That’s a Wrap on Fifth Annual Tennessee Songwriters Week

Seven Finalists to Play at The Bluebird Cafe

Clockwise from Top Left: Elijah Wise, Sarah Hardwig, Melanie LaFoy, Aaron Bucks, The Garrett Boys, HARZEE, Ron Short (middle). Photos for media use only here courtesy Tennessee Tourism

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb, 27, 2023 – Seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists won the opportunity to perform at Nashville’s iconic The Bluebird Cafe on March 26 during a private event with music industry professionals, The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today. Melanie LaFoy won at The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville; Aaron Bucks at Songbirds in Chattanooga; Stax Music Academy’s HARZEE at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis; Elijah Wise at Ole Red in Gatlinburg; Ron Short at The Down Home in Johnson City, Belmont University music student Sarah Hardwig at The Franklin Theatre in Franklin and the Garrett Boys at The Palace Theatre in Gallatin.

More than 1,200 songwriters performed at qualifying rounds in February at over 50 venues, museums, attractions and cafes to advance to the showcase events around the state where these seven finalists were named the winners. This year’s Tennessee Songwriters Week was filled with participants of many different genres showcasing their diverse songwriting styles and lyrical content.

Each of the seven finalists also won a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, two-night stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel and one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drive visitation and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception, more than 3,500 songwriters have shared their original music across Tennessee stages during the annual celebration.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, Taylor Guitars, music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.

Follow the journey of these songwriters by following @tnvacation on social media and #tnsongwritersweek.

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ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

Tennessee is the home of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll— delivering an unparalleled experience of beauty, history and family adventure, infused with music that creates a vacation that is the “Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” Explore more at tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers by following “TNVacation” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube and “Tennessee” on Snapchat.

Media Contact:

Jill Kilgore

Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov

Amanda Murphy

Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov

Lisa Valentine

Lisa.Valentine@tn.gov