The 2023 Tennessee Songwriters Week, presented by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, gave seven finalists the opportunity to perform at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe in March at a private event with music industry professionals.

More than 1,200 songwriters performed at qualifying rounds in February at over 50 venues, museums, attractions and cafes to advance to the showcase events around the state where these seven finalists were named the winners. This year’s Tennessee Songwriters Week was filled with participants representing many different genres showcasing their various writing styles and lyrical content.

The seven finalists for 2023 were Melanie LaFoy from the showcase at The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Aaron Bucks from Songbirds in Chattanooga, HARZEE from Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, Elijah Wise from Ole Red in Gatlinburg, Ron Short [pictured at top] from The Down Home in Johnson City, Sarah Hardwig from The Franklin Theatre in Franklin and the Garrett Boys from The Palace Theatre in Gallatin.

Each of the seven finalists also won a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night stay in Nashville, a $100 gift card for travel and a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development established Tennessee Songwriters Week in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters in all genres of music, drive visitation and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception, more than 3,500 songwriters have shared their original music across Tennessee stages during the annual celebrations.

For more information on the Tennessee Songwriters Week project and how to participate in the 2024 installment, stay tuned to tnvacation.com/songwriters-week.