About the “Vic Awards”

The Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards were established in 2016 to celebrate and amplify the creative voices of the Athens songwriting community. The awards, which carry a cash prize, are named in honor of Vic Chesnutt, an internationally renowned singer-songwriter from Athens, and are presented by The Rotary Club of the Classic City of Athens (Classic City Rotary). 

Each year, the awards and ceremony are coordinated by a steering committee of musicians and Athens-area professionals, as well as Classic City Rotary members. Additionally, the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards Advisory Board includes Tina Chesnutt, David Lowery, Patterson Hood, and Cindy Wilson. 

Online nominations are accepted annually, both from the community and self nominations. Eligible submissions must have been released in the previous calendar year, and the artist must reside in Athens-Clarke County or a neighboring county. 

Finalists and winners are chosen by a panel of music industry experts, and finalists perform their nominated song live at the annual Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards Show. The winner is announced at the show and receives a $1,500 cash prize. Winners also receive studio recording time from Amplify at Nuci’s Space, a photo shoot from Jason Thrasher, and a publicity and radio promotion campaign, courtesy of Team Clermont and owners Bill Benson and Nelson Wells. Each finalist also receives a cash prize. 

Past winners and finalists credit the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards for helping support their artistic efforts and serving as a catalyst for their musical careers. 

The Rotary Club of the Classic City of Athens (Classic City Rotary) is proud to host the awards and related events which honor the songwriting talent in our area, help promote and support local arts, and raise funds and awareness for a variety of community projects and organizations.