The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development established the Tennessee Songwriters Week in 2019 to support music venues, generate awareness of songwriter's contributions to Tennessee and to pave the way for future artists. It also serves to inspire travelers to experience the state's music stories, history and attractions.
The Sutton General Store-Sutton Ole Time Music Hour in Granville will host the qualifying rounds for the third year. It will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 5th in the historic 1880's Sutton General Store, 167 Clover Street, Granville. To register to participate call Jimmy Bilbrey at 931-510-7770 or Sutton General Store 931-653-4151 or online at granvilletn.com. There is a $5.00 registration fee for participants, but the event is free for guests.
The winner of each qualifying round across the state will then perform at one of seven
locations across the state. The seven finalists will then perform at Nashville’s historic Bluebird Café during a private event with music industry professionals. The finalists also win a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night hotel stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel and one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International.
Local judges at each venue coming from the songwriting community will consider the originality, performance and connection with the audience.
Jimmy Bilbrey stated that "the Sutton Ole Time Music Hour is proud to be a qualifying round location." Sutton Ole Time Hour is currently celebrating Bluegrass Winterfest each Saturday night and will begin Bluegrass for Kids in February. Bluegrass for Kids presents an opportunity for children and youth to perform on the Sutton Ole Time Music Hour stage with the band. To sign up for participation, you may call Jimmy Bilbrey at 931-510-7770.
Participants will then have the opportunity to perform in competition at Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival on May 27th. For more information on Bluegrass for Kids call 931-510-7770.
Winners in the 2022 competition were left to right James Boyd-Third Place, Ester Killen-Second Place, Justin Demps- First Place and Jimmy Bilbrey Sutton Ole Time Music Hour Manager