These finalists are the 2026 competition winners selected to perform at the Central Ohio Folk Festival. Meet the artists and the judges who will be on-site to select the overall winner.
Explore each finalist's bio and learn more about their music.
Aaron DeYarmon's solo performances are intimate, heartfelt Americana rooted in folk-rock and Appalachian storytelling, driven by his acoustic guitar and evocative lyrics. His shows blend personal narrative, poetic depth, and raw emotion, creating a reflective and engaging musical experience.
Elia.a.giuliani@gmail.com
Instagram: @eliagiuliani
Elia Giuliani is a singer-songwriter from Columbus, Ohio, who has been crafting melodies and lyrics for the majority of her life. Known for her acoustic style and thoughtful and descriptive lyrics, she instantly captures the emotional attention of her listeners. With notes of Ingrid Michaleson, Lizzy McAlpine and Joni Mitchell in her writing, Elia prioritizes the story and emotion first and foremost. Debut album coming Spring 2026.
evan.spooner22@gmail.com
Instagram: @spoonsongs
It turns out your high school English teacher has a guitar and a voice capable of producing sounds akin to melody. From pop-punk to Pinegrove to Pusha T, Evan's music taste is broad, stemming from a deep appreciation of thoughtful lyricism. He'll also talk to you about your favorite anime.
With her tumbling vocal stylings, powerhouse melodies, and infectious energy, Jesse Powers invites us to go deeper and drop into the profoundness of the moment. Her poignant and playful lyricism set atop catchy melodies create a musical skydiving experience—a long lyrical jump into the depths of the human heart.
Sophie Lockhart is a friend, daughter, sister, and Jesus follower who happens to write songs. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, she has called Columbus, Ohio "home" since 2022. Sophie's music is honest, creative, and straight from the heart. One of her greatest joys in life is spreading hope through song.
Chris "Topher James" Shaw found the music he loved growing up all had captivating melodies and soulful essence which has inspired him to write his own blend of folk, pop, and soul. He shares time between Shaw Brothers, Andy Shaw Band, and his band Topher James and Biscuit Brigade.
Integral to the process of showcasing these finalist singer-songwriters are the judges lending their expertise. They will be present at the festival to select the winner of the competition.
Jasey Schnaars is a Grammy-nominated, ASCAP award-winning, singer-writer out of Delaware, Ohio. He wrote the Grammy nominated song "You Are Not Alone" by the Washington Squares, and won an ASCAP award for writing Eddie Rabbitt's "Nothing Like Falling in Love". Jasey has also written for radio, television and film. His instrumental composition, "Evolution," is the theme song for the nationally syndicated television series "Songs at the Center" on PBS. Jasey has toured extensively in this country and abroad.
She is a performing singer/songwriter with multiple songs in TV/Film airing on NBC, Discovery/Velocity, TruTV, ViceLand, and AMGTV. One song made it into the first round of Dove Award nominations in 2011. Several songs have been recorded by independent artists. She has received 3 single song contracts with publishers.
Passionate about songwriting, founder of Cincinnati's Queen City Balladeers folk organization, performer in a duo that travelled 3 years and performed in 12 states and Canada, the first (early 80s) Central Ohio Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Coordinator all describe Jacque Morgan. He has also worked with multiple Nashville publishers and facilitates Jamor Productions, booking performing songwriters, and is founder and 12-year facilitator of Songwriters of Central Ohio.
From Grove City, Ohio, Keith Larsen is a Country Music Television and NSAI award winner and two time finalist. He has appeared in two seasons of American Public Television's "Songs at the Center" and has been selected for a writer's residency at Blue Rock Artist Ranch near Austin, Texas.
