~story and photos by Mandi Rainwater
Four talented singer-songwriters will take the stage at the Brown County Playhouse on November 15, 2025, to compete in the finals for the Songwriter Showdown. The annual competition, organized by the Brown County Music Association and Rainwater Studios with support from the Indiana Donor Network, spotlights rising original artists.
The winner receives $1,500. If they produce an album within the coming year, they also get a robust album release package that includes 500 pressed CDs designed by Brenton Marketing, professional photography by Tom Preston, and a Facebook marketing campaign managed by Dave Watson. The winner will also open the 2026 Amplify Nashville concert at the Brown County Music Center and open for a future touring act at the Brown County Playhouse. Here’s a closer look at this year’s finalists.
DAVID SISSON
David Sisson’s roots stretch deep in the hills and hollers of Brown County. His great-grandparents raised 18 children here, and he’s a proud graduate of Brown County High School.
Sisson’s music is best described as authentic roots Americana with bluegrass undertones. His sound is inspired in large part by local legend Frank Jones, who gave him his first guitar lessons. “Frank has been super generous with his knowledge and time over the years,” Sisson says.
Sisson has written around 30 original songs, many of which are collaborations with Sam Love. If he takes home the prize, he hopes to finish and release a full-length solo debut album.
“For me, my main goal is to just get my album out there where people can enjoy it,” he says.
You can find David Sisson on Facebook and hear more of his work on the Rainwater Studios YouTube channel.
STEVE HICKMAN
A familiar face in the Brown County music scene, Steve Hickman’s raw, soulful country is gritty and genuine. His gravelly voice and lived-in lyrics carry hard-earned wisdom.
Hickman is a prolific songwriter with thousands of songs penned and about 30 that regularly appear in his setlists. Hickman frequently plays in and around Brown County, both solo and with his band Hickman and The Hard Knocks.
With the support of his fans, Hickman placed in the 2024 Showdown finals and tied for the win in Rainwater Studios’ Take the Stage competition in 2023.
After a tree destroyed his home earlier this year, the community rallied behind Hickman, raising funds to help him rebuild. If he wins the Showdown, he plans to use part of the prize to cover ongoing expenses associated with that project. Hickman also has his sights set on a future album.
Follow Steve Hickman on Facebook, and find his album Moral Dilemma on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.
JON CORY BROOKS
Jon Cory Brooks spent most of his life out west in Colorado and Wyoming, but relocated in 2024 to Owen County, Indiana. He brings an alternative country sound with folk influences to the stage. Brooks started playing guitar at 13 and began writing songs in his 20s. He placed in the top 10 in a statewide songwriting competition in Wyoming.
Brooks recorded a lo-fi EP in 2023 on a reel-to-reel at a friend’s house, embracing a vintage tone that captures the authenticity of his songwriting. If he wins the Showdown, Brooks plans to make full use of the prize package to release a new album.
You can find Jon Cory Brooks and his band West Fork Revival on Instagram. His EP TV Cowboy is available on all streaming platforms.
SAMI RIGGS
Sami Riggs faithfully makes the trek from Dry Ridge, Kentucky, to compete in the Songwriter Showdown. Originally a last-minute alternate stepping in for another competitor, Riggs quickly established her place as one of the most popular songwriters on the stage, delivering a catchy blend of country-folk and acoustic pop, rooted in storytelling.
Riggs began performing publicly at the age of 12, alongside her guitar teacher, and was booking solo shows by 15. In high school and college, she began finding her voice as a songwriter.
Today, she has over 20 original songs in her repertoire. Riggs released a three-song EP in August.
“If I win,” she says, “I’d definitely reinvest it into recording some of my stuff that’s unreleased.” Some of her fan favorites from the Showdown, like “Blue Collar” and “Break the Cycle” are still unrecorded.
Learn more about Sami Riggs at SamiRiggs.com and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
BE THERE TO VOTE!
The winner is determined solely by audience voting. Come support these talented songwriters and cast your ballot for the winner of the Songwriter Showdown. For tickets, browncountyplayhouse.org 812-988-6555.