What is the most popular thing to do when driving long distance (or any distance for that matter)? Perhaps it’s chatting with friends or listening to informative podcasts…but most people simply enjoy a good song. When bobbing your head to the beat, tapping your fingers to the rhythm, or singing at the top of your lungs, it’s easy to get lost in the music and forget about the words.
Alright, let’s try something. Take a moment to think of your favorite song…okay, maybe one of your top 5 (we know it’s hard to choose). Can you recall the awesome lyrics — how about who wrote them? Now, what if that song had never been written…how would you feel? Music moves us in ways we can’t always explain — and the words are a huge part of that experience.
Known for their passionate songwriting, the people of the Great Smoky Mountains will be Celebrating their Appalachian Musical Roots (an ongoing theme) from August 13-22 (2018) at the 7th Annual Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival (SMSWF) in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With an invitation to experienced and aspiring songwriters alike plus music lovers in general, everyone is welcome at this melodious festival. From participating in workshops and writing hits on a hike to performing on stage and cheering for your favorite singer, this festival is not only a great opportunity for songwriters but also a fun week-long concert for all!
The Festival Schedule
To make planning a touch easier, we’ve put together a simple breakdown of the festival, where FREE live music and a handful of ticketed concerts can be found. With so many events lined up this year, choose to attend a few or visit them all!
Monday, Aug 13 | Songwriters Showcase
To be held at Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill, the Songwriters Showcase — a chance for upcoming artists to perform their latest creations — will be hosted by John Condrone, an award-winning songwriter for country music.
Tuesday, Aug 14 | Hike & Write
With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park close by, reconnecting with nature and gathering fresh inspiration is well within reach. Inspire your next poetic piece by taking part in the Hike & Write — arrive extra early to participate in the Open Mic stage.
Wednesday & Thursday, Aug 15-16 | Rocky Top Co-write
Join fellow songwriters at the Rocky Top Co-Writing Experience, featuring successful writers — such as Tony Mullins who wrote Kenny Chesney’s “How Forever Feels” — ready and willing to help tailor your writing skills. With a registration fee of $135 or a last-minute fee of $155, you could participate in this incredible event (6:00 p.m. supper included) at The Historic Gatlinburg Inn.
Thursday, Aug 16 | Workshops & a Kickoff Show!
When the co-write ends, the workshops begin! Held at the Edgewater Hotel, the workshops will feature Studio Singing for the Songwriter by Victoria Venier, How to Make Good Songs Great by Sandy Ramos, Music by Numbers: Back to the Basics by Michael deBills, and more! Purchase your spots early as low “pig-in-a-poke prices” ($45 for 1 workshop to $235 for 7) won’t stay for long. Later in the day, head to the Kickoff Show — aka the new-and-improved musical welcoming ceremonies!
Thursday – Saturday, Aug 16-19 | Workshops, Mentoring, Performances & Concerts
While some workshops will continue, the Mentoring/Audition Sessions will begin — featuring music industry professionals, such as Steve Bloch, Doug Johnson, Brady Seals, Aaron Bowlin, and Lisa Johnson. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible as it’s first come, first serve with sessions running from 40-60 minutes and ranging from $50 – $100. An array of FREE performances and ticketed concerts will also make their debut.
Saturday, Aug 18 | Song Competition Finale & Awards Show
Attend the 2018 SMSWF Song Competition Finale and Awards Show at Dick’s Last Resort. Get ready to hear live performances of the written songs from competition finalists, judged by music industry pros, such as publishers, producers, and acclaimed songwriters.
Sunday, Aug 19 | Gospel Sunday & Bluegrass Rounds
Plan to listen to some good ole gospel music on this Smoky Mountain Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Plus, the Bluegrass Rounds will make their way onto the scene from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery!
Sunday – Wednesday, Aug 19-22 | Bluegrass Camp
You’re never too old to go to camp…well Bluegrass Camp that is! Sponsored by Ole Smoky, this professionally lead camp (at $235 per participant) will be held over a 4-day period, starting with orientation along with a welcome party Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. Sessions will begin Monday running from morning to evening, continuing through Tuesday and Wednesday and ending with a cookout party at 5:00 p.m. and an awesome Instructors’ Concert from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. What a way to end the festival!
The SMSWF Mission
With their mission “to promote songwriting and showcase songwriters by Celebrating our Appalachian Musical Roots by providing a venue that brings together music professionals, music lovers and songwriters,” you’re sure to have a fantastic time at the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival. And the next time your cruising to the beat, let your appreciation for the songwriters be shown by bellowing out the best ballad you can muster!