Calling All Songwriters: Sign up for “Tennessee Songwriters Week” Qualifying Rounds for Chance to Perform at The Bluebird Cafe

TDTD is expanding the second annual Tennessee Songwriters Week in 2020 with the addition of qualifying rounds across the state.

Starting Dec. 9, songwriters need to directly contact the venue they wish to perform for sign-up information regarding qualifying rounds happening Feb. 1-15, 2020.

The full confirmed list of official qualifying round venues can be found at tennesseesongwritersweek.com.

Top songwriters from the official qualifying rounds will perform during one of the six “Tennessee Songwriters Week” showcases in the following cities:

Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 – Puckett’s in Franklin

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 – Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 – The Bijou in Knoxville

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 – Songbirds Guitar Museum in Chattanooga

Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 – Ole Red in Gatlinburg

Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 – The Down Home in Johnson City

The Bluebird Cafe’s long-time open mic night host and songwriter Barbara Cloyd will serve as emcee at the showcases, and a panel of local judges will select the top songwriters. Songs will be evaluated and scored on a numerical scale considering both the song and the performance. Judges look at originality, vocal and/or instrumental talent and the ability to create an emotional connection to the audience.

Six total finalists (one from each showcase event) will receive a prize pack and perform their original material during the finale event at The Bluebird Cafe on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

TDTD has partnered again with the Bluebird for the showcase events, which emphasize a state statute honoring songwriters passed in 2018. It annually designates the last full week of February as “Tennessee Songwriters Week.” The week is designed to celebrate the foundation of the craft, recognize past and present songwriters and pave the way for future artists.

Additional Tennessee venues and attractions are encouraged to participate in the second annual Tennessee Songwriters Week Feb. 23-29, 2020 by programming special events such as songwriter showcases, in-the-rounds and educational opportunities to celebrate songwriters and drive visitation during the winter months.

For more information, visit tennesseesongwritersweek.com.

Join the conversation on social using #TNSongwritersWeek.

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Press Contact:

Jill Kilgore

615-927-1320

Jill.kilgore@tn.gov