Sixteen years ago, a group of songwriters got together to promote the occupation of songwriting through a music festival that would focus on the people who write the songs. Recognizing Nashville as the “new” Tin Pan Alley, like the New York scene at the early part of the 20th century, these modern-day troubadours were seeking to bring attention to the new center of song: Music City. The festival was named Tin Pan South to recognize the past and to celebrate the future.
Tin Pan South is America’s largest music festival dedicated to songs and songwriters. Produced by the Nashville Songwriters
Association International, the festival is a legislative fundraiser in support of NSAI’s efforts in Congress. Each year, in late March/
early April, several hundred songwriters perform approximately 100 shows over the course of the week. For five days and nights
the festival encompasses Nashville venues, elevating songwriters and the contribution they make to the city and to the world of music. Along with raising money for NSAI’s legislative efforts, Tin Pan South underscores the rich cultural heritage of Tennessee
and draws attention to the wide variety of songwriters who live and work here today.
Over the past 14 years, the festival has featured writers such as Shawn Colvin, Art Garfunkel, Rodney Crowell, Townes Van
Zandt, Garth Brooks, Jimmy Webb, Dierks Bentley, Gordon Lightfoot, Donna Summer, Melissa Manchester, Loretta Lynn, America, Carole King, Butch Walker, Lisa Loeb and
Kenny Loggins – just to name a handful. |
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