Bristol, Va.-Tenn. (Feb. 23, 2023) – The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development are proud to announce singer-songwriter Ron Short has earned his place in the spotlight at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe as the winner in the Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase round at The Down Home in Johnson City, Tenn. Wednesday night. Short was one of four songwriters out of 20 to advance from the qualifying round held at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum earlier this month where he performed his sentimental ballad entitled “France.” He competed against 17 other songwriters at The Down Home, each had advanced from qualifying rounds held in venues across Northeast Tennessee.
The event was emceed by Ed Snodderly, co-owner of The Down Home since 1976. He is an accomplished songwriter, musician, and supporter of live music. Judges included radio personality and host of “Women on Air” Susan Lachman, university instructor and musician Brandon Story, and songwriter-musician Seth Thomas. Judges considered lyric originality, performance and connection with the audience.
A veteran singer, songwriter, musician, and playwright, Ron Short is a mainstay act at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion with his band The Possum Playboys. The multi-instrumentalist has carried on his family’s singing tradition that dates back to the 1800s. He joined Roadside Theater in 1979, has had 12 major recordings of his music, and has served as the producer of four collections of Appalachian music for PBS.
“Thanks to Ed and thanks to Tennessee Songwriters Week, you’re never too old to follow your dreams,” said Short.
Six other showcase events are scheduled this week, including at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, Songbirds Foundation in Chattanooga, Ole Red in Gatlinburg, The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, The Franklin Theatre in Franklin, and The Palace Theatre in Gallatin.
Short will join six other finalists from showcase rounds across the state to perform at The Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March with music industry professionals. Each will receive a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, two-night stay in Nashville, $100 gift card for travel and one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
With a wide variety of genres present in Northeast Tennessee including country, rock, jazz, metal and more, music and songwriting run deep into the roots of the region. As Bristol, Tenn. holds the title of “birthplace of country music,” the region has a long history within the genre and was the setting for the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions, which included the first recordings of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.
Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019 to support music venues, celebrate songwriters with live performances 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 celebration.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, Taylor Guitars, music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers and partners across the state, all committed to making sure songwriters have the opportunity to share their original work onstage with other writers.
Follow the journey of these songwriters and join the fun by following @tnvacation on social media and #tnsongwriters week.
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For more information about Tennessee Songwriters Week, visit tnvacation.com. For more informationabout BCM visit BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.