Tennessee Songwriters Week: Jonesborough Qualifying

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is set to celebrate Tennessee Songwriters Week in 2024. Join Jonesborough for the qualifying round at the International Storytelling Center on Friday, February 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. The picturesque setting of Tennessee’s oldest town, positioned in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, makes for a musical experience like no other. What better place than the Storytelling Capital of the World to share your stories through song.

Applications are now available for songwriters to sign up to perform and can be found by visiting jonesborough.com/tnsongwriters.

Winners of the qualifying rounds will advance to showcase events at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum in Chattanooga, Ole Red in Gatlinburg, The Down Home in Johnson City, Temple Theatre in Portland, and Franklin Theatre. In addition, the seven showcase finalists will earn prizes, including performing at the historic Bluebird Cafe, a one-year-membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a branded commemorative Taylor guitar.

Songs will be judged by quality of the song (original lyrics/melody and clear narrative) and performance (ability to understand lyrics and connection with the audience).

A state statute designated the last full week of February each year as Tennessee Songwriters Week, which is traditionally a slow month for travel. The mission of the initiative is to support music venues, generate awareness of songwriters’ contributions to Tennessee, pave the way for future artists, inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues and drive revenue for music venues devasted by the pandemic.

For more information about TN Songwriters Week qualifying round in Jonesborough, visit jonesborough.com/tnsongwriters.

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About the Town of Jonesborough: A unique 18th century town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Jonesborough’s natural beauty, charming architecture, and storytelling heritage have attracted visitors worldwide. Stay a day, a week or forever, and create your own stories in beautiful Historic Jonesborough. Visit www.jonesborough.com for more information.