Jackson Theatre to host Tennessee Songwriters qualifying round

Songwriters from across Northeast Tennessee and beyond are scheduled to take the stage Feb. 6 at The Jackson Theatre as part of Tennessee Songwriters Week. Tennessee Songwriters Week is a statewide initiative recognizing the role of songwriters in the state's music heritage. The event will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the theater, where performers will appear on the Ballad Health Stage, according to a press release from the Town of Jonesborough. The Jonesborough Tourism Department is hosting the qualifying round in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The lineup includes Jeff Amburgey, Arthur Brayton, Erin Dalton, Savannah Smith, Zach McNabb, Rachel Waddell and Dylan Vance of Johnson City; Don Edmondson of Jonesborough; River Smith of Unicoi; Amanda Robinette of Blountville; Eric Reaves of Afton; Garry Tucker of Greeneville; Becki Grace of Alcoa; and Chris Hughes of Houston, Texas. The public is invited to attend, with tickets priced at $15, according to the release. Organizers say the qualifying round is open to support new, emerging and established songwriters. Songs will be judged on originality and narrative clarity, as well as performance factors such as lyrical delivery and connection with the audience. Winners from qualifying rounds advance to showcase events, with seven finalists earning prizes that include a performance opportunity at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe, a one-year membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International and a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, according to the release. Tennessee Songwriters Week is officially recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly during the last full week of February. The initiative aims to highlight songwriters' contributions to the state, support music venues, encourage tourism tied to music history and help drive revenue following pandemic-related losses, according to the Department of Tourist Development. Attendees of the Jonesborough performance are also eligible for a discounted night's stay at the Historic Eureka Hotel by noting their attendance when booking. More information and tickets are available at jonesborough.com/tnsongwriters or by calling the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at (423) 753-1010.