7 FINALISTS WIN CAREER-DEFINING CHANCE TO PERFORM AT THE LEGENDARY BLUEBIRD CAFE DURING TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS WEEK 2024

Photo: Clockwise from top left to bottom right: Izzy Arthurs, Jacc Moran, Ned Abernathy, Jeremy Wise, Echoing Sunset, Jack Settle and Meagan Allen. High-res photos for media use only courtesy Tennessee Tourism and special photo courtesies in each album title

Blake Shelton makes a surprise video call to talk to the audience and songwriters at the
Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase at Ole Red in Gatlinburg on Wednesday, February 21.
high-res photo for media use only courtesy Ole Red

Country Duo Tigirlily Gold served as judges at the Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase event at the Temple Theatre in Portland, Tennessee and performed their song “I Tried On A Ring.”

High-res photos for media use only courtesy Hunter Berry Photography

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 27, 2024 – Seven songwriters are positioned for a career-defining moment as they prepare to share their original songs on stage at the iconic Bluebird Cafe in March after winning showcases statewide during Tennessee Songwriters Week. In the program’s sixth year, over 1,200 songwriters performed at qualifying rounds in February at more than 50 venues, museums, attractions and cafes to advance to the seven showcase events.

Highlights from the seven showcases include:

• Izzy Arthurs won with her original song “Long Time Coming” during the showcase at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis. Arthurs is a singer-songwriter from Jackson, Tennessee. From a young age, she was captivated by the art of storytelling and performance. She’s ready to pursue a life in music and sharing stories.
• At The Bijou in Knoxville, Jacc Moran impressed the judges with his song “Gasp.” Moran is the singer and main songwriter of the band Run 40. He grew up in Memphis and has been living in Knoxville for almost a decade and thanks Knoxville’s music community for their support and kindness. Run 40’s debut EP, High Water, releases this month.
• Ned Abernathy’s “Tennessee and You” won at Songbirds Foundation’s new venue located in Chattanooga. Raised in small town Georgia, Abernathy moved to Nashville in 2022. Abernathy developed his writing chops penning one heartbreak song after another, with a style all his own and stories that he says border on being “too honest.” With the release of his EP coming later in 2024, be sure to catch this new up-and-coming artist out on the road.
• Songwriters at Ole Red in Gatlinburg received a surprise video call from none other than Blake Shelton to offer career advice after they performed their original songs. Finalist Jeremy Wise, a singer-songwriter from Cosby, Tennessee, stole the hearts of judges and the crowd. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wise’s older brother, Elijah, bought him a Martin guitar for graduation. He spent quarantine sitting beside his brother learning how to play. Jeremy followed in his brother Elijah’s footsteps at Ole Red, as Elijah won the Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase on the same stage in 2023. Now, Jeremy Wise plays shows at local venues and works a full-time job in a weld shop to chase his dreams.
• At The Down Home in Johnson City, the judges were inspired by the song “Habit to Break” and the story of Jessie Rogers, stage name Echoing Sunset. Blind from birth, Rogers found a deep love for writing and music at an early age; making up short stories during free-write time at school and singing at her church. Since 2020, Rogers released three singles under the name Echoing Sunset, and hopes to release an EP in the coming year.
• Jack Settle won at The Temple Theatre in Portland with his toe-tapping song, “Talkin’ to Jack Daniel’s,” co-written by Juli Strawbridge. From Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Settle embraces his deep roots in country and red dirt music. Now calling Nashville his home, Settle embraces the emerging honky-tonk scene and brings a refreshing and captivating sound to the genre. CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2024 country duo Tigirlily Gold served as judges at The Temple Theatre and gave a special performance of their song “I Tried A Ring On.”
• At the Franklin Theatre, Meagan Allen captivated the audience with her song, “Love Lies.” Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Allen’s love of music began in the shape of a violin at age four. In 2017, Allen recorded and released her debut album, Critical Emotion. This album, as well as a 2019 single, “Show Me How You Love,” appeared on the GRAMMY long list in their years of release. Allen moved to Nashville after graduating high school in pursuit of her dream, earning a degree in songwriting and an MBA from Belmont University. Today, she continues to write and perform across the country, chasing the dream that underlines her journey and developing a sound uniquely her own.

Each of the seven finalists earned the opportunity to perform at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March with music industry professionals, a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, two-night stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters with live performances 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 4,000 songwriters have shared their original music across Tennessee stages during the annual celebration. 

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, Taylor Guitars, music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.

Follow the journey of these songwriters and join the fun by following @tnvacation on social media and #tnsongwritersweek.

Photos & B-roll

• High-res photos from the 7 Showcases courtesy Tennessee Tourism and additional special photo courtesies in each image album title
• B-roll: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Future Stars are Discovered
• B-roll: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Music History is Written

Follow the Music

Sing along to Tennessee songs while uncovering the stories of songwriters, artists and producers who changed the world.

• Tennessee Music History Destinations
• Take a Music Journey through Tennessee
• Discover Tennessee’s Small-Town Music Sites
• Explore Tennessee’s Seven Musical Genres

ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

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Media Contact:

Jill Kilgore

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Lisa Valentine

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The Bluebird Cafe is heading back to Europe this spring for Country to Country (C2C)! Catch us in Berlin on March 1 and in London March 9-10. Details below.

Berlin
Tickets
March 1:
Alana Springsteen, Stephen Wilson Jr. & Rita Wilson

London
Tickets on sale February 9 @ 10 AM local time.
March 9 @ 10 AM:
Fancy Hagood, Jake Worthington & Rita Wilson

March 9 @ 1 PM:
Drayton Farley, Greylan James & Zandi Holup

March 10 @ 10 AM:
Ben Chapman, Carter Faith & Charlie Worsham

As a proud partner of Tennessee Songwriters Week, we’re excited for another year of great songs from all across our great state! A 2019 statue declares the last full week of February to be Tennessee Songwriters Week, a time to celebrate the craft that put Tennessee on the map. Songwriters will compete across the state for a chance to play at The Bluebird Cafe. Learn more here.

Songwriter signups are now open at qualifying rounds hosted at music venues across Tennessee. Sign up for a qualifying round here.

The Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development, The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Taylor Guitars are committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work on stage with other writers.

We’re excited to be returning to Sundance Mountain Resort this Summer with two unforgettable weekends of shows! The Bluebird Cafe Concert Series features Nashville’s finest singer-songwriters and musicians. Each show features three artists, who sing and tell the stories behind their songs. Catch us in Utah February 23-24 and March 29-30. Songwriters to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now here.

Alive’s biggest annual fundraiser kicks off in January with a month-long series of performances by hit singer/songwriters at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. This year’s full line up has yet to be announced. Artists for 2024 include Kent Blazy, Tom Douglas, David Nail, The Warren Brothers, David Hodges, Darrell Scott, Chris DeStefano. and Josh Osborne.

The only nonprofit hospice in Middle Tennessee, Alive provides nearly 1.5 million dollars in charity care each year so no one in our community has to die alone. Proceeds from Alive & The Bluebird are a critical part of the funding for Alive’s community services: grief support, financial assistance for patients when insurance doesn’t cover everything, education for families and professionals, grief camps for kids, and more.

“Over the years, the songwriters who call The Bluebird home generously donate their time and talents to supporting Alive with this series of magical performances in January,” said The Bluebird Cafe’s COO and General Manager Erika Wollam-Nichols. “Many of our Bluebird songwriters, along with their friends and families, have been cared for by Alive and we’re grateful for the chance to participate and give back with this annual fundraiser.”

Alive hosts additional events throughout the year to bring the excitement of The Bluebird to other parts of Middle Tennessee. For those who can’t attend but still want to support Alive, donations can be made online.

“We are immensely grateful to The Bluebird Cafe and the songwriters who donate their talents each year to support our community at the end of life,” said Joseph K. Hampe, COO and interim President/CEO of Alive. “We couldn’t ask for more talent or more compassion! This is a true Nashville experience that people come from all over the country to enjoy.”

DETAILS:

Tickets will be available on The Bluebird Cafe website. Visit The Bluebird Cafe Site

Select pre-sale shows will go on sale Friday, December 22 at 8 a.m. CT:
January 2 (6 PM) – Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me
January 2 (9 PM) – Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me
January 3 (9 PM) – Jon Vezner, Pat Alger, Kathy Mattea & Amy Speace
January 4 (9 PM) – Jamie Floyd, Ty Herndon, Rebecca Lynn Howard & Stephony Smith
January 10 (9 PM) – Doug Johnson, Elvie Shane & Adam Wood
January 12 (9 PM) – Lance Carpenter, Aaron Barker, Lionel Cartwright & friend
January 16 (9 PM) – David Nail, Scooter Carusoe, Lee Thomas Miller & Randy Montana
January 23 (9 PM) – Dan Wilson, David Hodges & Donovan Woods
January 30 (9 PM) – Jeff Black, Sam Bush & Darrell Scott 

ABOUT ALIVE:

Alive is the only nonprofit provider of hospice care and end-of-life services in Middle Tennessee. Its mission is to provide loving care for people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families, and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives. This includes in-home and in-patient hospice care, grief support, advance care planning, outreach, support to underserved communities, education about the end of life, financial assistance, a robust volunteer program, and clinician training through the Alive Institute. A pioneer in the “good death” movement, Alive established the third hospice in the nation in 1975. Today, it remains true to its roots as an innovator and leader, helping individuals live fully while approaching death. To learn more or volunteer, visit AliveHospice.org or call 615-327-1085.

SANTA FE, New Mexico (November 30, 2023) – Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, the award-winning luxury resort and thoughtfully restored landmark, today announces it has once again partnered with The Bluebird Cafe for a now annual tradition that brings Nashville’s legendary listening room to the UNESCO Creative City of Santa Fe, N.M. The renowned venue, which has gained worldwide recognition for launching the careers of Maren Morris, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and many others, will once again bring its signature ‘In The Round’ songwriter show format to the intimate setting of the resort’s Bunkhouse. Stemming from the success of the sold-out inaugural partnership in 2023, Nashville’s top hitmakers will inspire travelers and locals with four performances taking place over two weekends on February 16-17 and March 15-16, 2024. It is a captivating experience that few forget, and one that reflects why Nashville is known as Music City and Bishop’s Lodge is renowned for its deeply rooted creative culture.

World-renowned songwriters will, in true Bluebird fashion, take a seat in the center of the Bunkhouse’s Great Room, a warm setting that brings friends and family together around a two-story stone fireplace. On February 16th and 17th (featuring JT Harding – “Somewhere With You” by Kenny Chesney and “Sangria” by Blake Shelton; Marv Green – “True” by George Strait and “Amazed” by Lonestar; and Jenn Schott – “7500 OBO” by Tim McGraw and “Better Than You Left Me” by Mickey Guyton) and March 15th and 16th (featuring Victoria Banks – “What Are You Going To Tell Her” by Mickey Guyton and “Saints & Angels” by Sara Evans; Phil Barton – “A Woman Like You” by Lee Brice and “Prayed For This Day” by Chrissy Metz; and Emily Shackleton – “Every Little Thing” and “What He Didn’t Do” by Carly Pearce), the songwriters will share their chart-topping music and stories behind how the songs came to be. This unique musical experience and collaboration intends to cultivate and inspire Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection’s community. Each evening’s concert will feature a unique set list and will conclude with a brief Q&A session before guests have the chance to visit with the performers following the show.

Performances will begin each night at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. and guests welcomed with inspiring beverages. Following the memorable performance, guests are invited to SkyFire for a notable dining experience ($95 per person) created by Executive Chef Pablo Peñalosa starting at 7:30 p.m. The artful culinary presentation of Nashville-style barbeque with a New Mexican twist will nod to the Southern roots gathering all for the weekend. A deeply rooted destination for art and creativity, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is known to curate one-of-a-kind experiences in a spectacular natural setting, and the partnership with The Bluebird Cafe is no exception. 

Tickets are available to locals via Eventbrite (starting at $75, up to $195 for VIP tickets) and guests through a two-night VIP Overnight Package, which can be built upon additional nights for travelers or serve as an ideal staycation for locals. The package (starting at $2180++) includes room accommodation, two show tickets, a post-show dining experience and a custom gift. Join Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection for an entertaining weekend of music, culinary arts and Santa Fe adventures in a cozy winter setting.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact [email protected].

Join us at The Bluebird Cafe for a festive holiday open house! 🛍️🎄🎁 Explore our merchandise, perfect for holiday gift shopping. Get ready for some amazing deals and support a small business this holiday season. See you there on Sunday, November 26 from 10 AM–2PM. No ticket needed.

Nashville – (November 1, 2023) – Two of Nashville’s highly and long-respected champions of supporting the songwriting community, Erika Wollam Nichols and Bart Herbison, were each honored Monday night with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award. The event, on hiatus since the pandemic, returned for a 7^th time at the Opry House to benefit the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund. The event began in 2014 to celebrate the remarkable career of Bob Kingsley and has raised more than $350,000 since the event’s inception. Previous honorees have included Kingsley himself in 2014, Joe Galante (2015), Jim Ed Norman (2016), Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase (2017), Clarence Spalding (2018), and Lon Helton (2019). 

Monday night’s participating songwriters included Jeffrey Steele, John Rich, Rivers Rutherford, Lee Miller, Steve Bogard, Tim Nichols, Lee Roy Parnell, Victoria Shaw, Tony Arata, Don Henry, Kathy Mattea, Jon Vezner, and Rhett Akins.

The Opry Trust Fund began in 1965 with a mission to help those in the country music industry by offering financial assistance during a time of extraordinary need, emergency, or catastrophe. This includes individuals who are or have been employed full time in a facet of the country music industry (i.e. performer, songwriter, publisher, radio, session musician, etc.). The fund pays for items such as medical bills, living expenses, utilities, and rent or mortgage. The Opry Trust Fund accepts referrals from individuals within the country music community, including Opry members, as well as from other charitable organizations such as MusiCares, ACM Lifting Lives and Music Health Alliance.

About Erika Wollam Nichols

Erika serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Bluebird Cafe and oversees all aspects of the venue’s on-site and off-site operations along with marketing, sponsorship, and brand development of The Bluebird Cafe name. She is also co-director of the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and handles the performance program of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Prior to her role at Bluebird Cafe, Erika held several executive positions within the entertainment industry, enabling her to cultivate a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of the business. Her expertise in artist relations, talent management, and event production has been instrumental in establishing strong industry partnerships and elevating the profile of Bluebird Cafe.

About Bart Herbison

Bart operates as Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the world’s largest not-for-profit Songwriters trade organization and advocacy group dedicated to the songwriting profession. A Paris, Tennessee native, Bart Herbison worked as a reporter and spent 14 years in radio and as a correspondent for The Nashville Banner newspaper before joining the administration of former Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter as Deputy Director of Communications in 1987. Herbison ventured to Music Row in 1997 following his successful political career. He has played a pivotal role in legislative efforts aimed at protecting intellectual property rights, ensuring fair compensation, and fostering a sustainable ecosystem for songwriters in the digital age. Through his tireless lobbying efforts, Herbison has helped shape key copyright legislation, bringing about positive change and safeguarding the livelihoods of countless songwriters. Herbison’s accomplishments include the adoption of the “Music Modernization Act” of 2018, the most important copyright law reform for songwriters in decades which created The Mechanical Licensing Collective. Herbison also led NSAI’s involvement in the 2016 Copyright Royalty Board trial that led to a historic 44 percent mechanical royalty increase for American songwriters. He was instrumental in the passage of the landmark “Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act” in 2006 and the creation of the first-ever Group Copyright Infringement Insurance for songwriters and music publishers.  Bart Herbison continues to shape the music industry, ensuring that the voices of songwriters are heard and celebrated.

Calling all Nashville fans! The Nashville: Reunion Tour is coming to town on Monday, September 25 and we’re celebrating by opening up our doors for special hours on Sunday, September 24th! Stop by from 10 AM–2 PM to take pictures, shop merchandise, and step on the same stage as Deacon and Rayna.

No reservations required.

Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a top ten U.S. non-bank payment processor, has announced an exciting new partnership with Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. A revered music venue that has launched the music careers of many top stars, including Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and Faith Hill, The Bluebird Cafe is a true Nashville icon.

In addition to providing payment processing services for The Bluebird Cafe, Celero will also be the presenting sponsor of Bluebird on the Mountain, a six show concert series produced by Vanderbilt University’s Dyer Observatory. The annual series, in its 20th year, occurs between May and October and features noted Bluebird songwriters. New this year, local small businesses or nonprofits will be joining Celero at each concert as a Community Feature to help build their awareness in the Nashville community. The list includes Abbie’s Safe Home, Turnip Green Creative Reuse, Strings for Hope, Pencil, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, and The Cookery.

“Our mission is to deliver simple-to-use, bundled payments solutions that enable small to mid-sized businesses to compete and win in the marketplace,” said Celero founder and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Jones. “We cannot think of a better way to fulfill this mission than by supporting local charities, singers, songwriters, and recording artists as our way of preserving and growing what is so special about Nashville. Partnering with The Bluebird is a dream come true for us.”

The Bluebird Cafe is a 90-seat songwriters club where more than 80,000 annual visitors witness up-and-coming songwriters hone their craft and listen to established recording artists tell the stories behind their hits. Over 20,000 music lovers attend Bluebird’s off-site events, such as Bluebird on the Mountain.

“Celero Commerce and the Bluebird Cafe share a commitment of connection and service in our community, which is how we came to this idea for partnering with Bluebird on the Mountain,” said Erika Wollam-Nichols, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Bluebird Cafe. “We are excited to have Celero as our payments partner, but even more excited about the impact we can make in the community together.”

“Like so many other businesses, we chose Nashville to begin our journey at Celero, and we couldn’t have made a better choice,” concluded Jones. “You can build great technology in many places, but we wanted to be somewhere special where our team could thrive, grow, and enjoy a special, creative, and innovative community. The Bluebird Cafe is certainly one of the places that defines Music City’s greatness.”

About Celero Commerce

Headquartered in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence. Celero offers small and medium-sized businesses payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence, empowering them to drive growth and profitability. Visit https://www.celerocommerce.com/ to learn more.

About The Bluebird Cafe

Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe is a noted listening room where emerging songwriters hone their craft, and established hit-makers and recording artists tell the stories behind their hits. Now in its 41st year, this iconic venue hosts more than 80,000 visitors annually, with another 20,000 enjoying events like the Bluebird on the Mountain summer concert series at Vanderbilt University’s Dyer Observatory. For more information, visit https://bluebirdcafe.com/.

About Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a globally renowned research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Ranked No. 13 among national universities, Vanderbilt offers an immersive living-learning undergraduate experience, with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, education, and human development. The university also is home to nationally and internationally recognized graduate schools of law, education, business, medicine, nursing and divinity, and offers robust graduate-degree programs across a range of academic disciplines. Vanderbilt is committed to inclusive excellence, drawing the world’s brightest students, faculty and distinguished visitors from across all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and provides a collaborative atmosphere of discovery that drives positive change in the world. Learn more at www.vanderbilt.edu.

About Vanderbilt University Dyer Observatory

Crowning one of Nashville’s tallest peaks, Vanderbilt University Dyer Observatory has pointed its telescopes to the sky since 1953. Its nine-acre hilltop, surrounded by Radnor Lake State Natural Area, provides visitors with a serene, park-like setting only eight miles south of downtown Nashville. Today, Dyer Observatory continues to inspire interest in astronomy and space science through programming including public viewing nights, lectures, school field trips, and summer camps. Dyer brings together art and science with events such as the Bluebird on the Mountain concert series plus collaborations with Nashville Opera and the Vanderbilt Blair School. In addition to its public outreach, Dyer Observatory provides rental opportunities for hosting events, making it one of the most unique venues in the area. dyer.vanderbilt.edu