CELINA-Songwriters will have another opportunity to put their talents on display here at the Clay County Fairgrounds later this month, and they could ultimately earn a once-in-a-lifetime chance to share their original songs on the historic stage at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

The Friday, January 31 local singing competition is one of many being held across the state to select a total of 140 qualifiers to take part in Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase events set for February 23-March 1.

This is the second year in a row a qualifying round has been held here at the local fairgrounds facility.

Like last year, two local winners will move on to one of seven Showcase venues, which include Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Paramount Bristol in Bristol, Ole Red in Gatlinburg, Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Temple Theatre in Portland, and Franklin Theatre in Franklin.

One finalist from each Showcase will then make up the seven songwriters who will perform at the Bluebird Cafe March 29-30.

The local qualifier, titled “Singing on the River,” will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Complex Building and the competition is open to all songwriters.

“You do not have to live in Clay County or even be a Tennessee resident,” local organizers said,  “You only must be 18 (years old), so sign up for the Tennessee Songwriters Competition!

“If you’re not a performer, come out and enjoy the amazing talent that will be performing and cheer on your favorites.”

Registration for the local qualifier can be completed at the Clay County Chamber of Commerce or online at tnsongwritersweek.com.  Also visit Facebook.com/Clay.County.TN.Chamber for an online sign-up link.

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.