BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va, (Feb. 27, 2025) – The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) is proud to announce Claire Childress will represent East Tennessee at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville March 30 after delivering a standout performance during the 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase round at Paramount Bristol on Wednesday. Childress competed against 15 other songwriters for the opportunity to perform in one of Music City’s premier listening rooms.
“Claire comes from an incredibly talented musical family and has been performing with her sisters since she was very young,” said BCM Communications Manager Charlene Baker. “She and her sister Madison have competed in qualifying rounds at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum for the past three years; it’s been a great pleasure watching them progress as songwriters and musicians. The honor is well-deserved and we couldn’t be happier for her.”
Childress is a multi-instrumentalist, music educator and songwriter from Big Stone Gap, Va. Though she grew up playing folk and old-time music with her sisters, she has broadened her repertoire to include blues, indie, and contemporary forms of jazz. Claire co-founded Mac Music Lesson Studio with her sister, Madison Denhardt, which offers instrument repair and private music lessons. Subscribe to Claire’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@clairechillmusic.
Explore Bristol, Paramount Bristol, and BCM partnered with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) to bring the Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase round to the historic Paramount stage in Bristol as part of a statewide effort to celebrate the foundation of the craft for which Tennessee is known. TDTD partners with The Bluebird Cafe; Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI); Taylor Guitars; music venues; local convention and visitors’ bureaus; and chambers of commerce and partners across the state—all of which are committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers. For more information on Tennessee Songwriters Week, visit tnvacation.com/songwriters-week.
Qualifying round winners pose with trophies in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum Performance Theater following Friday night’s songwriter competition. Pictured (left to right): Claire Chill, Camden Benoit, Erin Dalton, Austin Barrett.
BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va, (Feb. 4, 2025) – Four regional songwriters are one step closer to earning a dream gig at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe. Last Friday, songwriters gathered at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol to compete in the Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying round. The event, held in partnership with with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), was part of a statewide effort to celebrate the foundation of the craft for which Tennessee is known.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Charlene Baker, communications manager for the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), parent organization of the museum, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, and WBCM Radio Bristol. “In addition to shining a spotlight on our venues and talent, songwriters have the opportunity to meet and form community. It’s a very supportive environment and such a positive experience for everyone who attends.”
The Bristol qualifying round streamed live on Radio Bristol’s Facebook page and is still available for viewing.
Qualifying round songwriters Camden Benoit, Erin Dalton, Claire Chill, and Austin Barrett will move forward in the competition to the showcase round at Paramount Bristol, slated for Feb. 26. Alternates Jacy Chadwell of Ewing, Va. and Lloyd Irving White of Rogersville, Tenn. were chosen to step in if either of the qualifying round winners are unable to fulfill their commitments. One songwriter will be chosen from the Paramount show to perform at Bluebird Cafe on March 30 along with other finalists from the state.
Camden Benoit, a songwriter based in Johnson City, Tenn., placed first in the competition with his original work, “Birdsong.” Once referred to as “a real artist in a sea of ABC family series previews,” Camden draws inspiration from Bob Dylan’s protest folk songs of the 1960s finger style bossa nova. You can find his music by visiting linktr.ee/camdenbenoit.
Erin Dalton placed second with “A Place for Dreaming.” Also based in Johnson City, Erin is well-seasoned vocalist, songwriter, and educator, as well as a classically-trained pianist, composer and arranger. Erin earned her B.M. in Music Composition from Gardener-Webb University and spent a year studying jazz piano with renowned composter and Steinway artist Chad Lawson. She is currently front-woman for the band Charlie Maples. Visit charliemaplesmusic.com for more music.
Claire Chill, a multi-instrumentalist, music educator and songwriter from Big Stone Gap, Va., placed third with her song “Burning House.” Though she grew up playing folk and old-time music with her sisters, she has broadened her repertoire to include blues, indie, and contemporary forms of jazz. Claire co-founded Mac Music with her sister, Madison Denhardt, in their hometown. Mac Music offers instrument repair and private music lessons. Subscribe to Claire’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@clairechillmusic.
Originally from Bristol, Tenn. and residing in Fairview, N.C., Austin Barrett is a two-time semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. Barrett holds degrees in Psychology and Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music studies from East Tennessee State University and earned his Master’s from Berklee College of Music. Barrett has more than 30 students and teaches a number of disciplines – guitar, piano, songwriting, and music theory. His song “Somewhere In Between” is semi-autobiographical tune about how he met his wife. Austin’s music is available through his website at austinbarrettmusic.com.
Tickets to Tennessee Songwriters Week showcase at Paramount Bristol are on sale now for $21 (including tax/fees). Visit ParamountBristol.org for tickets and more information.
TDTD partners with The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars, and music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.
Follow along with Tennessee Songwriters Week by following @tnvacation and #madeinTN, #NowPlayingTN
Congratulations and best of luck to the following:
Alexis May
Johnson City, Tenn.
Austin Barrett
Fairview, N.C.
Brian Allen Cox
Elizabethton, Tenn.
Camden Benoit
Johnson City, Tenn.
Claire Chill
Big Stone Gap, Va.
David Sexton
Louisa, Va.
Deborah Silverstein
Asheville, N.C.
Erin Dalton
Johnson City, Tenn.
Hannah Rae Adams
Bristol, Tenn.
Jacy Chadwell
Ewing, Va.
Jim Street
Johnson City, TN
Katie Powderly
Frederick, Md.
Landon Camper
Bristol, Va.
Linda Mckenzie
Lebanon, Tenn.
Lloyd Iving White
Rogersville, Tenn.
Madison Denhardt
Big Stone Gap, Va.
Scotty Arnold
Bulls Gap, Tenn.
Tom Lynn
Morehead, Ky.
Travis Wright
Johnson City, Tenn.
William Seymour
Roanoke, Va.
The public is invited to be part of the audience at the museum to cheer on participants competing in the Bristol event. Tickets for spectators are $10 (+tax/fee}, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org to purchase.
Four (4) semi-finalists and two (2) alternates will be chosen from the Bristol qualifying round to compete in the Tennessee Songwriters showcase event at Paramount Bristol Feb. 26. From there, one finalist from the Paramount will go on to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe on March 30, along with other finalists from across the state.
Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues.
TDTD partners with The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars, and music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.
Follow along with Tennessee Songwriters Week by following @tnvacation and #madeinTN, #NowPlayingTN
Northeast Tenn. (January 23, 2025) – The Northeast Tennessee Music Census, a regional community-led partnership with the Tennessee Entertainment Commission (TEC), has released its 2024 findings at www.NETNmusic.com, highlighting the region’s $75.9 million annual music economy and insights into its ecosystem across eight counties and Bristol. To foster collaboration and shape the future of regional music, all are invited and encouraged to join a Community Summit that is free and open to the public and will be held on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. EST at the Dobyns-Bennett Instrumental Music Building in Kingsport, followed by four regional Community Roundtable Discussions happening Feb. 6-7. The Community Summit will provide an overview of the NETN Music Census findings, share key insights, and outline the vision for addressing the region’s music ecosystem needs. The Summit will kick off a series of Community Roundtable Discussions to further shape and interpret the findings and next steps. RSVPs are encouraged but not required.
“Tennessee’s music and entertainment industry is a major driver of the state’s economy, contributing $6.4 billion to our annual GDP, so we are proud to partner with TDTD, ETSU, and TEC to bring a better understanding and support of Northeast Tennessee’s music ecosystem,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “I believe the data and information gathered through the Northeast Tennessee Music Census will be a critical component in strengthening the local music scene across this region and is something we hope to replicate statewide.”
Key Findings:
Economic Impact: The Census revealed that total annual economic activity from music earnings in the region amounts to $75.9 million, with music contributing significantly to local culture and commerce.
Ecosystem Composition: Music creatives make up 78% of the ecosystem, with venues and industry professionals comprising 11% and 10% respectively.
Music Localism/Community Advocacy: Strong interest in forming a Northeast Tennessee community-based collaborative to pull together the region and collectively advocate for and develop music as an economic and cultural force.
Career Concerns: Rising costs of living and stagnant pay rates are among the top challenges facing music professionals in Northeast Tennessee.
Venue Insights: Small venues dominate the scene, hosting over 1,590 live events annually. However, regulatory hurdles and limited support for diverse genres pose challenges for growth. There is a need to increase the number of performances at existing venues and also to expand genre diversity.
High Levels of Experience but Low Entry of New Talent: A large proportion of respondents have more than 10 years of experience, indicating a highly seasoned community with few new entrants into the industry.
Industry Services: Many music creatives manage their own booking, publicity, and merchandise, indicating a lack of accessible industry services in the area.
Community Needs: Respondents emphasized the need for communal spaces to collaborate musically and access to audience development tools like local media and gig calendars.
“The Northeast Tennessee Music Census underscores the vital role music plays in Tennessee’s identity. Music is deeply woven into the fabric of our state, and it’s essential that we nurture this dynamic ecosystem of talent, venues, and cultural experiences that make Tennessee truly unique,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “As we continue to share Tennessee’s stories, we are committed to collaborating with our vibrant music scene to turn this data into actionable outcomes that benefit our communities.”
“The Northeast Tennessee Music Census provides a critical foundation for understanding our region’s music ecosystem and addressing its unique challenges and opportunities,” said Stephen Marshall, CMO and Professor at ETSU Research Corporation. “We are excited to collaborate with the communities across the region to turn this data into meaningful action.”
Community Summit: All are invited and encouraged to join us at the NETN Music Census Community Summit hosted at Dobyns-Bennett Instrumental Music Building on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. EST in Kingsport. Free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged but no required.
NETN Music Census Community Summit:
Thursday, Feb. 6
10-11:30 a.m. EST
Dobyns-Bennett Instrumental Music Building
1801 Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37664
Community Roundtables: Following the summit, four regional roundtable discussions will provide an opportunity for music creators, venue operators, industry professionals, educators, and music enthusiasts to contribute their perspectives and help shape the next steps for Northeast Tennessee’s music ecosystem. RSVPs are encouraged but not required.
Roundtable Discussion in Kingsport
Thursday, Feb. 6
1-2:30 p.m. EST
Create Appalachia
225 W. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660
Roundtable Discussion in Bristol
Thursday, Feb. 6
4-5:30 p.m. EST
Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Learning Center
101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA 24201
Roundtable Discussion in Johnson City
Friday, Feb. 7
9-10:30 a.m. EST
Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
602 Sevier Street #101, Johnson City, TN 37604
Roundtable Discussion in Greeneville
Friday, Feb. 7
1-2:30 p.m. EST
Niswonger Foundation
223 N. Main St., Greeneville, TN 37745
