Bluebird Cafe Musical In Development

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Photo: Courtesy of The Bluebird Cafe

Nashville’s renowned Bluebird Cafe and producer Steve Buchanan have announced a new musical, Bluebird, celebrating Music City’s legendary songwriting scene. Grammy and Tony Awards nominee Wayne Kirkpatrick is co-writing the book, music and lyrics with Don Chaffer.

Often referred to as “the Mother Church of Songwriting,” the Bluebird Cafe is considered a nucleus of creative expression in Nashville. For the past 41 years, the world-renowned venue has been a launching pad for songwriters and artists such as Garth Brooks, Faith Hill and Taylor Swift. The Bluebird’s signature in the round format provides a rare, intimate interaction between the songwriters performing and the audience in the 86-seat venue. The venue serves as a touchstone for songwriters, showcasing authentic original music.

“To have the opportunity to tell the Nashville songwriter’s story within a theatrical setting is, for me, the best of both worlds.  Don and I have created a parallel world to the real world that we know and love.  This is truly a passion project for us,” says Kirkpatrick, “We have lived the songwriter’s life for over 30 years.  It is our community and lifeblood, and we feel honored and fortunate to be a part of it.  The Bluebird is our Ryman Auditorium, our Carnegie Hall.  If you know, you know.  I can’t wait to share it with those who don’t.”

“I believe theater is the ideal vehicle to tell a vibrant and honest story about the creative community that the Bluebird inspires and nurtures,” says Bluebird General Manager Erika Wollam Nichols. “It’s incredibly exciting to watch this musical take shape.”

Buchanan states, “Wayne and Don are the perfect storytellers for this project as their lives have intertwined with characters of all ages and all walks of life that are on this journey.  They know what it means to follow your dreams.  The songs they have written for the musical are perfect for the stage and the story they tell feels timeless.”

Caela Griffin
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