PETOSKEY — For the second consecutive year, Michigan’s own Eliza Thorp has secured a spot as a finalist in the prestigious Telluride Troubadour Competition.
The Petoskey-based singer-songwriter, known for her soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, expressed her excitement and gratitude in an exclusive interview about her recent accomplishment.
“I’m so very excited about it. I just submitted again thinking there was no way they’d let me do this two years in a row,” Thorp exclaimed. “I couldn’t believe it when I got the email announcing I was a finalist again this year.”
Thorp submitted her songs “Superhero” and “Learning to Fall” for consideration in the Colorado-based competition, with “Superhero” earning the nod from the judges. (Scroll down to watch the “Superhero” video.)
“I have no idea who the judges are, but I guess it resonated with some of the people that listened to it, which is really cool,” said the pianist and singer.
The Telluride Troubadour Competition, which takes place annually in Telluride, Colo., showcases emerging talent from across the nation alongside the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. She’ll join nine other finalists from across the country for the June 20-23 competition.
Thorp highlighted the significance of being chosen as a finalist for the second year, noting she really didn’t think she would be a finalist in consecutive years.
Describing her experience at the competition last year, Thorp emphasized the supportive atmosphere among fellow musicians.
“There were 10 of us, and it was really nice to be around and meet the other finalists,” she recalled. “We all knew we were unique in our own ways, and it was nice that no one was really competitive about anything. Everyone was very supportive through the whole process.”
The competition’s preliminary rounds are held on a community stage, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the performances. Thorp shared her anticipation for the upcoming event, where she will perform her submitted songs in the initial round.
“It feels really cool to be representing Michigan,” Thorp said, expressing pride in her home state. “When I was looking at the list, I was hoping to see some other Michiganders, but I’m proud to be representing our state again this year.”
Beyond the thrill of competition, Thorp sees the event as a chance to connect with fellow musicians and gain insight into their creative processes. “I think it’s a great opportunity to meet other singer-songwriters throughout the country and make those connections,” she said.
In addition to Thorp, finalists for 2024 are Jeff Cramer (Denver, Colo.), Eliza Edens (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Martin Gilmore (Englewood, Colo.), Madison Hughes (Jacksonville, Fla.), Eva Rose King (Fort Collins, Colo.), Racyne Parker (Westminster, Colo.), Eugenia Riot (Portland, Ore.), Mike Stocksdale (Culver City, Calif.) and Andy Sydow (Nashville, Tenn.).
As she gears up for another chapter in her musical journey by taking the national stage once again, Thorp continues to captivate Michigan audiences with her heartfelt performances and unwavering passion for music.
She’ll perform May 16 at Chapel of Our Guardian Angel in Petoskey (along with Robin Lee Berry and Charlie Millard Band) and May 18 at a Williamston house concert (with Millard and Elisabeth Pixley-Fink).
She’ll also be part The Alluvion in Traverse City’s “Tip O The Mitt Songwriters Night” on May 24. That 7:30 p.m. show will also feature Lara Fullford, Kevin Johnson and Sean Miller. Tickets are $20 in advance and available online at thealluvion.org.