Song Fest On Music Row Ramps Up 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.

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 and welcomes all forms of music. Composers are encouraged to come as they are and find their place in the mix.

There are 7 stages with scheduled performances and impromptu areas for unscheduled Sing Rings. From live video web cast, live Internet radio and DVD recording stage. Everyone who comes to the fest has an opportunity to share their original lyrics, song or music if they are not shy.

Along with the nonstop live music performances there are Pro Instructior classes hosted by music pros who have "been there, done that." Writers can attend all or parts of the Pro Instruction while at the fest. The tutoring is held outdoors on the grass near a shady oak tree.

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 also be informational booths and a collaboration tent hosted by "Keeli". There will be a writers table where registered attendees can display their CD's.

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 many 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 festival is put on by songwriters for songwriters. "The event does not let money get in the way of people expressing their craft." says festival founder "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 in it's 7th year. Some have, some have not, we all just do the best we can and that's what makes this music magic happen."

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 http://www.SongWritersFestival.com , Email: Popcorn@SongWritersFestival.com or call 615-424-1491 or 931-296-4067 for more info.

if anyone is going to SXSW this year ill be playing at The Ale House …

if anyone is going to SXSW this year ill be playing at The Ale House on 3/12, it's right on 6th Ave. You can stream my entire album from my page. hope to meet some of you