Songwriters Week qualifying competition set for Jan. 31 at the Rhea County Courthouse

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is once again coordinating the Tennessee Songwriters Week with a final event being held at the Bluebird Cafe.  The goal is to support music venues and songwriters with live performances across the state as well as to inspire Tennesseans and tourists to experience the state’s artists and music heritage.  

For Tennessee Songwriters Week 2026,  the Rhea County Tourism Department and Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation are proud to announce that the Rhea County Courthouse has been accepted as a qualifying round venue to select two songwriters who will advance to the showcase round.. 

The initial qualifying event at the Rhea County Courthouse will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Rhea County Courthouse. Two winners will be selected and chosen to advance to the showcase round. Winners of the showcase round will perform at the BlueBird Cafe in March. 

Starting December 11, Rhea County's qualifying round signups will open until all 15 songwriter slots are filled. There will be a waiting list for any songwriter past the initial 15 signups.  

Participating songwriters cannot sign up and perform at multiple qualifying rounds. Songwriters must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the United States. Duos and trios are also welcome to participate.  Songwriters don't need to be from Tennessee to enter.

More information on the Tennessee Songwriter's Week can be found here.