The live music event and conference will feature top songwriting talent
& many open to the public shows
GATLINBURG, TN — The Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival will take place in downtown Gatlinburg and surrounding area August 18-21. Nestled in the heart of The Great Smoky Mountains, the three-day conference and live music event will feature nightly shows by hit songwriters and artists in venues, including Ole Red, SkyLift Park, Park Vista Hotel, The Historic Gatlinburg Inn, The Listening Room, Ole Smoky, Shine Shack and more.
Headline shows include Grammy Award winning artist, Larry Gatlin. Brady Seals will perform his newly released single as well as his many hits. Plus, there will be a special “Legends of Bluegrass” show at Ole Smoky featuring Tim Stafford, Jerry Salley, Irene Kelley, Carl Jackson and Thom Jutz the reigning IBMA winner. Tickets can be purchased at Larry Gatlin – August 20, 2022 (gatlinburgsongwriters.com)
The nights will be filled with stellar performances from #1 songwriters, including; Shows by Shane Stevens (“Fancy Like”-Walker Hayes), Tony Arata (“The Dance”-Garth Brooks), Danny Wells (“Check Yes Or No” – George Strait), Steve Dean (“Watching You” – Rodney Atkins), Will Nance (“She’s Everything” – Brad Paisley), and many more.
The GSF conference offers the opportunity to write with #1 Hit Songwriters, book a Master Songwriting Lecture by Larry Gatlin, acquire valuable “How To” information regarding TV & movie licensing as well as wealth management help. Songwriters can be mentored by industry professionals like, Eddie Gore and Justyna Kelley, who specialize in artist production, songwriting, and development for up-and-coming talent at Music Row’s RCA Studio C. Their newest venture, Sneaky Animals Music with legendary guitarist Steve Cropper, just signed the incredibly talented singer/songwriter Emily McGill who will also appear at the festival. Spots are limited so book them early.
MC for the event is Devon O’Day, host of Mainstream Today, whose resume includes The House Foundation, Mix92.9 Nashville, and nationally syndicated shows like Country Hitmakers, The Saturday Night House Party, and America’s #1s.
Also invited are the 6 finalists from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s Tennessee Songwriters Week: Jacob Rice, Tyson Leamon, Maura Streppa, Chancellor Lawson, Josh Middleton and Robert Lee. “Tennessee Songwriters Week not only celebrates the foundation of the craft, it also lifts and presents talented songwriters from all parts of the state who are building their careers,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “We’re also thrilled to support music venues and inspire travelers to experience our state’s rich music stories at museums, attractions and festivals.” Tennessee Songwriters Week 2023 is Feb. 19-25, 2023, with qualifying rounds across the state the first two weeks of the month.
There are a variety of options to attend, with most performances free and open to the public. Special events can be attended with a $30 membership, one-night show tickets, or special event tickets and passes, all available at www.gatlinburgsongwriters.com/shop.