Tennessee Songwriters Week: A Launchpad for Aspiring Artists at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Seven songwriters set for a pivotal moment at the Bluebird Cafe, showcasing their work after winning in Tennessee Songwriters Week.

Seven aspiring songwriters are on the cusp of a transformative moment in their careers, set to showcase their original tracks at the esteemed Bluebird Cafe in March, thanks to their victories in showcases across Tennessee during the state’s Songwriters Week. This event, now in its sixth year, drew over 1,200 artists in February who participated in qualifying rounds at over 50 diverse locales — from music venues and museums to cafes — all celebrating the fusion of travel, music, and storytelling to secure their places in one of the seven showcase events.

Key highlights from these music and travel-inspired showcases include:

• Izzy Arthurs emerged as a winner at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis with her song “Long Time Coming.” A Jackson, Tennessee native, Arthurs has been mesmerized by the power of storytelling and the musical journey from a young age, aiming to blend her life with music and tales.
• Jacc Moran captured the spotlight at The Bijou in Knoxville with his track “Gasp.” As the lead voice and songwriter for Run 40, Moran has deeply appreciated the supportive and kind music community in Knoxville, a city he’s called home for nearly a decade, showcasing the interconnectedness of travel and music in shaping artists’ careers.
• Ned Abernathy’s song “Tennessee and You” triumphed at the Songbirds Foundation’s venue in Chattanooga. Abernathy, who ventured from a small town in Georgia to Nashville in 2022, has carved a niche in the songwriting world with his distinct style and brutally honest storytelling, promising an exciting journey ahead in the music landscape.
• At Ole Red in Gatlinburg, participants were surprised with a video call from Blake Shelton, who shared invaluable career advice, highlighting the role of music in connecting people across distances. Jeremy Wise, from Cosby, Tennessee, resonated with the crowd and judges alike, illustrating how travel and music intertwine to create unforgettable experiences.
• Jessie Rogers, known on stage as Echoing Sunset, inspired judges at The Down Home in Johnson City with “Habit to Break.” Rogers’ journey from creating stories and melodies in the darkness to sharing them on stage exemplifies the universal language of music and its power to transcend barriers.
• Jack Settle claimed victory at The Temple Theatre in Portland with “Talkin’ to Jack Daniel’s,” showcasing the deep roots of country and red dirt music and its ability to convey stories of life, love, and travel.
• Meagan Allen enchanted the audience at the Franklin Theatre with “Love Lies.” Allen’s musical voyage from picking up the violin at four to moving to Nashville and embracing the city’s vibrant music scene underscores the dream of many to merge travel, music, and personal growth.

These finalists will not only perform at The Bluebird Cafe but also immerse themselves in a musical journey attended by industry professionals, receiving prizes that celebrate their achievements and further their musical and travel aspirations.

Tennessee Songwriters Week, launched by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in 2019, has become a beacon for music venues, celebrating the state’s rich musical heritage and inviting songwriters and music lovers to explore Tennessee’s diverse musical landscapes. This annual celebration bridges travel and music, inviting over 4,000 songwriters to share their stories and melodies across Tennessee stages, enriching the state’s tourism and cultural tapestry.

In partnership with The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, Taylor Guitars, and various local entities, the initiative provides a stage for songwriters to share their original work, blending the art of songwriting with the spirit of travel. Music enthusiasts, travelers, and aspiring songwriters are encouraged to join this musical journey, following @tnvacation on social media and the hashtag #tnsongwritersweek to explore the intersections of music, travel, and storytelling.

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