The last time we had the chance to make it out to True Music Room, it was to see Chicagoland native Timothy Myles come away crowned the first-ever Top Writer Showdown champion.

Last Tuesday night, the champ was in the house on an evening that featured a strong candidate to win the next Showdown on August 27.

Rochelle Riser‘s intricate fingerstyle guitar, complex song structure, and captivating voice led her to earn a spot in next month’s final. The Iowa native — who will embark on a Midwest tour before returning in time to compete in the Top Writer Showdown — beat out a diverse field that included fellow singer-songwriters (in alphabetical order) Courtney Burns, Merritt Gibson, Nick Ryan, Michael Saleta, Mo Stromel, Ricky Tee, and Eric Van Hauten.

As for Myles, he joined host and country artist Heath Warren, acoustic pop songwriter Jake Durkin, and husband-wife “spooky blues” duo Burn the Treaty for a spirited Top Writer Round that featured special guests and a bevy of powerful moments.

Check out the photos below, and check back with UMC for future Top Writer Series updates. And, if you want to compete for a slot on the August 27 Top Writer Showdown, this link should have what you need to get started.