Marion man to compete in Tennessee Songwriters Week
Chancellor Lawson will offer a special performance.
Marion’s Manuel Street is among the 21 songwriters set to compete in the Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying round at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Downtown Bristol. The event will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, 6-9 p.m.
The event is hosted by the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD).
A special performance from Tennessee Songwriter Finalist Chancellor Lawson will top off the songwriting competition qualifying round.
Lawson is a well-traveled wordsmith. Playing shows for the past decade across the country, this 2022 Tennessee Songwriters Week finalist is gaining momentum opening for acts such as Kashus Culpepper and 49 Winchester. His newest full-studio session singles are available on all streaming platforms. 2025 releases include several fresh studio singles, a live album from the Dothan Opera House and an EP release featuring 2023 IBMA Guitarist of the Year and 2025 Grammy-Award winner Trey Hensley. Soon to be released is a new, self-titled, full-length album from his group Donnie and the Dry Heavers.
The public is invited to be part of the audience at the museum to cheer on participants competing in the Bristol event. Tickets for spectators are $15 (including all taxes/fees), visit www.BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org/main-events to purchase spectator tickets.
Three semi-finalists and one alternate will be chosen from the Bristol qualifying round to compete in the Tennessee Songwriters showcase event at The Reserve in Kingsport, Tenn., on Monday, Feb. 23. From there, one finalist from The Reserve will go on to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe on March 29, along with other finalists from across the state.
Tennessee Songwriters Week was created to support music venues, songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drive visitation and inspire travelers to experience the state's music stories, history, attractions and venues.
TDTD partners with The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars, and music venues and local convention and visitors' bureaus, chambers of commerce and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.
Follow along with Tennessee Songwriters Week by following @tnvacation and #madeinTN, #NowPlayingTN or visit https://classic.tnvacation.com/songwriters-week.
