My favorite week of the year is quickly approaching, Although every week in Nashville has it’s fair share of loaded writer’s nights and stellar concerts, one week has a special place in my heart. Songwriters Festival, Tin Pan South, takes place at local venues in Nashville, for a week, every March. The lineup never ceases to disappoint as they utilize 10 of the most intimate venues in Nashville and host two shows a night. Every night attendees get to watch the songs they all know come to life in a somewhat backwards way. There is something magical about hearing a song stripped down, as it was originally written, and learning the stories behind them. The only way to understand is to experience this yourself! This is my advice and the shows you don’t want to miss (all in my opinion of course).
First piece of advice: When you can, always go to the Listening Room.
Second piece of advice: You will want to get there early, with cash in hand, because everyone that has festival tickets will get in first.
Tuesday Night:
6pm at The Listening Room: Brandy Clark, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally and Josh Osbourne
9pm at The Listening Room: Dave Barnes, Steve Moakler, Ben Rector and Andrew Ripp
If this video full of raw emotion and talent doesn’t make you want to go to The Listening Room then maybe the fact that these writers have cuts by Kacey Musgraves, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, The Band Perry, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and so many more, plus a Grammy award will. Stick around for the second round with some of Nashville’s best singer-songwriters.
Wednesday night:
6pm at The Rutledge: Nathan Angelo, Trent Dabbs, Anderson East and Justin Klump
9pm at The Bluebird Cafe: Lisa Carver, Corey Crowder, Liz Rose and Jamie Lynn Spears
9 pm at The Hard Rock Café Nashville: Cary Barlowe, John & Jacob, Karyn Rochelle and JP William
Start your night off with the lovely voice of Trent Dabbs from Sugar & The Hi Lows along with other talented, Nashville singer-songwriters. After that head over to The Bluebird Cafe to see one of my favorites, Liz Rose, who wrote “Tim McGraw” and “All Too Well” with Taylor Swift. Or you could head to The Hard Rock to see one of Nashville’s best up and coming, indie pop acts, John & Jacob, featured in the video above.
Thursday Night:
6pm at The Bluebird Café: Sarah Buxton, Erin McCarley, Lucie Silvas and Kate York
6pm at The Rutledge: Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird
6pm at Third and Lindsley: Jeff Cohen, Kara DioGuardi, JT Harding and James T. Slater
9pm at Third and Lindsley: Rhett Atkins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip
Thursday is jam-packed full of the best songwriters. Whether it be pop, country, singer-songwriter or indie you can find it all at one of the many venues. Above is Natalie Hemby singing her song “Automatic” (recorded by Miranda Lambert).
Friday Night:
6:30pm at The Rutledge: Hannah Dasher, James LeBlanc, Jeff Stevens, Wynn Varble and Chris Wallin
9:30pm at BB King’s Blues Club: Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite and Jimmy Robbins
9:30pm at The Listening Room Cafe: busbee, Tony Lane, Hillary Lindsey, Jim McCormick and Gordie Sampson
Friday night includes some of Nashville’s best songwriters including Nicolle Galyon from the voice, with co-writer on “We Were Us,” Jimmy Robbins. Also notable is Ms. Hillary Lindsey whose cuts expand from Bon Jovi to Carrie Underwood to Miley Cyrus.
Saturday Night:
6:30pm at The Hard Rock Café Nashville: Victoria Banks, Phil Barton, Erik Dylan and Emily Shackelton
9:30pm at The Rutledge: Bob DiPiero, Fancy Hagood, Steven McMorran and Kevin Rudolf
9:30pm at The Listening Room Cafe: Dave Berg, Nathan Chapman, Courtney Cole and Joe Don Rooney
You might recognize the name, Kevin Rudolf, from his 2008 single that went four times platinum, “Let It Rock.” Nathan Chapman is commonly known as Taylor Swift’s producer, but he is also a songwriter. Another favorite from these rounds is Joe Don Rooney from Rascal Flatts.
Steals (The Best $10 Shows):
Thursday Night; 9pm at BB King’s Blues Club: Blake Chaffin, Adam Hambrick, Logan Mize and Randy Montana
Saturday night; 6:30pm at Douglas Corner Cafe: Jaida Dreyer, Mark Irwin, Adam Sanders and Jody Stevens