Tin Pan South Wraps Another Momentous Songwriters’ Festival
World’s largest ‘Original Music’ songwriters’ festival
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
No offense intended, Christmas, but for songwriters – and those of us who love ‘em – Tin Pan South really does feel like the most wonderful time of the year. When and where else could you see and hear so many of our most brilliant songwriters singing and telling the stories behind the songs they wrote? All just an Uber-dash across town from one venue to the next?
The answer: Only in Nashville.
This year marked the 31st Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, presented by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) with presenting partner Regions Bank. We were treated to hundreds of performances at almost one hundred shows taking place at ten intimate venues: The Bluebird Cafe, The Vinyl Lounge, Cross Eyed Critters Watering Hole (Graduate Hotel), Hard Rock Cafe, The Listening Room Cafe, Analog at Hutton Hotel, the Lounge at City Winery, Commodore Grille, and Live Oak.
As the festival progressed, a few lineup changes and surprise performances led to appearances by: Garth Brooks, Kix Brooks, Jo Dee Messina, Jordana Bryant, Meghan Patrick, Amanda Cooksey, Noah West, Heath Warren, Aaron Lee Tasjan and more.
PHOTO: (L to R) Mark Hudson, Garth Brooks, Victoria Shaw, appearing on Musicnotes Stage, Analog/Hutton Hotel, March 30. Photo courtesy NSAI.
Additionally, there were some touching moments where performers brought messages of comfort and healing to the community, addressing the tragedy that occurred at Covenant School earlier in the week.
On Tuesday night, the Performing Rights Organizations ASCAP, BMI and SESAC partnered with the Festival’s organizers to present curated shows featuring their writers. The Bluebird Cafe hosted several partners on the Amazon Music Stage including an exchange show with The Saxon Pub on Tuesday and a show of legends by The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Thursday, and several venues hosted rounds presented by radio partners: 95.5 Nash Icon & 103.3 Country, JACK-FM, Mix 92.9FM & Hot 106.7, and Lightning 100.
Every year, Tin Pan South picks a local charity, donating all ‘at-the-door’ proceeds from one show to support the chosen organization which this year was The Store. The Store operates as a year-round free grocery store allowing people to shop for their basic needs. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. the 9:00 pm Friday night round at 3rd and Lindsley featuring Monty Criswell, Brett James, Kelley Lovelace, and Bobby Pinson raised money for their cause. Prior to the start of the round, presenting partner Regions Bank took the stage, adding an additional donation of $5,000 for The Store, creating an even larger impact that will help provide over 4,000 meals.
Among the many amazing talents at this year’s Tin Pan South: Songwriter of the Decade - Ashley Gorley, Tony Arata, Marv Green, Wynn Varble, Brett James, Danny Wells, Matraca Berg, Steve Cropper, Jeffery Steele, Dave Gibson, Barry Dean, Mark Irwin, Aaron Barker, Clint Daniels, Anthony L. Smith, Josh Dorr, Laura Veltz, Rodney Clawson, Joel Shewmake, Allen Shamblin, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Keesy Timmer, Tenille Townes. Rivers Rutherford, Emily Weisband, Greg Friia, Mitch Rossell, Mike Reid, Paul Overstreet, Rory Bourke and so many more.
The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival will return for its 32nd annual event April 2-6, 2024. Venues, performers and the ‘fast access pass’ on-sale date will be announced at a later date. For the most up-to-date information visit the Tin Pan South website or follow @tinpansouth on socials. #TinPanSouth
About Preshias Harris
JournalistPreshias Harris is a music journalist who has interviewed everyone from Alabama to ZZ Top for articles and stories published in numerous music magazines. She is the author of longest-running monthly country music column in America and authored The College of Songology™ 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s ‘Need To Know’ Reference Handbook. As a music career development consultant with special emphasis on emerging and aspiring artists and songwriters, she focuses on ‘chasing the dream’ while understanding the realities of the music industry. She maintains a writers’ room on Music Row – named The Sangtuary – for her clients and their co-writers. She is a member of ASCAP (as a publisher), BMI, The Country Music Association (CMA), The Recording Academy, The National Association of Talent Directors (NATD) and a life member of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
You can find out more about Preshias at https://www.collegeofsongology.com and find her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
