State’s Rich Musical History Celebrated as Tennessee Songwriters Week Provides Showcase for the Oft-Unsung Heroes

While Nashville has long been known as Music City, that deep passion for music can be felt across the entire state of Tennessee. At the core of this musical legacy are the songwriters for whom Tennessee passed a state statute in 2019 to spotlight these oft-unsung heroes with an annual celebration of music’s past, present, and future. The tradition continues with Tennessee Songwriters Week, which takes place during the last week of February.

The event connects gifted songwriters with revered venues and passionate fans throughout Tennessee to celebrate the state’s rich music heritage. Since its launch, Tennessee Songwriters Week has showcased more than 5,000 songwriters and has become an annual celebration where songwriters have the opportunity to share their original voices. Seven finalists are selected for a coveted slot to perform at the iconic Bluebird Cafe.

“Arguably Our Biggest Export to the World”

“Tennessee is the home of seven genres of music, making it not only a vital part of our state’s culture and heritage but arguably our biggest export to the world,” according to the Tennessee Department of Tourism. Tennessee Songwriters Week is hosted during the final week of February to honor this aspect of the state’s heritage. It begins with in-person qualifying rounds at participating music venues in seven key cities: Memphis, Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Bristol, Chattanooga, Portland, and Franklin. The cities have been selected based on their cultural impact on the music scene across the state.

A panel of judges at each qualifying-round venue selects two songwriters to advance to the seven showcase event venues. Songwriters will be evaluated in the Song Quality category, considering lyrical originality, and the Performance category, focusing on instrumental sound and the songwriters’ ability to connect with the audience.

Taking Flight to the Bluebird

The week culminates with a special performance at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe by the seven finalists chosen from each venue. In addition to the opportunity to perform on this esteemed stage, the songwriters who perform at the Bluebird will receive prizes, including a two-night hotel stay in Nashville, a songwriting workshop with the Bluebird Cafe team, and a one-year membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)…

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