Songwriters Festival Ramps Up Again For June Performances

Songwriters of every genre, from the novice to the professional will converge on Music Row for The Nashville SongWriters Festival held every third weekend of June. The 2009 Song Fest is many happenings in one. It's part live music festival, part teaching 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. The jamboree is hosted by SongWritersFestival.com this June 19-21 and registration to attend is now officially open.

There will be featured writers strumming their hits and undiscovered songwriters playing new ones. Last year Sony/BMG staff writers, a gang from Warner-Chappell/Ash Street Music and many others you hear every day on the radio, shared their songs. The fest represents the past, present and future of songwriting, we welcome all forms of music. Composers are encouraged to come as they are and find their place in the mix.

There are several open air stages with scheduled performances and impromptu areas for unscheduled Sing Rings. Everyone who comes to the fest has an opportunity to share their original lyrics, song or music. Last year at the Curb Music Parking Lot stage, Tom T. Hall, Stella Parton and many others jumped in to lend their talents. On the Artist Building Partners Video Stage, managed by Red Starr, live videos of player performances were provided. Sure Fire Music, one of Nashville's oldest publishers along with Second Life sponsored the Web Cast Stage. Studio 33 hosted the Alley Cat Stage and more.

Running concurrently with the live performances the festival also has classes hosted by hit writers to Grammy winners. Writers can attend all or parts of the Pro Instruction while at the fest. The tutoring was held outdoors between Crystal Gayle's Building and SESAC on the grass near a shady oak tree. pros who have "been there done that" gathered to impart their secrets, personal experiences, offer song critiques and other tidbits of the music biz.

The celebration also host an Open House on Music Row where participating music related businesses have an "open door" policy to take questions, exchange samples and discuss what part they play in the industry. Recording Studios, Publishers, Song Pluggers, Duplicators, Distributors, Instrument Makers and many other aspects of the music business will be represented. The Open House is a whirlwind of unscheduled meet and greets and an opportunity to run the Row.

Non Performing songwriters are also encouraged to come and collaborate with other writers. Networking and Co-writing is a crucial key to getting cuts. There will be a writers table where registered attendees can display their CD's. There will also be informational booths and a collaboration tent hosted by "Keeli".

There are no set pre qualifications to attend all or parts of the Fest. The festival is not a contest or competition, which makes for a more relaxing atmosphere. The efforts of caring volunteers and many "Fest Heads" makes this event different. We have feel! The pros were once novices and one day some novices will be pros. Together we inspire and grow in the business of music.

"The event does not let money get in the way of people expressing their craft." says festival founder Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson. "There is no set registration fee to attend the fest. Participants determine their "Writers Share" by their ability to help be a part of the phenomenon. Some have, some have not, we all just do the best we can and that's what makes this music magic happen. This year, the festival has added the Tune Shop to the web site and also offers Fest Heads a way to express their support. The Tune Shop has festival related items and other memorabilia for the discriminating songwriter."

Registration is now officially open. Performing and Non performing songwriters, music related business, volunteers and the general public wishing to participate in the June 19-21-2009 activities can visit the website at www.SongWritersFestival.com or call 615-424-1491 or 931-296-4067 for more info.