[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ inner_shadow=”on” fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#eeeff2 33%|rgba(238,239,242,0) 52%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#eeeff2″ background_color_gradient_start_position=”33%” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(238,239,242,0)” background_color_gradient_end_position=”52%” background_enable_image=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”WILDFLOWER! ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR AL JOHNSON PERFORMING SONGWRITER CONTEST” subhead=”TOP 10 FINALISTS” text_orientation=”center” button_one_text=”SONGWRITER CONTEST” button_one_url=”https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/songwriter-contest\/” button_two_text=”SONGWRITER WORKSHOP” button_two_url=”https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/songwritingworkshop\/” content_max_width=”600px” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Rubik|700||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#d806b2″ title_font_size=”17px” title_letter_spacing=”4px” title_line_height=”1.3em” content_font=”Adamina||||||||” content_text_color=”#000000″ content_font_size=”18px” subhead_font=”Markazi Text|700|||||||” subhead_text_align=”center” subhead_text_color=”#000000″ subhead_font_size=”81px” subhead_line_height=”1.5em” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 50%|rgba(255,255,255,0.7) 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_start_position=”50%” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(255,255,255,0.7)” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_center” background_vertical_offset=”-100%” background_blend=”hard-light” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_size=”16px” button_one_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_one_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_one_bg_image=”https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/BlueBackground.jpg” button_one_border_width=”5px” button_one_border_color=”rgba(210,159,104,0)” button_one_border_radius=”100px” button_one_letter_spacing=”0px” button_one_font=”Rubik|700|||||||” button_one_use_icon=”off” custom_button_two=”on” button_two_text_size=”16px” button_two_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_two_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_two_bg_image=”https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/BlueBackground.jpg” button_two_border_width=”5px” button_two_border_color=”rgba(210,159,104,0)” button_two_border_radius=”100px” button_two_letter_spacing=”0px” button_two_font=”Rubik|700|||||||” button_two_use_icon=”off” background_layout=”light” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”714px” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0vw||0vw|||” child_mix_blend_mode=”difference” hover_enabled=”0″ subhead_font_size_tablet=”” subhead_font_size_phone=”30px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” title_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ subhead_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.22em” subhead_text_shadow_color=”#FFFFFF” button_one_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_style_button_one=”preset6″ button_one_border_radius_hover=”100px” button_two_border_radius_hover=”100px” button_one_bg_color_hover=”#ff8a70″ button_two_bg_color_hover=”#ff8a70″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_border_radius__hover=”100px” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_border_radius__hover=”100px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_bg_color__hover=”#ff8a70″ button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_bg_color__hover=”#ff8a70″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival is proud to announce the Top 10 Finalists<\/strong> for the 2026 Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest<\/strong>, an award-winning program that celebrates the art and craft of original songwriting and honors the legacy of longtime contest champion Al Johnson.<\/p>\n \n Selected from hundreds of entries submitted by independent songwriters across the country, these finalists represent exceptional talent in storytelling, musicianship, and live performance. Each finalist was chosen through a blind screening process by a panel of industry professionals, ensuring a fair and highly competitive selection.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest is one of the most meaningful traditions of our festival. It honors not just the craft of songwriting, but the courage it takes to share your story on stage. These finalists represent the heart of what Wildflower! is all about\u2014authentic music, emerging voices, and unforgettable moments,\u201d said Dianna Lawrence, Superintendent of Community Events and Festival Director for the City of Richardson.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Bud Bierhaus, Katy, Texas <\/p>\n The Top 10 finalists will perform live on the Singer-Songwriter Stage<\/strong> during the festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026<\/strong>, where they will each perform two original songs for a live audience and judging panel. Finalists are evaluated equally on song quality and performance, highlighting both songwriting craft and stage presence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to competing for top honors, finalists receive:<\/p>\n Winners of the contest will be awarded cash prizes and exclusive performance opportunities, continuing a tradition that has helped elevate emerging artists and connect them with new audiences.<\/p>\n The Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest has become a cornerstone of Wildflower!\u2019s programming, fostering the growth of independent songwriters for more than two decades and offering a platform for artists to share original work in an intimate, performance-focused setting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Held annually in Richardson, Texas, the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival is one of North Texas\u2019 most celebrated live music events, drawing thousands of attendees for a weekend of live performances, art, and community experiences.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What:<\/strong> Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest Finals The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival takes place May 15\u201317, 2026, in Richardson, Texas. Festival passes and single-day tickets are now on sale. For ticket information, event details, and a full lineup of performances, follow on social media or visit the official festival website at www.wildflowerfestival.com<\/a><\/p>\n Past contest finalists include Katrina Cain, 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.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Staff” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”2843.6px” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Title Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Rubik|500|||||||” 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gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” padding_top_bottom_link_1=”true” padding_top_bottom_link_2=”true” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_fullwidth=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0C71C3″ background_image=”https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Podcaster-31.png” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”120px|80px|120px|10%” custom_padding_tablet=”|10%||10%||true” custom_padding_phone=”|10%||10%||true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” padding_tablet=”|10%||10%||true” padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding__hover=”|||” padding_phone=”|10%||10%||true”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Adamina|500|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” quote_font=”||||||||” header_font=”Adamina||||||||” header_2_font=”Rubik|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”Rubik|700||on|||||” header_5_letter_spacing=”5px” header_5_line_height=”1.2em” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_layout=”dark” max_width=”600px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”|||-34px||” custom_margin_tablet=”|70px||70px” custom_margin_phone=”|50px||50px” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”13px|10px|10px|40px|false|false” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”30px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_all=”#ff9c02″ border_width_left=”8px” locked=”off” inline_fonts=”Sacramento” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “Many people can write a song, however, it is a truly brave person who will expose themselves by putting their song down on paper, then stand in front of the world and sing it for all to hear!”<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Sacramento||||||||” text_font_size=”32px” text_line_height=”2em” text_orientation=”right” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n – Al Johnson<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_start=”#ff7355″ background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(255,115,85,0.6)” background_image=”https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Picture-of-Al.jpg” custom_padding=”120px|10%|120px|80px” custom_padding_tablet=”|10%||10%||true” custom_padding_phone=”|10%||10%||true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” padding_tablet=”|10%||10%||true” 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header_3_font_size_phone=”14px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2e1ca0a8-a515-4ca3-8814-65eea4b82393″ text_font=”||||||||” text_line_height=”1.9em” min_height=”344px” custom_margin=”||0px|||” custom_padding=”||24px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”13px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival is proud to announce the Top 10 Finalists for the 2026 Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest, an award-winning program that celebrates the art and craft of original songwriting and honors the legacy of longtime contest champion Al Johnson. Selected from hundreds of entries submitted by independent songwriters across the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":12017,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"iawp_total_views":199,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26,21,22,23],"tags":[633,881,1386,1383,1384,58,1388,1382,1380,1379,1223,1387,30,158,159,52,1381,29],"class_list":["post-12014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-al-johnson-performing-songwriter-contest","category-blog","category-entertainment","category-news","tag-al-johnson","tag-al-johnson-performing-songwriter-contest","tag-alicia-stockman","tag-ben-reneer","tag-branlin-shockey","tag-city-of-richardson","tag-eisemann-center-for-performing-arts","tag-jeff-hewitt","tag-jerome-goosman","tag-michelle-raybourn","tag-paul-demer","tag-reed-waddle","tag-richardson","tag-singer","tag-songwriter","tag-songwriter-contest","tag-stephanie-sammons","tag-wildflower-arts-music-festival"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12014","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12014"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12014\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12038,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12014\/revisions\/12038"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12014"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12014"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12014"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
2026 Top 10 Finalists:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Paul Demer, Dallas, Texas
Jerome Goosman, Nashville, Tennessee
Jeff Hewitt, Garland, Texas
Michelle Raybourn, Nashville, Tennessee
Ben Reneer, Phoenix, Arizona
Stephanie Sammons, Dallas, Texas
Branlin Shockey, Rockwall, Texas
Alicia Stockman, Heber City, Utah
Reed Waddle, Atlanta, Georgia<\/p>\n\n
Event Details<\/strong><\/h2>\n
When:<\/strong> Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
Where:<\/strong> Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, Singer-Songwriter Stage
Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/wildflowerfestival.com\/songwriter-contest\/<\/a><\/p>\nWildflower! arts & music festival<\/h5>\n
2026 Songwriter Finalists<\/h2>\n
5\/15\/26 @ 6:45 PM
LinkedIn<\/a>
YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/15\/26 @ 6:00 PM
Website<\/a>
YouTube<\/a>
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Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/16\/26 @ 8:15 PM<\/p>\n
Facebook<\/a>
Instagram<\/a>
Spotify<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/15\/26 @ 9:00 PM
YouTube<\/a>
Instagram<\/a>
Facebook<\/a>
Website<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/16\/26 @ 9:00 PM
Website<\/a>
YouTube<\/a>
Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/16\/26 @ 4:15 PM
Website<\/a>
YouTube<\/a>
Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/16\/26 @ 3:30 PM
Website<\/a>
Facebook<\/a>
YouTube<\/a>
Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/15\/26 @ 8:15 PM
Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/16\/26 @ 7:30 PM
Website<\/a>
YouTube<\/a>
Facebook<\/a>
Instagram<\/a>
Spotify<\/a><\/p>\n
5\/15\/26 @ 7:30 PM
Website<\/a>
YouTube<\/a>
Facebook<\/a><\/p>\nWildflower! Performing Songwriter Contest<\/span><\/h5>\n
FOUNDER<\/span><\/h1>\n
Al Johnson was a longtime supporter of the song writing community and passed away in 2017. The contest continues in his memory.<\/em><\/h6>\n
Prize Package(s) Include<\/h3>\n
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Top Ten Finalists Receive<\/h3>\n
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