Two Montgomery County artists are among the finalists competing in this year’s Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards, as Strathmore marks the competition’s 10th anniversary with a live concert and awards ceremony later this spring.
Silver Spring rapper and songwriter She-unO and Clarksburg ninth grader Saanvi Purohit were selected from a competitive field representing Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The finalists will perform original music on Friday, April 24 at 7:30pm at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, where winners will be announced following live performances and feedback from industry judges.
She-unO, an adult category finalist, has been writing music since fifth grade and brings a sound rooted in rap, R&B, and soul. Based in Silver Spring, he has spent more than a decade performing across the region and beyond, opening for nationally recognized artists and releasing multiple projects. His most recent release, (T)here, came out in 2025 and reflects his continued focus on introspective, narrative-driven songwriting.
In the youth category, Saanvi Purohit represents Clarksburg as one of the youngest finalists in the competition. A ninth grader, Purohit has been singing since early childhood and released her first single while still in middle school. Her music blends pop influences with emotionally resonant lyrics, and she is a multi-instrumentalist who plays piano, guitar, and ukulele. She has already released multiple songs, including “Did You Know?” and “Fourteen,” before the age of 15.
The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards were established in 2015 to honor outstanding local composers and lyricists, celebrating authentic storytelling across genres. This year’s finalists range from emerging teen artists to seasoned performers, reflecting the diversity and depth of the region’s songwriting community.
During the anniversary concert, adult finalists will each perform two original songs, while youth finalists will perform one. Judges will provide real-time feedback before announcing the winners. The adult grand prize includes $10,000, recording studio time, and music business consulting, while the top youth songwriter will receive $2,500.
Tickets for the April 24 event are on sale now, with prices ranging from $20 to $40.
