Members of Chris Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show Tour” Crew takes home the inaugural Crew of the Year award, the night’s highest honor, at the CMA Touring Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
The Country Music Association held its annual CMA Touring Awards on Monday night (Feb. 12) at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Hosted by Keith Urban, the evening celebrated the top touring professionals in country music.
Awards in 20 categories were handed out as the room full of industry members looked on. CMA executives shared that the touring sector is the largest category of CMA membership, so there were a lot of celebrations to be had.
Keith Urban hosts the CMA Touring Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Artists such Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson and members of Old Dominion all came out to support their nominated crews. Stapleton’s crew showed up and showed out, with five members of his camp receiving awards.
Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show Tour” also took home the night’s highest honor, Crew of the Year. The brand new award recognizes the crew that has exemplified outstanding professionalism, skills, teamwork, hospitality, innovation and excellence in all aspects of their work while demonstrating the most heart and spirit on the road and making the biggest overall contribution to elevating country music.
After humbly cheering his crew on from the audience, Stapleton shared a few words of thanks to them when they were given the honor.
“I don’t particularly love crowds, if you can believe that or not,” Stapleton shared. “I like them to come to the show, but I like to play music. That’s what I like to do. Everybody up here helps me do that every night in ways that would not be possible in any way, shape or form if everybody wasn’t at the top of their game.
“I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for letting me play music, which is what I love to do.”
The late Ron Baird honored with the 2023 CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. CAA’s Marc Dennis accepts on his behalf. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Later in the night, the late Ron Baird, former Agent and Head of CAA’s Nashville office, was posthumously honored with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. Agent and Co-Head of CAA’s Nashville office Marc Dennis, who is also Baird’s stepson, accepted the honor on his behalf.
The award is given to an individual who has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of touring throughout the years. It honors an individual that has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on country music fans and the industry alike, and whose presence will have a long-term positive impact on the genre and CMA for generations to come. Baird is one of only six people to have ever received this award.
To honor Baird, a video was played to share a bit about his impact on the music industry, with cameos from Clint Black, Rob Light, John Huie, Rod Essig, Ed Benson, Keith Miller, Martina McBride and Shania Twain.
When Dennis spoke, he mentioned the people that Baird would have thanked, and talked about the wisdom he was known for sharing.
“I think his lasting legacy will be the people he encouraged to get into our business,” Dennis said. “It was hard to figure out how to break into our business [back then.] Ron was incredibly generous with his time.”
Additionally, during the ceremony, CMA unveiled its new Touring Mentorship Program. The program, intended for early-career touring professionals, was designed by industry veterans who recognize the importance of equipping and supporting the next generation. The Touring Mentorship Program will cover seven key roles in the touring industry: Tour Manager, Band Leader/Musician, Production Manager, Production Assistant, Front of House Engineer, Monitor Engineer and Lighting Director/Designer. As part of the six-month program, participants will engage in monthly mentor and mentee meetings and gain access to opportunities for shadowing and projects in the field.
The crowned winners at the CMA Touring Awards were determined by current professional voting members of CMA in the Affiliated, Artist, Composer, Entertainment Services, Musician, Personal Manager, Record Company, Talent Agent, Advertising/Marketing/Communications, Venue, Talent Buyer/Promoter and Touring Personnel categories. Nominees were based on shows originating between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023.
2023 CMA Touring Awards Winners:
CATEGORY 1 – CREW OF THE YEAR
“All-American Road Show Tour” Crew – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 2 – BACKLINE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Joel “Tico” Jimenez – Thomas Rhett
CATEGORY 3 – BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Duane Clark – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy
CATEGORY 4 – COACH/TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Erin Siegfried – Lainey Wilson
CATEGORY 5 – FOH (FRONT OF HOUSE) ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Arpad Sayko – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 6 – LIGHTING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Mac Mosier – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 7 – MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Mandelyn Monchick – Red Light Management
CATEGORY 8 – MONITOR ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Bryan “Opie” Baxley – Kenny Chesney
CATEGORY 9 – PRODUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
John Garriott – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 10 – PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR
Tyne Parrish – The GreenRoom PR
CATEGORY 11 – STAGE MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Todd Green – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 12 – SUPPORT SERVICES COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Clair Global – Nashville, TN
CATEGORY 13 – TALENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
Jay Williams – WME
CATEGORY 14 – TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Louis Messina – The Messina Group
CATEGORY 15 – TOUR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Meg Miller – Lainey Wilson
CATEGORY 16 – TOURING MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin – Chris Stapleton/Vince Gill – Steel Guitar
CATEGORY 17 – TOUR VIDEOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
CeCe Dawson – Lainey Wilson
CATEGORY 18 – TOUR VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Chris Jones – Jelly Roll
CATEGORY 19 – VENUE OF THE YEAR
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
CATEGORY 20 – UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
Kelsey Maynard – Old Dominion – Assistant Tour Manager
Ashley McBryde & Cody Johnson Among Warner Music Nashville CRS Luncheon Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe talent lineup has been announced for Warner Music Nashville’s annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Luncheon, which is set for 12 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the Omni Nashville Hotel’s Broadway Ballroom.
Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman, Cody Johnson, Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Warren Zeiders, along with a few special guests, will all take the stage during the luncheon in a blend of full-band and acoustic performances.
“We strive to bring you the best entertainment of the week, and this year is no exception! Join us for performances by country’s newest superstar Cody Johnson, the award-winning Ashley McBryde and breakout newcomer Bailey Zimmerman, plus the hottest new artists in the format,” says Warner Music Nashville’s Kristen Williams. And you never know who might drop in for a surprise! Let’s get ready to party!”
CRS 2024 will take place Feb. 28-March 1. Online registration is now closed, and will reopen on-site at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For more information, click here.
Beyoncé’s ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ Headed To Country Radio
/by LB CantrellBeyoncé
Global superstar Beyoncé will ship her new song “Texas Hold ‘Em” to country radio, with Columbia Nashville promoting the track. The song goes to radio Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Beyoncé announced during Sunday’s Super Bowl that her next album, Act II—the second installment of her Renaissance project—will be country. She teased the new music with the release of two singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.”
This isn’t the first time Beyoncé has dipped her toes into country music. The Texas native and 32-time Grammy winner collaborated with The Chicks in 2016 on a version of her song “Daddy Lessons.” The four even performed it at the 50th annual CMA Awards that year. “Daddy Lessons” was not actively worked at country radio, but peaked at No. 41 on the Hot 100.
Beyoncé’s country Act II is slated to release on March 29 via Columbia and her own Parkwood Entertainment.
Raj Kapoor To Executive Produce 2024 ACM Awards Alongside Co-Executive Producer Patrick Menton
/by LB CantrellRaj Kapoor and Patrick Menton
Raj Kapoor will return as Executive Producer and Showrunner for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards this May. Patrick Menton will serve as Co-Executive Producer, bringing the two together again after their success working on this year’s Grammy Awards.
The ACM Awards are set for May 2024 from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Prime Video. Additional details including hosts, nominees, performers and ticket details will be announced in the coming months.
“We have a true love for country music and its continued expansion and recognition around the world,” Kapoor and Menton share. “It’s an absolute privilege to create a show that celebrates the astounding talents that bring our country music family together to honor their remarkable achievements.”
“We’re thrilled to have Raj back at the helm of May’s 59th Academy of Country Music Awards, following his stellar work on last year’s show, the No. 1 most watched country music awards show of 2023,” ACM CEO Damon Whiteside says. “With his creative vision and passion for innovating the ACM Awards, along with support from Patrick’s talent and production expertise, we produced a show unlike any other, packed with monumental performances and unforgettable moments, bringing a global audience closer than ever before to the biggest stars in country music. We can’t wait to see all that Raj and Patrick have in mind for 2024, and I am sure it will continue to raise the bar!”
Kapoor is a six-time Emmy nominee and the winner of Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) for executive producing Adele: One Night Only. His credits include showrunner and executive producer for The 66th Academy Awards and the past three Grammy Awards. His distinguished work also includes the Latin Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter and The Disney Family Singalong specials.
Menton is an Emmy-nominated producer whose career is marked by some of music’s most celebrated award ceremonies, including the Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and other distinguished music series and specials. Among these, notable projects include Christmas at Graceland, Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, The X Factor, Miley Cyrus Presents Stand By You, We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert Live from Central Park and TikTok’s In The Mix.
The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions with Barry Adelman serving as Executive Producer for DCP, and Whiteside serving as Executive Producer for the Academy of Country Music. John Saade will also continue to serve as Consulting Producer for Amazon MGM Studios.
CMA Touring Awards Honors Giants In Live Music
/by LB CantrellMembers of Chris Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show Tour” Crew takes home the inaugural Crew of the Year award, the night’s highest honor, at the CMA Touring Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
The Country Music Association held its annual CMA Touring Awards on Monday night (Feb. 12) at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Hosted by Keith Urban, the evening celebrated the top touring professionals in country music.
Awards in 20 categories were handed out as the room full of industry members looked on. CMA executives shared that the touring sector is the largest category of CMA membership, so there were a lot of celebrations to be had.
Keith Urban hosts the CMA Touring Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Artists such Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson and members of Old Dominion all came out to support their nominated crews. Stapleton’s crew showed up and showed out, with five members of his camp receiving awards.
Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show Tour” also took home the night’s highest honor, Crew of the Year. The brand new award recognizes the crew that has exemplified outstanding professionalism, skills, teamwork, hospitality, innovation and excellence in all aspects of their work while demonstrating the most heart and spirit on the road and making the biggest overall contribution to elevating country music.
After humbly cheering his crew on from the audience, Stapleton shared a few words of thanks to them when they were given the honor.
“I don’t particularly love crowds, if you can believe that or not,” Stapleton shared. “I like them to come to the show, but I like to play music. That’s what I like to do. Everybody up here helps me do that every night in ways that would not be possible in any way, shape or form if everybody wasn’t at the top of their game.
“I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for letting me play music, which is what I love to do.”
The late Ron Baird honored with the 2023 CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. CAA’s Marc Dennis accepts on his behalf. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Later in the night, the late Ron Baird, former Agent and Head of CAA’s Nashville office, was posthumously honored with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. Agent and Co-Head of CAA’s Nashville office Marc Dennis, who is also Baird’s stepson, accepted the honor on his behalf.
The award is given to an individual who has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of touring throughout the years. It honors an individual that has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on country music fans and the industry alike, and whose presence will have a long-term positive impact on the genre and CMA for generations to come. Baird is one of only six people to have ever received this award.
To honor Baird, a video was played to share a bit about his impact on the music industry, with cameos from Clint Black, Rob Light, John Huie, Rod Essig, Ed Benson, Keith Miller, Martina McBride and Shania Twain.
When Dennis spoke, he mentioned the people that Baird would have thanked, and talked about the wisdom he was known for sharing.
“I think his lasting legacy will be the people he encouraged to get into our business,” Dennis said. “It was hard to figure out how to break into our business [back then.] Ron was incredibly generous with his time.”
Additionally, during the ceremony, CMA unveiled its new Touring Mentorship Program. The program, intended for early-career touring professionals, was designed by industry veterans who recognize the importance of equipping and supporting the next generation. The Touring Mentorship Program will cover seven key roles in the touring industry: Tour Manager, Band Leader/Musician, Production Manager, Production Assistant, Front of House Engineer, Monitor Engineer and Lighting Director/Designer. As part of the six-month program, participants will engage in monthly mentor and mentee meetings and gain access to opportunities for shadowing and projects in the field.
The crowned winners at the CMA Touring Awards were determined by current professional voting members of CMA in the Affiliated, Artist, Composer, Entertainment Services, Musician, Personal Manager, Record Company, Talent Agent, Advertising/Marketing/Communications, Venue, Talent Buyer/Promoter and Touring Personnel categories. Nominees were based on shows originating between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023.
2023 CMA Touring Awards Winners:
CATEGORY 1 – CREW OF THE YEAR
“All-American Road Show Tour” Crew – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 2 – BACKLINE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Joel “Tico” Jimenez – Thomas Rhett
CATEGORY 3 – BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Duane Clark – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy
CATEGORY 4 – COACH/TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Erin Siegfried – Lainey Wilson
CATEGORY 5 – FOH (FRONT OF HOUSE) ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Arpad Sayko – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 6 – LIGHTING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Mac Mosier – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 7 – MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Mandelyn Monchick – Red Light Management
CATEGORY 8 – MONITOR ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Bryan “Opie” Baxley – Kenny Chesney
CATEGORY 9 – PRODUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
John Garriott – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 10 – PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR
Tyne Parrish – The GreenRoom PR
CATEGORY 11 – STAGE MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Todd Green – Chris Stapleton
CATEGORY 12 – SUPPORT SERVICES COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Clair Global – Nashville, TN
CATEGORY 13 – TALENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
Jay Williams – WME
CATEGORY 14 – TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Louis Messina – The Messina Group
CATEGORY 15 – TOUR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Meg Miller – Lainey Wilson
CATEGORY 16 – TOURING MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin – Chris Stapleton/Vince Gill – Steel Guitar
CATEGORY 17 – TOUR VIDEOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
CeCe Dawson – Lainey Wilson
CATEGORY 18 – TOUR VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Chris Jones – Jelly Roll
CATEGORY 19 – VENUE OF THE YEAR
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
CATEGORY 20 – UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
Kelsey Maynard – Old Dominion – Assistant Tour Manager
Performers & New VIP Event Announced For Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2024
/by Liza AndersonPerformers among the 2024 lineup as well as a new VIP event have been announced for Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC). Presented by Visit Napa Valley, the three-day function will take place April 23-25.
Those slated to perform include Rodney Atkins, Scotty McCreery, Sara Evans, Drew Baldridge, Laura Bryna, Anderson Daniels, Wesley Dean, The Dryes, Ernest, Larry Fleet, Elliot Greer, Kelsey Hart, Scotty Hasting, Levi Hummon, LoCash, Brooke Moriber, MacKenzie Porter, Charly Reynolds, Lily Rose, Runaway June, Hailey Whitters and more to be announced.
This year, Big Loud Records will host the new VIP Tailgate Takeover featuring performances by their roster including Ernest, Fleet, Whitters, Porter and Rose.
LITVGC brings music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, corporate hospitality groups and more from around the country together to celebrate and hear new music by both established and emerging artists in a unique arrangement. In addition to main events, private VIP performances exclusively for programmers, supervisors and DSPs will take place at wineries throughout Napa Valley.
“As we unveil the lineup for this year’s Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, we’re reminded of the unique connection between music, wine and the scenic beauty of Napa Valley. This event not only showcases the best in country music but also celebrates the spirit of Napa Valley’s community and its rich cultural heritage,” says Bobbii Jacobs, LITVGC Founder and FF Entertainment President. “We’re honored to bring together artists, industry professionals and music lovers for an unforgettable experience that highlights the power of music to bring people together. Our partnership with Visit Napa Valley and the support from our sponsors enable us to create a truly special event that contributes to the local community and elevates the music industry as a whole.”
For more information, click here.
Kelsea Ballerini & Jon Pardi To Headline 2024 Coca-Cola’s Sips & Sounds Summer Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini and Jon Pardi are slated to headline Coca-Cola’s Sips & Sounds Summer Festival in Austin, taking place June 29-30.
Additional artists set to take the stage at the Circuit of The Americas infield include Maren Morris, Marcus King, Charles Wesley Godwin, Paul Cauthen, Tanner Usrey, The War and Treaty, charlieonnafriday, Josiah and the Bonnevilles, Devon Gilfillian, Drayton Farley, Myron Elkins, DJ Mel and Sammy Arriaga.
“We are thrilled to return to Austin—the live music capital of the world—to celebrate summer and togetherness with an exciting lineup of musical performances,” says Derek Alexander, VP of Marketing and Commercial Operations at Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, the local bottler for The Coca-Cola Company. “Sips & Sounds Summer Festival is our way to connect with fans of the brand and music lovers alike.”
For fans looking to cool off, kick back and explore between sets, Sips & Sounds Summer Festival will offer activations and experiences such as the Coca-Cola Ice House for a refreshing beverage and a Coke Studio footprint for an immersion into the world of Coca-Cola and music. Cinemark Theaters will host a pop-up theater where guests can immerse themselves in the magic of the movies with movie snacks. Fans will also spot the ICEE Igloo, an air-conditioned lounge with various ICEE frozen beverages available for purchase.
Tickets include 2-Day General Admission, 1-Day General Admission, 2-day VIP and 1-Day VIP. General Admission includes entrance, complimentary parking at Circuit of the Americas, and access to exciting fan experiences such as the Coca-Cola Ice House, ICEE Igloo and more. The VIP ticket includes premium benefits including unlimited access to the shaded VIP Lounge with premier viewing deck, VIP viewing area at Main Stage, upgraded restrooms, relaxing seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and more.
Breland To Embark On ‘Little More Countrier Tour’ This Spring
/by Liza AndersonBreland. Photo: Henry Ammann
Country fusionist Breland will embark on his “Little More Countrier Tour,” starting March 26 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with his “Breland & Friends” concert benefitting the Oasis Center.
Photo: Henry Ammann
The third annual event will feature performances from the Platinum artist as well as Avery Anna, Caitlyn Smith, Chase Rice, Dalton Dover, Drake White, Josh Groban, The War And Treaty and Walker Hayes.
Breland will then make his way to Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, among others including Texas for a festival appearance, with more dates to be announced soon. Tickets will be available this Friday (Feb. 16), alongside his new single “Heartbreak & Alcohol.” For more information, click here.
Additionally, Breland recently took the House of Blues’ stage in Las Vegas for EA Sports Presents The Madden Bowl along with Big Boi, Killer Mike and Green Day ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.
River House Artists Ups Kayla Adkins To Creative Director, Publishing
/by Liza AndersonKayla Adkins
River House Artists has promoted Kayla Adkins to Creative Director, Publishing.
In this position, Adkins will expand on her previous role of Creative Manager as she continues to develop and manage the publishing roster of new and existing songwriters.
She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s recording industry program, and joined River House Artists in 2018. Since then, Adkins has played a crucial part in the career development of the company’s publishing arm and the growth of artists such as Pillbox Patti, Austin Snell, Neil Medley, Zach Seabaugh and Knox. She was recently selected as part of MusicRow‘s N.B.T. Class of 2024.
“Watching Kayla grow as a publisher and become a true advocate for our songwriters over her time at River House has been inspiring,” says Zebb Luster, GM/VP, River House Artists. “She has great creative instincts, incredible working relationships with both our staff and our roster, and she truly cares about the long-term development of our songwriters. The respect she has earned in such a short time with the publishing community speaks for itself.”
“In one of my first classes at MTSU, each student was asked to share what our dream job in the music industry was and why. When it was my turn, I announced to the class that I wanted to be a Creative Director at a publishing company and my dream was to help songwriters make their dreams come true,” says Adkins. “Nine years later, I have been given that opportunity at River House Artists, my home away from home. A huge thanks to Lynn [Oliver-Cline] and Zebb for seeing something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. They have taught me everything that it means to be a champion of songs and their creators, and I am excited to continue working with our genre-bending roster that inspires me daily and for the future of our company as a whole!”
Ryan Kroon & Jacob Knight Partner To Form What’s Good Projects
/by Lorie HollabaughJacob Knight and Ryan Kroon. Photo: Savannah Brown
Ryan Kroon and Jacob Knight have teamed up to form What’s Good Projects, a new Nashville-based management firm.
With over 10 years of experience, Kroon began his career at Homestead/RedLight Management working with Sam Hunt, Conner Smith and others, before joining Big Loud Management where he took on duties with Ernest and Mason Ramsey. Kroon also worked at Sony Music Nashville, and in 2020 took over ownership and operations of the local philanthropic apparel company Project 615, which was recently sold to Visit Music City.
Knight also has over a decade of experience in the industry. He began his career at CAA before joining 377/RedLight Management, handling day-to-day duties for Maddie & Tae, Tyler Farr and Parker McCollum. He also worked at KP Entertainment alongside Dylan Scott and Chayce Beckham.
“Jacob and I moved to Nashville around the same time to pursue careers in this industry and have had an immense mutual respect for one another,” Kroon explains. “We’ve chatted over the years about partnering up, so with the continued growth of What’s Good over the last year, the time seemed right. The company and our clients are getting a top-tier manager in Jacob, and someone who I’m thrilled to work alongside with.”
The current What’s Good Projects client roster includes Troy Cartwright, Clayton Mullen, Palmer Anthony, Austin Burke and Ollie Joseph.
Reach them at kroon@whatsgoodprojects.com and jacob@whatsgoodprojects.com.
Sixth Annual Tennessee Songwriters Week Underway
/by LB CantrellTennessee Songwriters Week contestant. Photo: Courtesy of Hunter Berry Photography
It’s time for another Tennessee Songwriters Week, the competition series that showcases the talent of songwriters in the Volunteer State. Presented by the Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development, The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Taylor Guitars, this year marks the sixth annual edition of the series.
Throughout late January, over 1,200 songwriters performed at nearly 50 qualifying round venues across the state, including Memphis, Collierville, Jackson, Cookeville, Murfreesboro, Linden, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Bristol and more, for a chance to compete in the 2024 Tennessee Songwriters Week.
Now, select songwriters will move on to one of seven Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases, including at the Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis (Feb. 18), Bijou Theatre in Knoxville (Feb. 19), Songbirds Foundation in Chattanooga (Feb. 20), Ole Red in Gatlinburg (Feb. 21), The Down Home in Johnson City (Feb. 22), Temple Theatre in Portland (Feb. 23) and Franklin Theatre in Franklin (Feb. 24).
Seven finalists, one from each showcase, will earn the opportunity to perform at the iconic Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March with music industry professionals. Finalists will also win a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night stay in Nashville, a $100 gift card for travel and a one-year NSAI membership.
“Since the inception of the event, we have shared our mission with Tennessee Songwriters Week, to recognize the wealth of talent Tennessee has brought, and continues to bring, to the world,” says Erika Wollam Nichols, COO & General Manager of The Bluebird Cafe. “We are looking forward to this year’s week of music in February, culminating in the finale at The Bluebird in March.”
Judges for this year’s events include musicians, radio show hosts, publishers and Grammy-nominated producers as well as sister duo Tigirlily Gold, singer-songwriter Alex Hall, songwriter Adam Brown, singer-songwriter and producer Anthony Smith, country artist Butch Baker, independent soul artist Talibah Safiya, musician and entrepreneur McKenzii Webster, representatives from The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, CMT and more. Judges consider lyric originality, performance and connection with the audience.
Past showcase winners include bop artist Harzee from Memphis, Chattanooga’s alternative blues and indie singer-songwriter Katrina Barclay, Middle Tennessee’s Jacob Rice and Maura Streppa.