How to Play the Bluebird
Open Mic- For writers who haven't played at the Bluebird and writers from out of town, Open Mic is the place to start. It gives songwriters a chance to play 2 of their own original songs, solo, or accompanied by no more than 2 others on stage. Drums and backing tracks are not allowed. Open Mic is a great place to try out new material, meet other writers, become a part of the songwriting community, and practice your performing skills. We recommend that all new writers play Open Mic here at the Bluebird as well as at the many other writers clubs in Nashville, on a regular basis.
Often we have more writers come to Open Mic than we have time and space for. In this case, we offer writers a "play next time" ticket, so that if the writer doesn't get to play the first time he or she tries, the writer will definitely get to play the next time he/she tries. Sign up Monday nights at 5:30. You must be signed up by 5:45. The line up is announced at 6:00, show runs 6:00-9:00.
Sunday Writers Nights- These shows are scheduled by audition, and through this screening process, writers know that they have been selected to play along with other writers who show growing talent and maturity in their songwriting and performance skills. These shows feature 9-12 songwriters playing 3 songs each. The show is hosted, and each show ends with a special guest performance by a hit-writing songwriter from the Nashville Music Industry. Sunday nights are always well attended, which gives the writer a chance to perform for a full room. This is a good chance to develop a following and collect names for a mailing list.
The writers performances are rated and filed for use by the Bluebird to determine when a writer might be eligible to perform during the week on our early shows and spotlight shows. All performances must be acoustic, no drums, backing tracks and no more than 3 people on stage. There is no pay for these shows but CD sales are permitted.
Auditions are held quarterly, and are ONLY open to Nashville residents, people residing within a 100 mile radius of Nashville and active members of an NSAI regional chapter. They are judged by Bluebird staff and professionals from the Music Industry.
Auditions for the next Sunday Writers Night will be held Sunday, May 18th. To register, please visit: www.bluebirdcafe.com on April 16th, starting at 11:00am.
We will close the website for registrations after we have heard from 80 people, or at 2:00 pm, whichever comes first, so go online early. You will need to arrive at the auditions by 10:30 am, with your form filled out, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope ready. To qualify for auditions you must live within 100 miles of Nashville or be a member of the NSAI. We will be auditioning approximately 90 writers that day, and auditions may last past 2:00 pm.
Touring artists with professional product and press from out of
town newspapers may send a promo package for consideration to:
The Bluebird Cafe Writers Night,
4104 Hillsboro Rd.
Nashville, TN 37215
Please be warned that we are EXTRA critical of mail in submissions.
Early Shows- Tuesday through Saturday, The Bluebird Cafe features the best up and coming songwriters from our Sunday writers nights in no cover charge shows at 6:30 pm. Some of these shows are in an "In The Round" format where four writers sit in a circle in the center of the room and take turns playing their songs. Other shows are set up on stage and feature three different acts each doing a 30 minute set. These shows are always acoustic; bands, drums and large groups are not part of our early show. Writers who have played Sundays at least 4 times and have high scores from our judges may be eligible to play on Early Shows. If you don't already have a following (a number of people who will come out especially to hear you perform), you should continue to play Sunday nights and Open Mic.
Other writers who are eligible are 1) staff writers from established Nashville publishing companies and 2) touring artists with product and good press from out of town newspapers. We only book touring songwriters who we believe are as good or better than the best local early show writers. If your package does not include professional product and press, it will not be considered. There is no pay for these shows but CD sales are allowed. To submit material for Early Shows, send to: The Bluebird Cafe, Early Shows, 4104 Hillsboro Rd., Nashville, TN 37215.
Sunday Spotlights- The Bluebird Cafe does not offer many opportunities for bands to play. The exception is our Sunday Spotlight, a no cover show each Sunday from 6:30 - 7:15. The same criterion applies as for our early shows--Writers who have played Sundays at least 4 times, and have high scores from our judges are eligible to play on Sunday Spotlights. Others writers who would be eligible are staff writers from established Nashville publishing companies and touring artists with product and good press from out of town newspapersbut this time period is for bands up to 6 pieces including drums. The solo writer must have played an early show to be eligible to bring his/her band to play a Sunday Spotlight. There is no pay for these shows but CD sales are allowed. To submit material for Sunday Spotlights, send to: The Bluebird Cafe, Sunday Spotlight, 4104 Hillsboro Rd., Nashville, TN 37215.
Frequently Asked Questions-
- I am a singer and I don't write my own songs. How can I play the Bluebird?
Unfortunately, Nashville and The Bluebird Cafe offer very few showcases for singers. You may perform on Open Mic with songs by local writers, as long as the songs have not been released by a major label or aired on the radio. You should see this as an opportunity to help a writer present his or her songs, this is not a show for the singer as much as it is for the songwriter. - What if I don't play an instrument?
We do not allow backing tracks at any shows. Some choose to sing A Capella, but it is probably to your advantage to find a guitar player to back you on stage. That is one of the benefits of Open Mics and Songwriters Nights; you will meet many people there who would be happy to help out on a show. The songwriting community is very supportive in this way. - Does the Bluebird provide instruments for the shows?
No, sorry. You will need to bring your own guitar or keyboard. We do provide a good sound system and someone to operate it for you. - How are the late shows booked?
Late show time slots are reserved for local or national acts with a large following. Openers for these shows are sometimes selected from the best early show performers, though these opportunities are extremely limited. - What is a showcase, and how do I get one?
A showcase is an early evening or daytime show to which the performer invites members of the industry in the hopes of getting a recording deal. Many venues charge a substantial fee/rent for this. It is the Bluebird's policy not to rent our room for showcases unless the request comes directly from a major label representative, established manager, or publishing company. - What other resources do you recommend for songwriters?
The Nashville Songwriters Association International is a great organization which offers many services to writers including- seminars and classes
- office and writing rooms
- song screenings
- solid information and advice.
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