TMF2026 Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest Entry Form

Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest 2026 Theme: "Tumbleweed - Thirty Years By The River.”

The Entry Form for the 2026 Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest is downloadable using the button below.

You will have until April 20, 2026, to complete and return it, along with a recording of you performing your song, a lyric sheet, and other supporting information. 

Please send your Entry Form and accompanying files  electronically, via email to tumbleweedsubmissions@gmail.com (downloaded and filled form) OR by completing the online Entry Form below OR as physical hardcopy (with accompanying CD or other storage device for your performance recording), to the 3RFS PO Box as listed on the application.

Once all songs have been submitted, a judging panel will select ten finalists and three alternates.  If you are selected as one of the ten finalists or three alternates, you will receive a confirmation in approximately mid-July.  At this time, the finalists and alternates will be asked to complete a Tech Sheet for their performance; see the “Performer Application” page for that link.

The ten finalists will perform their songs on Saturday afternoon, at the Tumbleweed Festival, for the panel of judges, who will then determine the top three winners.  In addition, there will be audience voting for “People’s Choice.”  The winner of the contest will perform their winning song on the North Stage during the Saturday night benefit concert.

The first prize winner receives $300 and the hand-crafted Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest trophy.  The second prize winner receives $150, the third prize winner receives $75, and the “People’s Choice” award-winner receives $50.  We look forward to hearing from you!

TMF2026 Online Jane Titland memorial Songwriting Contest Entry Form

TMF2026 Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest Entry Form
Tumbleweed Music Festival Generic Logo created by Thesa Grate for the 10th Anniversary of Tumbleweed.Tumbleweed Music Festival, September 4 - 6, 2026

Three Rivers Folklife Society
P.O. Box 1098, Richland, WA 99352

www.3rfs.org/tmf.htm
Email: tumbleweedmusicfestival@3rfs.net

November 2025

The Three Rivers Folklife Society is again hosting the Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest in conjunction with the 30th annual Tumbleweed Music Festival. This year's festival will begin on Friday, September 4, 2026 in Richland, Washington’s Howard Amon park, and will also have a virtual component for those performers who cannot travel to Richland.

Each year's contest features a new song topic based on the theme of the festival for that year. The festival theme for this year is Tumbleweed - Thirty Years by the River. Applications MUST be received by email, online form (below), or US mail or landcarrier by April 20, 2026.  Songwriting Contest entrants need not be Tumbleweed Music Festival participants, however we strongly urge you to apply!

To enter, you must submit (electronically or with a physical copy) a completed application, along with an audio recording of a performance (by you) of your entry song, and a lyric sheet. You may submit your application, recorded performance,and lyric sheet either electronically, to tumbleweedsubmissions@gmail.com OR by completing the Online Entry form below, or a physical copy by US mail or land carrier, addressed to Songwriting Contest, C/O 3RFS, PO Box 1098, Richland, WA 99352.  If available, we ask that you please include a biography / press kit, photos of yourself or your group, and website/social media information (including tipjar links).

Preliminary entry screening will be conducted in May and June, and ten finalists and three alternates will be notified by early July. The finalists will perform their songs live on Saturday afternoon at the Festival .  Note that if a finalist is not able to perform live at the Festival, an alternate will take their place.  Please also note that finalists are requested to provide a video of them performing their song for a songwriting contest finalist compilation that will be posted to ourvirtual festival website. (Songwriting Contest Finalists will receive a copy of our video file requirements).

The top three winners will receive the following prizes:

● First place will receive $300 and the 2026 Tumbleweed Songwriting Contest trophy.  The winner will perform their winning song during the Saturday night concert at the Festival.
●  Second place will receive $150.
● Third place will receive $75.
● The “People’s Choice” (voted on by the audience at the Saturday Songwriting Finalist’s perform-ance) will receive $50.

Rules and Procedures:

● Each competing artist or collaborating group may enter one original song in the contest.
● The song must comprise the original lyrics and melody of the writer(s).
● Songs may have been previously recorded.
● The writer(s) will retain all rights to the song.
● Writers must submit a recording and lyric sheet as instructed on the attached contest entry form.
● Songs must be performed by the writer(s), though others may perform with the writer(s).
● The submitted recording should be representative of a live performance.
● All decisions of the judging panel are final.
● Finalists must submit a video recording of their performance of their song to be considered for a prize.
● Judging criteria include, first and foremost, that the song must have original melody and lyrics, and must be on topic.

Other judging criteria:

● Flow and Rhythm
● Lyric Craft
● Melody
● Imagery
● Originality
● Emotional Impact
● Vocal Skills
● Passion and Believability
● Professionalism
● Musicianship

Photo/Video Release: If accepted as a finalist, you agree to allow your photo and the video of your performance to be used by 3RFS for publicity or grant application purposes, including traditional radio, television, and print media as well as
clips from your public social media postings.

There’s no entry fee, so why not challenge yourself?

Sincerely,

Katrina Knight, Coordinator
Tumbleweed Music Festival 2026
tumbleweedmusicfestival@3rfs.net
Phone: 509.587.3060

David Carson, Applications Coordinator
Tumbleweed Music Festival 2026 tumbleweedsubmissions@gmail.com
Phone:  509.539.8090

Please enter my/our original song in the 2026 Tumbleweed Music Festival Jane Titland Songwriting Contest, with the theme of Tumbleweed - Thirty Years by the River.

I am submitting lyrics and a recording of an original song.  I am a featured artist on the recording. The recording isrepresentative of a live performance of this song.  I certify by submission that all writing and publication rights for thissong remain solely with me, and have not been sold or contractually assigned to any other entity.  I understand that alljudging decisions are final.

If not US
Have you applied to perform at the 2026 Tumbleweed Music Festival?

Please send the following items to the festival at the email or postal addresses above by April 20, 2026  OR  Complete this online form and press the "Submit" button:

  • This form
  • Lyric sheet
  • If available, a current photo and performer bio
  • A recording that is representative of live performance. (Electronic files OR CD or thumb drive - must be separate from the recording you submit with your Tumbleweed performer application). Please title or label your recording with the songwriter’s name and the name of the song.

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Past Winners

2025 – Patrice Webb – Let’s Go Riding

2024 – Daniel James – Slow Grow

2023 – Sonya Lorelle – Whiskey Cryin’

2022 –  Eric Schaeffer – My Friend​

2021 – Laura Zucker – Sea Glass

2020 – The Go Janes – ​Who Can Name the Wind?

2019 – Katie Fitz – One Little Word​

2018 – Claudia Nygaard – Lucky Girl

2017 -Jen Hajj – Love is Everywhere

2016- Amanda Winterhalter – Shirt

2015- James Nason – ​Changing Times

2014 – Jeff Knoch  – Only A Game

2013 – Mike Murray – Cicero’s Hands

2012 – Jeff Knoch – Crossroads

2011 – Tracy Spring – The Weaver’s Loom

2010 – Tracy Spring – Long Time Gone

2009 – Mike Murray – Grandpa Held the Snakes

2008 – Karena Prater – Arlea’s Lament

2007 – Chris Roe – The Gates of Troy

2006 – Wes Weddell – Carry On

2005 – Art Hanlon – Last Sunday

2004 – Joe Jencks – On Belay

2003 – Joe Jencks – Rise as One

2002 – Larry Murante – It Just Looks that Way

2001 – Groovesmith Collective (Songwriters Jim Coleman, Mary Hartman, Janet Humphrey, and Gary White) – Power Puzzle

2000 – Bill Davie – Lone Ranger on the Moon

1999 – Six Legged Frog – To the Other Side

1998 – Larry Murante – By the Water’s Edge

1997 – Six Legged Frog – Ride the Tumbleweed