The Bluebird Cafe, Tennessee Tourism To Host Open Mic Nights Across State Celebrating Songwriters Week

The Bluebird Cafe has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development for Tennessee Songwriters Week, which will take place February 17-23, 2019. During the week the Bluebird will hit the road for a string of open mic nights in Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City. The events emphasize a state statute honoring songwriters passed earlier this year, and will provide four winners with the chance to perform their original material at the historic Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. 

“To have the chance to expand our Open Mic throughout the state is so exciting and offers the chance to explore the wealth of songwriting talent that is inherent to Tennessee,” said Erika Wollam Nichols, general manager of The Bluebird Café.

The Bluebird Cafe’s long-time open mic night host songwriter, Barbara Cloyd, will host each event and a panel of local judges will select the top songwriter from each event. Those four winners will convene at The Bluebird Cafe on March 31 during Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival to perform for an audience that includes publishing professionals. Each winner also earns an additional prize pack, including passes to Tin Pan South.

Songwriters Events:

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019 – Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 – The Camp House in Chattanooga

Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 – WDVX in Knoxville

Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 – The Down Home in Johnson City

“Music is a universal language and is celebrated, performed and heard every day of the week in Tennessee and around the world,” said Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Fans have been impacted by music recorded in Tennessee, which starts with the crafting of the song itself. Songwriters are the lifeblood of music that created the Soundtrack of America.”

The state statute 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.  Local businesses are encouraged to participate in Tennessee Songwriters Week by programming special events such as open mic nights and songwriter showcases that celebrate songwriters and drive visitation.

Tennessee’s deep musical roots are the cornerstone of Tennessee Tourism’s “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee” brand. The economic impact of tourism in Tennessee hit a record $20.7 billion, resulting in the collection of $1.8 billion in state and local taxes in 2017.  

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Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at [email protected].

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