Tennessee Songwriters Week Finalists Perform At Bluebird Cafe

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Tennessee Songwriters Week Finale. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists shared their original songs on stage at the Bluebird Cafe Sunday night (March 30) during a private event for their families and friends and music industry professionals.

Each finalist won during regional showcase events held at the end of February. Rodrick Duran (Memphis winner), Sarrenna Johnson (Knoxville winner), Claire Childress (Bristol winner), Kristina Stair and Jordan Foster (Gatlinburg winners), Caleb Lovely (Chattanooga winner), Jon Wayne Hatfield (Portland winner) and DEK of Hearts (Franklin winner) performed during the special show.

The seven finalists received a commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night stay in Nashville at the Motif on Music Row, $100 gift card and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International. The Grand Ole Opry also gifted all seven finalists tickets to Saturday night’s Opry show. Songwriter J.T. Harding, who has penned hits for Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and more, hosted the finale. Esteemed guests included Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, songwriter Marc Beeson, representatives from the Academy of Country Music, American Songwriter, Country Music Hall of Fame and more.

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters in all genres of music, drive visitation, and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception more than 5,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on stages during the annual celebration each February, from listening rooms to cafes to distilleries to theatres and showcase venues.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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