The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Contest (“Contest”) is open only to legal residents of the United States of America, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, who are at least eighteen (18) years old or have attained their state of residence’s age of majority. An “Entrant” can be an individual songwriter, duo or trio who has not previously won a Showcase Event. If entering as a duo or trio, the individual who remits the online entry will be deemed the individual eligible for a prize receipt. Entrants must have the unrestricted right to work in the United States of America throughout the entry and performance periods. Employees of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, The Bluebird Cafe, Taylor Guitars, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and VML, Inc., Inc. (together, the “Sponsors” or “Released Parties”), State of Tennessee departments and agencies and their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies and immediate family members of, and/or those living in the same household of each, are not eligible to enter. The Contest is void outside the United States of America and where otherwise prohibited.

Online entry will be through a Tennessee Department of Tourist Development website. During the Sign-up Period, visit tnsongwritersweek.com. On the website will be a listing of all Qualifying Round Venues with information on how to contact each Venue to sign up. Each venue is responsible for sign-ups and determining if there will be a waitlist. Entrants may only select one location to sign up. Should an Entrant sign up for more than one location, the Entrant will be removed from the list and/or waitlist from all locations.

The Contest signups will conclude when all slots at the Qualifying Round venues are full, but no later than January 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM CT (“Sign up Period”). If more than twenty (20) individuals sign up for each venue, individual venues may reserve the right to have a waitlist but are not required to do so under the contest rules. Sponsor’s computer will be the official time keeping device for the Sign up as well as any other time driven period.

Qualifying Round Venues will select up to twenty (20) songwriters to perform and are responsible for contacting those individuals and relaying any further instructions. If an Entrant fails to return the communication from the Qualifying Venue, whether contacted through email or telephone, within one (1) day of the original contact medium, the entry may be excluded, and Sponsor may select from off the waitlist or elect not to fill the spot.

140 songwriters will move forward to TN Songwriters Week Showcase events in the following seven cities (20 songwriters per venue). Entrants will perform at one of seven (7) locations scheduled for the noted date, being:

   • Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Lafayette’s Music Room, 2119 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
   • Tuesday, February 25, 2025, The Bijou Theatre, 803 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
   • Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Paramount Bristol, 518 State St, Bristol, TN 37620
   • Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Ole Red Gatlinburg, 511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
   • Thursday, February 27, 2025, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403
   • Friday, February 28, 2025, Temple Theatre, 109 N Russell St, Portland, TN 37148
   • Saturday, March 1, 2025, Franklin Theatre, 419 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064

If entering via a mobile phone or other web-enabled device and using your wireless carrier’s network, standard data charges from your wireless carrier may apply. All entries/materials submitted in connection with the Contest will become the property of Sponsors and will not be returned.

The Performance period will occur in two rounds, the Qualifying Round begins on Sunday, January 26, 2025 through Saturday, February 8, 2025 with the Tennessee Songwriters Showcase to begin on Sunday, February 23, 2025 through Saturday, March 1, 2025 (“Performance Period”).

SONGWRITER COMPETITION DURING PERFORMANCE PERIOD(S):
At the time and manner designated by Sponsor, Entrant must complete an online entry form to include lyrics to the original song which will be performed during all Performance Periods to Sponsor. Entrant must sing one (1) original song not to exceed five (5) minutes which Entrant owns/retains the rights to perform and either wrote or co-wrote. Entrant may sing acapella or have live accompaniment. Light percussion is allowed if there is no set-up time necessary. Entrant may bring up to two (2) performers to play an instrument. Back up tracks are permitted only when the Entrant maintains either the copyright or privilege to utilize the composition in a commercial setting.

The original song performed must not disparage any group of persons, religion, be considered inflammatory or inappropriate. Sponsor(s) or Sponsors designee has the final authority to determine if the song performed violates the above. If Sponsor(s) determine that the original song performed is in violation of these Rules, the Entrant will be requested to cease the performance, agrees to leave the venue without incident and will be disqualified from consideration.

Performances during Qualifying Rounds and Showcase Events will be judged by a panel of at least three (3) individuals from the songwriting community in and around Tennessee. If a judge is related by marriage or blood or has a close personal connection to an Entrant, the Judge will refrain from scoring that Entrant. A “close personal connection” will be defined as a financial, familial, or other relationship that involves a degree of intimacy beyond that normally present between work colleagues or members of the community. It can also mean a type of friendship in which those involved spend one-on-one time together frequently in a social setting.

Entrants will be evaluated numerically in the following categories:
   • Song Quality scored on a scale of 1-10: Considering lyrical originality, lack of cliches and clarity of the narrative.
   • Performance score on a scale of 1-6: Considering instrumental sound (voice or musical instrument), ability of the audience to audibly understand the lyrics and the Entrants connection with the audience.

Following the conclusion of each performance, the Judging Panel will conduct their evaluation. The Judging panel will select and announce the winner(s) for that round. The judging panel’s decision is final and binding in all aspects of this Contest. After completing the Tennessee Songwriters Week round, seven (7) winners will be named, one from each of the seven (7) venues. If a tie for first place results at any Tennessee Songwriters Week round venue, the Judging Panel will deliberate as a group in the presence of a Tennessee Department of Tourist Development team member to determine a winner based on the above categories.

The winner of each of the seven (7) locations will receive the Prize as addressed below. Entrant must be present and complete a W-9 and/or appropriate federal income tax form and Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release in order to win. If the Entrant is absent or refuses to complete a W-9, the judging panel may select the entrant with the next highest score.

The seven (7) winning Entrants will play their original song at The Bluebird Cafe on March 30, 2025, as determined by The Bluebird Cafe, and will receive a poster to commemorate the experience. All the specifications concerning performance as indicated above will apply to the instant performance, absent judging.

Each of the seven (7) prize winners will receive the following prize package, approximate retail value– (“ARV”): $1649.00:
   • Two (2) night hotel stay at a hotel located near The Bluebird Cafe March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2025, ($450.00).
   • Workshop with The Bluebird Cafe Team on songwriting, ($75.00).
   • Membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (“NSAI”) which will include mentoring sessions and a workshop, ($225.00)
   • Gift card, ($100.00).
   • Branded commemorative guitar from Taylor Guitars, ($799.00).

The prize may not be exchanged and any changes to the March 30, 2025 date are at the discretion of The Bluebird Cafe. The seven (7) winners performing at The Bluebird Cafe will receive no additional prizes, compensation, etc. as associated with the instant Contest.

Odds of receiving a Sign up spot will depend on the number of individuals entering. Further odds of winning the Prize once selected will be a 1 in 1400 chance dependent upon the subjective selection criteria as set out above.

NOTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION: Following closure of the sign-up period, successful Entrants will be notified via phone or email by the Venue to which they are assigned. Entrants that move forward from the Qualifying Round to Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase will be notified following the conclusion of performances hosted by the respective venue. Successful Entrants should contact the respective assigned venue with any questions.

If an Entrant is found to be ineligible or not in compliance with these rules at any time during the contest period that Entrant will be disqualified.

Each of the seven (7) winners from the Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase must be present during the announcement at the venue on the date of the performance in order to win. The seven (7) winners will be required to complete a W-9 form for tax filing purposes, providing their Social Security number and an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release (the “Affidavit”). If an Entrant is otherwise eligible under these Official Rules but is deemed a minor in his or her state of primary residence, the Entrant’s parent or legal guardian will be required to execute and return the Affidavit on the minor’s behalf.

Non-compliance with this requirement will result in forfeiture and the Entrant with the next highest score from that venue will be selected, this should occur in real time at the venue.

Please visit www.https://bluebirdcafe.com/, to read about frequently asked questions regarding The Bluebird Cafe. Prize is not assignable or transferable although Sponsors reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value due to unavailability or to hold performances on substitute dates due to pandemic or health concerns. Prize must be taken on dates specified by Sponsor or Prize will be forfeited in its entirety; dates so specified are subject to change by The Bluebird Cafe only. All other expenses not specifically mentioned herein, including but not limited to tips, gratuities, incidentals, local and long-distance telephone calls, and service charges, required transportation, any necessary lodging, all meals and beverages, and any other miscellaneous expenses not specifically mentioned above, are the sole responsibility of the entrant/winner(s).

By participating and accepting a prize, entrant/winner represents that he/she understands that travel, whether by plane, automobile, or other conveyance, or by foot, and in the air, contains some inherent element of risk of accident, illness, injury, loss or death, which may be caused by negligence, forces of nature, or other agencies, known or unknown. By accepting a prize, winner acknowledges participation in the prize is voluntary, acknowledges that there are natural factors and occurrences which may impact on or affect the safety of the activities they are participating in and they assume the risk of such factors and occurrences and agree that the Released Parties will not be in any way responsible for any resulting injury and/or death. Further, upon exercising the prize, winner agrees to all Terms of Use as set forth by The Bluebird Cafe.

In addition, the winner(s) are solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes as well as other fees associated with receipt of a prize, regardless of whether a prize is used in whole or in part. Taxes on the prize are solely the responsibility of the winner and winner agrees to provide a W-9 Tax form. Each prize winner will be required to disclose his/her social security number on the W-9 for the purpose of issuance of a 1099 MISC form for tax purposes.

Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. Further all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor(s) in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to its conflict or choice of law rules. The Tennessee Claims Commission or the state or federal courts in Tennessee shall be the venue for all claims, disputes, or disagreements arising under this Contract. The entrant/winner acknowledges and agrees that any rights, claims, or remedies against the State of Tennessee or its employees arising under this Contract shall be subject to and limited to those rights and remedies available under Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 9-8-101 – 408.

The Released Parties, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, The Bluebird Cafe, Taylor Guitars, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and VML, Inc., Inc. each of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent corporations, and their respective officer, directors, shareholders, employees and agents, are not responsible for: Any incorrect or inaccurate entry information, theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of entries; printing or other errors; and/or, any entries which are late, lost, delayed, incomplete, misdirected, stolen, mutilated, illegible, received with postage due or any combination thereof. Sponsors reserve the right to modify, suspend or terminate the Contest at any time that it may become necessary as a result of circumstances beyond the Sponsors’ control. In the event prizes are to be awarded when the Contest deadline date has lapsed, potential winner(s) will be selected from all eligible entries received as of the deadline date/time designated as the last day to enter the Contest.

By participating, winner(s), winners’ guests and entrants agree to release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any claims made by a winner(s), a winner’s guest, entrants or any other third parties related in any way to the operation of this Contest as well as any other claims, damages or liability due to any injuries, damages or losses (whether alleged, threatened, or actual) to any person (including death) or property of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of any prize or participation in the Contest and/or any Contest-related activity.

WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THE CONTEST, ALL PRIZES, AND ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED ON OR THROUGH THE CONTEST SITE ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. CHECK YOUR LOCAL
LAWS FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS.

ANY ATTEMPT BY YOU TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE PROMOTION MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES (INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES) FROM YOU TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

Entry materials that have been tampered with or altered are void. If, in the Administrator’s or Sponsor’s opinion, there is any suspected or actual evidence of electronic or non- electronic tampering with any portion of the Contest, or if computer virus, bugs, unauthorized intervention, fraud, or technical difficulties or failures compromise or corrupt or affect the administration, integrity, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Contest, Sponsors reserve the right at their sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process and void any entries submitted fraudulently, to modify or suspend the Contest, or to terminate the Contest. Should the Contest be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, notice will be posted on the Website. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of the Entrant based on an e-mail address, the winning entry will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry.

For the winners’ names (available after winner(s) have been verified), send a self-addressed, stamped, business size (#10) envelope by June 30, 2025 to: Department of Tourist Development, William Snodgrass/Tennessee Tower, ATTN: 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 13th Floor, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1102.

Department of Tourist Development, William Snodgrass/Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 13th Floor, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1102, The Bluebird Cafe, 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, Taylor Guitars, 1980 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, CA 92020, Nashville Songwriters Association International, 1710 Roy Acuff Pl, Nashville, TN 37203 and VML, Inc., 250 NW Richards Rd Kansas City, MO 64116.

Note: This Contest is not in any manner sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with the platform it is administered, i.e. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

In 2019, a state statute passed to designate the last full week of February each year, typically a slow time for travel, as Tennessee Songwriters Week. The goal is to support music venues and songwriters with live performances across the state, drive visitation, and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions, and venues.

Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases will occur Feb. 23-March 1, 2025.

 In 2025, venues will host in-person qualifying rounds Jan. 26-Feb. 8, 2025. Select songwriters from the qualifying rounds (2 songwriters per qualifying round venue) will advance to seven pre-determined showcase event venues across the state from Feb. 23-March 1, 2025

 Absolutely! We encourage hosting events from Feb. 23- Mar 1, 2025 as a special event. Please note, songwriters performing at special events outside of the qualifying rounds and showcases will not be eligible for competition or prizes.

Yes, as a venue you can sell tickets or charge an admission fee.

Songwriters may sing acapella or have live accompaniment. Light percussion is allowed if there is no set-up time necessary. This is a plug-and-play acoustic format. Songwriter may bring up no more than two performers to play an instrument. Back up tracks are permitted if it’s an original track. Please note the additional performers will be considered one act/one entry. The original song must not disparage any group of persons, religion, be considered inflammatory or inappropriate. The original song will be performed at every stage of the competition, at the qualifying round, showcase and finale. Entrant must provide lyrics to song ahead of the qualifying round.

Songs will be judged on two categories: Category 1) Quality of Song (original lyrics/melody, lack of cliches, clear or unclear narrative). The first category will be scored 1-10 (10 being the highest) Category 2) Performance (instrument in or out of tune, ability to understand lyrics, connection with audience. Category 2 will be scored 1-6 (6 being the highest)

Songwriters must perform in one qualifying round. Qualifying rounds will take place from Jan. 26-Feb. 8, 2025. Select songwriters from the official qualifying rounds will perform during one of the seven Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases in the following cities: Franklin, Gallatin, Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Gatlinburg and Bristol. Finalists from the showcases (seven total, 1 from each showcase) will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share their original songs on the historic stage at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville in March 2025. There will also be a first, second and third place prize amongst the seven finalists. Each of the seven finalists also receive additional prizes, including a one-year membership to NSAI and commemorative Taylor guitar.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Signups officially open today here in Hartsville for songwriters to participate in the seventh annual statewide Tennessee Songwriters Week. Songwriters of all genres can sign up to perform in qualifying rounds all over Tennessee and compete for a chance to play their original music at iconic state venues, including The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

The local qualifying round will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, at The Cove Restaurant, 1095 Boat Dock Lane, Hartsville.  An independent panel of Nashville judges will choose two winners to compete in the next round on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Temple Theatre in Portland.

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 musical stories, history, attractions, and venues. Since its inception in 2019, more than 4,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on Tennessee stages during the annual celebration each February.

In celebration of the craft that helped put Tennessee on the map, Tennessee Songwriters Week begins in late January, with qualifying rounds taking place at nearly 50 participating music venues throughout the state. Venues include cafes, listening rooms, breweries, distilleries, museums, and historic theaters. From there, select songwriters will move on to one of seven Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases:

• Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis
• Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – The Bijou in Knoxville
• Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – Ole Red in Gatlinburg
• Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – Paramount Bristol in Bristol
• Thursday, February 27, 2025 – Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga
• Friday, February 28, 2025 – The Temple Theatre in Portland
• Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Franklin Theatre in Franklin

The showcase events highlight cities and regions that have played a major role in the musical development of Tennessee across a diverse range of genres, including 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 the quality of the song (original lyrics/melody and clear narrative) and performance (ability to understand lyrics and connection with the audience). 

Songwriters can visit tnsongwritersweek.com to sign up at a qualifying round venue to compete.

Please note that songwriters can only sign up at one qualifying round venue.

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

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