The Bluebird Cafe, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, hits the road to host four open mic nights in Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City during the first-ever Tennessee Songwriters Week in February.
Songwriters can sign up beginning this Thursday at 10 a.m. CST. Registration is limited to the first 25 songwriters who sign up per venue. For more information and rules, visit tennesseesongwritersweek.com.
Bluebird Cafe’s long-time open mic night host and songwriter Barbara Cloyd will serve as emcee, and a panel of local judges will select the top songwriter from each event. Tickets for the open mic night roadshows go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Events are scheduled as follows:
· Tuesday, Feb. 19 – 7 p.m. CT – Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis
· Thursday, Feb. 21 – 7 p.m. ET – The Camp House in Chattanooga
· Friday, Feb. 22 – 7 p.m. ET – WDVX at Visit Knoxville in Knoxville
· Saturday, Feb. 23 – 7 p.m. ET – The Down Home in Johnson City
One winner from each of the four open mic nights will earn the chance to perform at The Bluebird Cafe on Sunday, March 31. Each winner also earns an additional prize pack. Songs will be evaluated and scored on a numerical scale considering both the song and the performance. Judges will look at the originality of the song and the song’s ability to create an emotional connection with the listener.