August 27, 2021
Organizers of the 49th Walnut Valley Festival have announced the winners and alternates of the 2021 NewSong Showcase. The NewSong Showcase gives aspiring songwriters a chance to submit their work for review by a professional songwriter/artist, and features ten categories, including Songs about Winfield, Children, Religion/Spirit, Feelin’ Blue, Instrumental, Sweet Memories, Love Songs, Better World, Humor and None of the Above. The writers of the top songs in each category are given the opportunity to play their song onstage at the Walnut Valley Festival.
Chris Jones, writer, broadcaster, and front man for Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, serves as curator for the Showcase, coordinating with a team of reviewers in making the difficult call as to who gets top honors. Reviewers also provide feedback for the authors of all songs submitted, although that response takes a bit of time to get out to all the songwriters.
Chris Jones: “We had more entries this year than last, and the quality of submissions was exceptional. I love the process of discovering new songs, so I really appreciate the Walnut Valley Festival entrusting me with this job. I’m also grateful to the outstanding judges who lent their ears and their hearts to the often-difficult task of determining winners, and who have compiled some really valuable feedback to get out to all the writers. I’m especially thankful to the songwriters who open themselves up every year and let us hear their work and their art.”
Songs about Winfield:
Winners:
“Winfield Songs and Dreams” – Greg Johns Thursday
“This Winfield Thing” – David Parker Saturday
Alternates:
“Dirt Road” – Deann Kinsch Thursday
“Hey Water” – Terry Rayburn Saturday
Songs For a Better World:
Winners:
“New Song” – Elexa Dawson Thursday
“That Brick House North of Colfax” – Michael Shainline, Saturday
Alternates:
“Feedback Loop” – Anne Wright Thursday
“The BBQ vs the Kale Salad” – Noah Musser Saturday
Sweet Memories:
Winners:
“Polaroid Memories” – Jim McCarter Thursday
“They Don’t Make ’em Like That Anymore” – Joe Worrel Saturday
Alternates:
“Mama’s Tough Love” – Eric Smith Thursday
“Somebody Played Wildwood Flower” – Don Richmond Saturday
Religion/Spirit:
Winners:
“Open My Eyes” – Jody Nelson Thursday
“The Old Fiddler’s Christmas” – Fred Baue Saturday
Alternates:
“Healing Horizon” – Annie Wilson Thursday
“Live Your Life” – Robert Tims Saturday
Suitable For Children:
Winners:
“Runaway Nell” – Annie Wilson Thursday
“Poppin’ Corn” – Mark Heinrich Saturday
Alternates:
“Purple Bird” – Ron Fent Thursday
“Juniper Tuesday” – Brian Henke Saturday
Humorous Songs:
Winners:
“Knock Knock” – Lori Beth Wisian-Brooke Thursday
“Overalls” – Karyn Schafer and Sally Vee Saturday
Alternates:
“Crocodile Dreams” – Mark L. Heinrich Thursday
“Bluegrass, Maximilian and Me” – David Parker Saturday
Instrumental:
Winners:
“The Squirrel and the Bluejay” – Rob Loren Thursday
“Sugar Bottom Rag” – Gary Mortensen Saturday
Alternates:
“Matching Socks” – Lauralyn Bodle Thursday
“Last of the Cyclopes” – Noah Musser Saturday
Love Songs:
Winners:
“The Orchard” – John Depew Thursday
“Glad We Came” – Elexa Dawson Saturday
Alternates:
“Our Forever’s a Little Bit Late” – Annie Wilson Thursday
“Ode to Odette” – R Gene Collier Saturday
Feelin’ Blue:
Winners:
“I’ve Lost You” – Joe Worrell Thursday
“Under Your Moon” – Tim Fast Saturday
Alternates:
“Missed Too Many Moons” – Annie Wilson Thursday
“Gone” – Jim Campbell Saturday
None of the Above:
Final Winners:
“Mister Would You Help Me” – Don Richmond Thursday
“Redemption” – Derrick Mears Saturday
Alternates:
“Midnight Train” – Kevin Corbett Thursday
“Water into Wine” – Joe Worrell Saturday