One of the most anticipated events of late summer and early fall is Songs by the Brook, the free music series held in Alcoa’s Springbrook Park. The series was launched in 2014 and has been presented annually since — except when COVID struck — under the auspices of the Maryville-Alcoa-Blount County Parks and Recreation Commission. It consists of three concerts, each featuring two to three artists, offered every two weeks.
Phil Eakins, who spent 47 years with Parks and Recreation, had the idea to start the series as a way to give something back to the community while also showcasing the scenic surroundings of the park and its trails. “Springbrook Park is a perfect setting for our series,” he said. “With the stage located along the creek in a wooded area of the park, it gives the effect of a natural amphitheater.”
Songs by the Brook set a high bar in terms of anticipation and expectations from the very beginning, winning a statewide four-star award for special events programming from the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association. “I feel that we have maintained a high level of talent since the very beginning,” Eakins said. “As a result, that quality and consistency has come to be expected. Our audiences are more concerned with the dates of the shows than they are on which artists will be performing.”
Following Eakins’ retirement in 2025, the responsibility for booking the concerts fell to his son, Tommie John, a musician himself. It’s no small responsibility. In past years, the series has gained an enviable reputation for presenting artists of both local and national standing — among them Sam Lewis, R.B. Morris, Greg Horne, Robinella, Ian Thomas and the Band of Drifters, Pistol Creek Catch of the Day, Jonathan Byrd and the Pick-Up Cowboy, and the Dirty Dougs. In fact, the series has proved so popular with artists seeking return bookings that those requests often must be turned down, because the three shows can accommodate only a set number of performers.
As in the past, this year’s lineup consists of an ideal mix of musicians. The concerts are as follows:
Michael Reno Harrell is a well-known, award-winning songwriter, storyteller, and entertainer from the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Known for blending humor, heartfelt stories, and Americana music, he has performed at major festivals across the U.S. and is widely respected for his gift of connecting with audiences through song and storytelling.
Cherokee Hope is an East Tennessee singer-songwriter whose music draws from country, folk, and Appalachian influences. Her performances are known for authentic storytelling, strong vocals, and songs that reflect faith, family, and life in the mountains.
The Drift Boat Cowboys are a Blount County band that blends the sounds of Americana, outlaw country, bluegrass, and roots rock. Formed in 2016, the group has built a regional following through energetic live performances, rich harmonies, and songs inspired by freedom, resilience, and Appalachian life.
Will Shepard, an East Tennessee musician and performer, is known for combining country, rock, and Americana influences. His engaging stage presence and versatile musicianship have made him a popular performer throughout the region.
110 in the Shade has established a reputation for delivering a mix of classic rock, country favorites, and crowd-pleasing dance music. The band’s high-energy performances and wide-ranging song selection have made it a favorite at festivals, community events, and local venues.
Brady Turner, an East Tennessee singer-songwriter, cites an impressively wide range of influences. His original songs focus on relatable stories, personal experiences, and melodic songwriting, earning him a growing audience in the Southeast.
Jon Foulk, a Tennessee-based songwriter, keyboardist, and recording artist, makes music that combines Southern rock, country, and personal storytelling through themes of faith, redemption, and family. In addition to sharing stages with several nationally known acts, he has made a point of performing with regional ensembles.
Elijah Wyatt is a singer-songwriter known for his blend of Americana, country, and acoustic influences. His approach emphasizes honest lyrics, strong musicianship, and storytelling that reflects everyday experiences and his own personal journey.
Songs by the Brook takes place Thursdays, Aug. 13, Aug. 27 and Sept. 10, 2026, at Springbrook Park, 1561 Dalton Street, Alcoa. Concerts run from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, and food vendors will be on site. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts move indoors to the Springbrook Recreation Center.
For more information, go to www.parksrec.com.
