Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcases Kick-Off Feb. 18

Tennessee Tourism Celebrates Sixth Year of Competition as Songwriters Play for a Chance to Perform at The Bluebird Cafe

Photo: Kapali Long at Red Silo in Cookeville. Photos and media kit can be found here courtesy State of Tennessee & Tennessee Tourism.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 13, 2024 – Celebrate the craft that put Tennessee on the map during Tennessee Songwriters Week. In late January, more than 1,200 songwriters performed at nearly 50 qualifying round venues across the state, including Memphis, Collierville, Jackson, Cookeville, Murfreesboro, Linden, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Bristol and more. Songwriters performed in big cities, small towns, music venues, coffee houses, breweries and creative live stages throughout the state. The sixth annual event represented songwriters in multiple genres of music, diverse age ranges and heartwarming lyrics and stories.

Now, select songwriters move on to one of seven Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases:

Sunday, February 18, 2024 - Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis
Monday, February 19, 2024 - The Bijou in Knoxville
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - Songbirds Foundation in Chattanooga
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - Ole Red in Gatlinburg
Thursday, February 22, 2024 - The Down Home in Johnson City
Friday, February 23, 2024 - The Temple Theatre in Portland
Saturday, February 24, 2024 – Franklin Theatre in Franklin

“Since the inception of the event, we have shared our mission with Tennessee Songwriters Week, to recognize the wealth of talent Tennessee has brought, and continues to bring, to the world,” said Erika Wollam Nichols, COO & General Manager of The Bluebird Cafe. “We are looking forward to this year’s week of music in February, culminating in the finale at The Bluebird in March.”

Seven finalists, one from each showcase, will earn the opportunity to perform at the iconic Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March with music industry professionals. Finalists will also win a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, a two-night stay in Nashville, a $100 gift card for travel and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Judges for this year’s events include musicians, radio show hosts, publishers, Grammy-nominated producers, powerhouse sister duo Tigirlily Gold, singer-songwriter Alex Hall, songwriter Adam Brown, singer-songwriter and producer Anthony Smith, American Country Music Artist Butch Baker, independent soul artist Talibah Safiya, musician and entrepreneur McKenzii Webster, representatives from The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, CMT and more. Judges consider lyric originality, performance and connection with the audience.

Former showcase winners continue to build their careers touring, performing and writing new music like bop artist Harzee from Memphis, who is working on a new album; Chattanooga’s alternative blues and indie singer-songwriter Katrina Barclay, who co-writes and collaborates with local musicians; Middle Tennessee’s Jacob Rice, who is currently on tour; and Maura Streppa, whose music has been recognized by American Songwriter, Billboard and iHeart Radio’s “Women of Country.” Hear from past participants on what Tennessee Songwriters Week means to them.

Discover the story of Tennessee from the ones who are writing it. Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state's music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception in 2019, more than 3,500 songwriters have shared their original songs across Tennessee stages during the annual celebration in February.

Photos & B-roll

Media kit from qualifying rounds, photos courtesy State of Tennessee
High-res photos. Photo courtesies are in the image title.
B-roll: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Future Stars are Discovered
B-roll: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Music History is Written

Follow the Music

Sing along to Tennessee songs while uncovering the stories of songwriters, artists and producers who changed the world.

ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

Media Contact:

Jill Kilgore

Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov

Lisa Valentine

Lisa.Valentine@tn.gov