Zach Maberry

The finals are held LIVE at the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival on Saturday, May 18 at 11:30 a.m. in Richardson, TX The 2024 award-winning Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest encourages the growth of the art of independent performing songwriters in the genres of Americana, Blues, Celtic, Country, Folk, Rock, Pop, Rap, Jazz, Bluegrass, etc. For over 20 years the contest has created an experience for finalists that provides networking opportunities amongst some of the top songwriters in the nation, live performances at the festival over the course of the weekend, and the chance to be a part of an historical experience. Previous contest finalists include Ruthie Foster, Beth Wood, Karen Mal, Grace Pettis, Dave Carter, Louise Mosrie, BettySoo, Matt Harlan, Nicolette Good, RJ Cowdery, Drew Kennedy, Matthew Thomas and Tom Faulkner. Judging is based on originality, lyrics, melody, harmonic structure, and other song-craft elements.