STA Songwriters Competition

Local songwriters are invited to participate in the STA Songwriters Competition in October, 2026, and those who appreciate singer-songwriters are invited to attend all four events. The contest nights are Thursdays, October 1, 8, 22, and 29, 2026.

The Events

Amy Hendrickson, a local singer-songwriter and active member of St. Augustine's music community, organized and hosted STA Songwriters Competitions over several years, with the last one taking place more than 10 years ago. Chelsea Saddler, Kat Archer, John Bailey, and Michael Jordan serve as judges.

Once the top 20 contenders are chosen, each musician will be given a slot in one of the first two weeks of the competition.

• Week 1 - October 1, 2026: Ten contestants compete by performing one song at Spinster Abbots. The judges choose five who will move forward.
• Week 2 - October 8, 2026: The other ten contestants compete, and five move forward. 
• Week 3 - October 22, 2026: The ten semi-finalists compete to win one of five slots for the finals.
• Week 4 - October 29, 2026: The five finalists compete to win first prize.

For the Audience

The public is invited to attend these four contests/concerts.

This is a "Listening Room" event. Please honor the contestants and help the judges, and keep your chatter to a minimum when a musician is onstage. Or as Hendrickson has said, "There will be shushers. We want the judges and the audience to hear every word and every note."

The Competition

• Each night, the contestants' names will be placed in a hat and drawn to determine the performance order.
• Amy has assembled a group of judges from venue managers, past contest winners, and other prominent members of St. Augustine's music community.
• Each contestant plays one original song each night, and may choose to play the same or a different original song during future rounds.

First and Second Round Winners

Attend the October 22nd event to hear these contestants in the semi-finals.

• Miryam Harbor
• Sage Trunnell
• Don Cooper
• Jeremy Price
• Riggy
• Sam Pacetti
• Denny Blue
• Marissa Christine
• Kirk Whalen
• Mathew Aiden

The Prizes

The first-place winner receives a cash prize of $2500.00 plus other considerations, including gigs at select festivals and events in the coming year. 

Event Details

Admission: $5.00 per person.

When: Thursdays, October 1, 8, 22, and 29, 2026, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Where: Spinster Abbott's Taproom, 61 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida  32084

Funding

Want to learn more and support the return of the STA Songwriters Competition? Check out their Kickstarter Page.