EmiSunshine Performing at Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival in Gatlinburg

The sounds of some of the biggest hits in country, gospel and bluegrass music will resonate through the streets of Gatlinburg when the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival comes to town Aug. 19–23, 2015. The festival will feature over 130 acts of songwriters and musicians who have shaped the top Billboard charts for generations as well as those just getting started in the music industry.

Headliners at this year’s songwriters festival are Stella Parton of the legendary Parton Family; Benjy Gaither, son of Bill and Gloria Gaither; and Scott Reeves from the ABC hit TV show “Nashville.”

There will also be a specially ticketed performance from 10-year-old singing sensation EmiSunshine, featured at The Grand Ole Opry, on the Today Show and currently on tour in the United States. Tickets are available online.

The fourth year for the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival, it offers more than 100 free concerts at various locations throughout Gatlinburg to music lovers who want to come and hear their favorite songs performed by the musicians who originally wrote them. It also provides aspiring artists and songwriters the chance to participate in co-writing events, songwriting workshops and critiquing sessions with hall of fame songwriters.

“This really is a music event unlike any other in the Southeast,” said Cyndy Montgomery Reeves, festival director and founder. “This festival offers the chance for people to come and hear their favorite songs performed by the original writers and learn the backstories and meanings behind the songs. It truly is a personal event with the writers.”

Hit songwriters performing at the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival include:

• Kim Williams, Country Music Hall of Fame writer who has written hit songs for Garth Brooks, George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Reba McEntire
• Mark Nesler, writer of “Just to See You Smile” by Tim McGraw
• Danny Wells, writer of “Check Yes or No” by George Strait
• Wil Nance, writer of “She’s Everything” by Brad Paisley
• Chris Wallin, writer of “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
• Bobby Tomberlin, writer of “One More Day” by Diamond Rio
• Steve Dorff, writer of “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait
• Tony Mullins, writer of “How Forever Feels” by Kenny Chesney

Official sponsors for the 2015 Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival are Sugarlands Distilling Company, The Historic Gatlinburg Inn, Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill, 107.7 WIVK FM, Sound Biscuit Productions, Smoky Mountain Money Savers, Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bose, The Comedy Barn, Highland Brewing Company, Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery, Cabins of the Smoky Mountains and Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill.