Nashville, Tennessee, January 21, 2026

The upcoming Tennessee Songwriters Week is set to showcase emerging talents across the state. Starting on January 25, aspiring songwriters will participate in qualifying rounds at over 60 venues. This initiative fosters local culture and allows musicians to connect with their communities while promoting the state’s rich musical heritage. The selected finalists will have the chance to perform at the renowned Bluebird Cafe and receive additional prizes to further aid their careers.

Tennessee Songwriters Week to Spotlight Emerging Talent

Discover how aspiring musicians can take center stage in 2026

Nashville, Tennessee – The eighth annual Tennessee Songwriters Week is set to start on January 25, 2026, providing a fantastic opportunity for emerging songwriters from across the state to showcase their original compositions. With qualifying rounds held at more than 60 venues statewide, this initiative not only highlights local talent but illustrates how minimal bureaucracy can enable community-driven events to flourish, benefiting individual artists and local economies alike.

Organizers have demonstrated great resilience and commitment in facilitating this program since its inception in 2019. As we approach the next edition, it’s crucial for Memphis and surrounding areas to rally behind local musicians while fostering partnerships that enhance the creative economy even further.

Qualifying Rounds

The qualifying rounds will run from January 25 to February 7, 2026, at a variety of venues, including cafés, historic theatres, and even bookshops. Each venue will select up to 20 songwriters to perform, thereby promoting local culture and offering musicians a platform to connect with their communities. Key locations in the Memphis area include:

• Collierville, TN: February 5, 2026, at the Morton Museum of Collierville History.
• Memphis, TN: February 3, 2026, at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum.
• Huntingdon, TN: February 7, 2026, at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.

Regional Showcases

After the qualifying rounds, selected songwriters will progress to one of seven regional showcases. The showcase dates and locations are as follows:

• February 23, 2026:
  • Hard Rock Cafe, Pigeon Forge
  • The Reserve, Kingsport
• February 25, 2026:
  • Lafayette’s Music Room, Memphis
  • Barrelhouse Ballroom, Chattanooga
• February 26, 2026:
  • Franklin Theatre, Franklin
• February 27, 2026:
  • Temple Theatre, Portland
• February 28, 2026:
  • The Bijou Theatre, Knoxville

Finale at the Bluebird Cafe

One finalist from each showcase will earn the prestigious opportunity to perform at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe in March 2026. In addition to performing at this renowned venue, finalists will also receive additional prizes, including a one-year membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), further aiding their musical careers.

Eligibility and Registration

Songwriters interested in participating must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the United States. Duos and trios are also welcome to register. Registration opened on December 11, 2025, and spots are expected to fill quickly, emphasizing the urgency for interested songwriters to sign up for their chosen qualifying round at tnsongwritersweek.com.

About Tennessee Songwriters Week

This event celebrates Tennessee’s exceptional musical heritage, providing songwriters with live performance opportunities across the state. The initiative not only bolsters local music venues and encourages visitation but also inspires travelers to explore Tennessee’s rich musical history and culture.

Weather Advisory

Participants and attendees should be prepared for very cold temperatures with potential snow and sleet during the qualifying rounds. It is advisable to check local weather updates and plan accordingly to ensure safe travel conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tennessee Songwriters Week?

Tennessee Songwriters Week is an annual event that celebrates the state’s rich musical heritage by providing songwriters with live performance opportunities across various venues statewide.

How can I participate as a songwriter?

Songwriters can register for qualifying rounds at participating venues through the official website, tnsongwritersweek.com. Registration opened on December 11, 2025, and slots are filling quickly.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Participants must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the United States. Duos and trios are also eligible to participate. Songwriters may only sign up for one qualifying round venue.

What are the prizes for finalists?

Finalists will perform at the Bluebird Cafe in March 2026 and receive additional prizes, including a one-year membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

How can I attend the events as an audience member?

Details about attending the qualifying rounds and showcase events will be available on the official website and through participating venues. It’s advisable to check local listings for ticket availability and event schedules.

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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.