JON CORY BROOKS
SAMI RIGGS
JON CORY BROOKS
SAMI RIGGS
BE THERE TO VOTE!
SHOWDOWN
Finalists
JON CORY BROOKS
SAMI RIGGS
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. •
Nov./ Dec. 2025 • Our Brown County 63