Kenya Reese wins America’s Mountain Festival songwriters competition

By AI, Created 4:55 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – A full house packed Tava House’s River Room in Woodland Park for the 2026 America’s Mountain Festival Songwriters Competition, where 10 original acts performed ahead of the festival’s July 11 return. Winner Kenya Reese earned a 30-minute acoustic set at the summer event, which organizers say will showcase live music, vendors and family activities at the base of Pikes Peak.

Why it matters: - The competition gave original songwriters a public stage in Woodland Park and helped build momentum for America’s Mountain Festival before its July 11, 2026 return. - A packed room at the recently opened Tava House signaled local demand for live, original music and community-centered events. - Kenya Reese’s win means a featured 30-minute acoustic set at the festival, giving an emerging artist a larger audience.

What happened: - The 2026 America’s Mountain Festival Songwriters Competition took place Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the River Room at Tava House. - Ten songwriters performed original material before a live audience and a judging panel of Ben Garcia, Dillon Hoock and Laura Buckallew. - Contestants included Sandy Wells, Jessa Book, Susan Hollis, Abbigail Nadine & jEsTeR, Lynette Wolfe, Meghan Clarisse Cave, Dennis Anderson, Dalton Lafever, Kenya Reese and Jason Wulf. - Kenya Reese won the competition. - Reese will perform a special 30-minute acoustic set during America’s Mountain Festival.

The details: - The event was presented as part of the lead-up to the second annual America’s Mountain Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Woodland Park. - Audience members filled the River Room, creating what organizers described as an intimate and enthusiastic atmosphere. - Reese’s performance centered on storytelling, emotional honesty, life experiences, reflection and resilience. - One judge said Reese’s authentic style and connection with the audience helped secure the win. - Reese said she was overwhelmed and grateful after the announcement. - Reese said her parents and brother supported her at the event, and she dedicated the song to her grandpa and mentor Keith Ferguson. - Contestants and judges received commemorative America’s Mountain Festival challenge coins. - Organizers said the competition continues a tradition tied to participation, creativity and excellence. - Heather Burrows, America’s Mountain Festival operations director and songwriter competition organizer, said the event surpassed expectations in participation and audience support. - Burrows said the Tava House team helped make the venue’s largest event to date a success. - Burrows also praised front-of-house and back-of-house staff and said guests praised the bread pudding.

Between the lines: - The event mixed competition with community-building, which helps position the festival as more than a concert series. - The strong turnout suggests the festival’s original-music pitch is resonating with local residents, visitors and artists. - By spotlighting songwriters before the main festival, organizers are creating a pipeline that can elevate performers and deepen audience loyalty.

What’s next: - America’s Mountain Festival returns July 11, 2026, at the base of Pikes Peak. - The lineup includes Aaron Watson, Walker Montgomery, Jenna Paulette, Tyce Delk and the Matt Skinner Band. - The festival will also feature vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities and additional entertainment. - Organizers said tickets and updates are available at America’s Mountain Festival and through the festival’s social channels.