Delta Heritage Center to Host Songwriter Qualifying Round
Brownsville’s West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center (WTDHC) has announced it will again partner with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) to host a qualifying round for the 7th annual Tennessee Songwriters Week.
Songwriters of all genres are invited to sign up to perform in qualifying rounds that are being held across the state. Brownsville’s qualifying round will be held February 1, 1-5 p.m. at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.
From there, songwriters will compete for the chance to perform their original music at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Applications are now open; there is no fee to enter.
Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities, drives visitation and inspires travel 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 this annual celebration.
Two winners will be selected at each venue. Brownsville’s winners will go on to compete at the West Tennessee Showcase at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis on February 25. One songwriter from this showcase will be chosen to perform at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café during a private event in March. Each finalist will also receive additional prizes including a one-year membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a commemorative Taylor guitar.
Songs will be judged on the quality of the song (original lyrics/melody and clear narrative) and performance (ability to understand lyrics and connection with the audience). Judges are regional music industry professionals.
Songwriters can sign up for the WTDHC qualifying round by visiting the Center’s website: westtnheritage.com/events. Only 20 slots are available for the qualifying round and are filled on a first-come basis. Please note, songwriters can only sign up at one qualifying round venue. Complete rules can be found at tennesseesongwritersweek.com.
About the Center
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, TN 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 westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.
