwriters Competition are expected to be announced in early December of this year. 

   Keep up with all of the festival news and announcements by visiting www.smswf.com or follow us on our Facebook page at  http://facebook.com/smswf