Local qualifiers Daniels, Gentry to compete for Bluebird Cafe finals appearance

PORTLAND-A pair of local winners will take the stage here at the Temple Theatre Friday night to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to share their original songs on the historic stage at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

Trevor Daniels, who was the first-place finisher in the local qualifier called “Ink & Strings of Clay County” held here at the Painted Pig Pizza earlier this month, and second-place singer/songwriter Gary Gentry will look to become one of seven finalists to move on to the private event in March.

The six other finalists will be chosen from competitions behind held at showcases across the state, including at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge, The Reserve inn Kingsport, Barrelhouse Ballroom in Chattanooga, and Franklin Theatre in Franklin.

The showcase events highlight seven distinct musical regions that have played a major role in the musical development of Tennessee across a diverse range of genres including blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll.

Besides getting the chance to perform at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe, each of the finalists will also receive additional prizes, including a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Former Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists include DEK of Hearts, famous for their breathtaking four-chair turn currently on NBC’s The Voice; Jon Wayne Hatfield, who recently signed with Big Machine Music and Red Creative Group; Maura Streppa, who just released her sophomore EP “The Skinnier Tapes;” and Memphis songwriter Rodrick Duran.

Tennessee Songwriters Week was established in 2019, when a state statute passed to designate the last full week of February each year, typically a slow time for travel, as Tennessee Songwriters Week.

The goal is to support music venues, support songwriters with live performances across the state, and drive visitation and inspire travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions, and venues.