BROWNSVILLE TN (December 22, 2023): Signups are officially open for songwriters to take part in the sixth annual statewide Tennessee Songwriters Week. For the past five years Brownsville and the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center have been host to a qualifying round for the state competition. Songwriters of all genres can sign up and compete for a chance to perform at iconic venues across the state, including the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. The Delta Heritage Center qualifying event is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, from 1-5 pm.

Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception, more than 3,500 songwriters have shared their original songs across Tennessee stages during the annual celebration in February.

Tennessee Songwriters Week, begins with qualifying rounds at nearly 50 participating music venues in late January. From there, select songwriters will move on to one of seven Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases. West Tennessee qualifying round winners will advance the showcase planned for Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis on February 18.

The showcases around the state highlight cities and regions that played a major role in the musical development of Tennessee across a diverse range of genres like blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll. One songwriter from each showcase will be chosen to perform at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March. Each of the finalists will also receive additional prizes, including a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a 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). The 2024 Tennessee Songwriters Week official rules and qualifying round locations can be viewed online at www.tnvacation.com/songwriters-week.

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

For more information about Brownsville’s songwriters event, visit westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.

About the Center: The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, is a music heritage destination that offers a refreshing Southern experience showcasing the history and culture of rural West Tennessee. Inside visitors can learn about the history of cotton, explore the scenic and “wild” Hatchie River and get to know the legendary musicians who call West Tennessee home. Also located on the grounds is the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner, and the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes. The Delta Heritage Center is also a featured stop along the Americana Music Triangle connecting Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans and an official Tennessee Music Pathways location. To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.