“We are so excited to be a part of a Tennessee music tradition of songwriters,” said Jamboree president Kim Luton
Smithville – The Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree will sponsor judges for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), Tennessee Songwriters Week. TDTD, was established in 2019 to “support music venues, celebrate songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drive visitation and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stores, history, attractions and venues,” according to a statement released by the Jamboree.
“We are so excited to be a part of a Tennessee music tradition of songwriters,” said Jamboree president Kim Luton. “It is a perfect fit with the history of Tennessee music and the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree.”
The sponsored judges are:
- Smithville Local Vanissa Braswell Murphy, who was the past Chair of the Music & Arts Department at the the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.
- Michelle Canning, Member of the International Bluegrass Music Association, and a member of IBMA Songwriters Committee.
- Smithville local Darrin Vincent of Dailey & Vincent, Grammy Award Winner, and member of the Grand Ole Opry.
During the first two weeks of Feb., 50 music venues are hosting qualifying rounds across the state from Memphis to Northeast Tennessee. Songwriters advancing from qualifying rounds will perform at one of seven pre-determined showcase events.
The Harvester Performance and Event Center at 206 W. Main St. in Smithville is one of 50 live music venues throughout Tennessee to host the qualifying rounds.
“Hosting this event is an honor for the Harvester and the City of Smithville,” says Bert Driver, owner of The Harvester. “The musical heritage of our area stretches back to the early 1800s, built on the folk traditions of England, Ireland and Scotland brought to Appalachia. Because we’re kind of an isolated geographical area, this uniquely American music was preserved for well over one hundred years and is now celebrated in our annual festival, the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree.”
Local winners will advance to showcase events in Memphis, Franklin, Gallatin, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Gatlinburg and Johnson City Feb. 19 – 25. Finalists selected will perform before music industry professionals at Nashville’s Historic Bluebird Cafe in the final round.
The qualifying round will be held Feb. 2, beginning at 6 p.m.
For more information visit harvestertn.com, smithvillejamboree.com or tnvacation.com/songwriters-week.
Image by pvproductions on Freepik.
