If you're going to enter one of your tunes in a songwriting contest, and judges Jason Isbell, Tom Waits and Bruce Hornsby give it the first-place trophy ... well, let's just say you're clearly going places. Like, up the ladder.

This scenario actually happened to Jesse Terry. That precise Holy Trinity of composers selected Terry's "Let the Blue Skies Go to Your Head" as the winner in the prestigious 2014 International Songwriting Competition — and Terry, who, with his girlfriend, moved to Stonington last year, continues to ascend the global singer-songwriter circuit in decidedly quick fashion.

Still touring behind his remarkably tuneful and insightful "Stay Here With Me" album, and about to head out for a variety of dates in eminent Texas music venues, Terry humbles The Day with an appearance today at our "Live Lunch Break" concert series.

As always, the show takes place in New London's lovely Hygienic Art Park, and expect Terry's genuine and charismatic stage presence to heighten the glory of his songwriting. Supreme Hot Dogs will be in attendance to cater to your noontime appetite, and beer and wine are also available for purchase.

Live Lunch Break, noon Thursday, Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St., New London; free; theday.com/livelunch.