Songwriters of every genre converge on Music Row for The Nashville SongWriters Festival on the third week of June, each year. It’s part festival, part music conference, part business networking opportunity and part gathering of old friends. Tune smiths share their original music on multiple outdoor stages and Open Sing Rings located directly on Music Row. Writers can also attend classes, workshops, and Q & A sessions about the craft and business of songwriting between jam sessions. Another fest feature is the Open House held by participating music related businesses where writers drop by to ask questions, exchange samples or discuss what part they play in the music biz. The live performances, education and Open House are concurrently running events. Attendees take in all or parts and can play it by ear.

http://www.songwritersfestival.com

“The fest is open to all forms of songwriting, from the novice to the professional. There are no pre qualifications to play or attend. Everyone is encouraged to come as they are. All attendees will have the opportunity to share their words or music and find their place in the mix. The festival is not a contest or competition which makes for a more relaxing creative atmosphere,” says festival producer Cornelius “Popcorn” Robertson. There is no set registration fee to attend the fest, Each individual determines how they can contribute to help be a part of the music magic.”

“Last year Curb Music, Artist Partners and others helped out with stage locations. Staff writers from Sony/BMG, Warner-Chappell/Ash Street Music, Curb and many others chipped in some top notch songwriting talent, Brian White, Dillon Dixon, Don Poythress, Billy Montana to name a few.” Popcorn continues, “Industry professionals Dave Gibson, Stan Web, and others hit writers hosted sessions at the Writers Retreat. Sure Fire Music participated in the Open House and so on. ASCAP, BMI and SESAC writers all came together. Publishers, recording studios, producers, song pluggers, managers, and others were in attendance as a broad spectrum of the industry, past, present and future were there getting the feel.”

“This June 20-22, another historical gathering begins to shape up as Stella Parton (27+ charted songs) to Guitar master Boomer Castleman (inventor of the Palm Pedal guitar) throw down at this years congregation to celebrate the spirit of the songwriter. Many special guest and surprises await but the real featured writer is you, as we glimpse into the past, present and future of songwriting together.”

Sign up’s are open for the 2008 season. For more information visit www.SongWritersFestival.com, call 615-424-1491 or email [email protected]