Bonnie Kate Theater to host statewide songwriting competition Saturday

The statewide Tennessee Songwriter’s Week Competition will host one of its qualifying rounds in the Bonnie Kate Theater in Elizabethton, bringing 20 different musicians in the region an opportunity to not just compete, but to showcase their talent for the entire state to see and enjoy.

Tourism Coordinator for the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Luke Freeman said this is only the second year the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has put the competition on and the first year Elizabethton was selected to host one of its qualifying rounds.

“Something we are known for here is songwriting,” Freeman said.

Twenty performers will showcase their work at the Bonnie Kate Theater Saturday evening in front of a panel of judges. The top four will go to the Down Home in Johnson City. That competition will bring in the top four from every qualifying round in the region and pick the top contestant there to go to the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville.

“We had 20 people sign up,” Freeman said. “We have so much talent we see around here all the time.”

When the competition began last year, there were only about six qualifying rounds in the entire state. Now, Bonnie Kate is one of 40 different locations. He said the sharp increase is a sign of growth not just for the competition, but in the opportunities it provides for local artists who now have a chance to be seen and heard on a larger stage.

He said the response from the community is a big deal, as it means more members of the community will be exposed to local artists and their talent.

“We are definitely glad they are excited,” he said.

The regional competition, he said, will take place in Johnson City on February 29.

The local competition itself will take place at the Bonnie Kate Saturday, Feb. 1, starting at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend at no cost, though Bonnie Kate will be selling concessions to fundraise for the restoration project.

“We encourage people to come out and support the musicians and the theater,” Freeman said.

SportsPlus

Local news

Johnson City police accused of altering, concealing evidence in new allegations

Local news

Tennessee gas prices rise slightly, state average at $2.75 per gallon

Local news

Five mentors still needed to support Carter County students before Nov. 15 deadline

Local news

Tennessee announces the Governor’s Veteran Fellowship Program Class of 2025  

Local news

ETSU celebrates our veterans

Local news

Keep Carter County Beautiful to host ‘No Trash November’ cleanup on Tweetsie Trail

Local news

Dollar General adds fresh produce to Hampton location

Local news

FEMA offers vehicle assistance to Tennesseans impacted by Tropical Storm Helene

Local news

RipTide Car Wash gets final site OK; city may review zoning code

Community

Senior Center Schedule

Local news

Carter County Legends Lunch: A tradition of fellowship and memories

Local news

Seeger Chapel improvements improve spiritual development, cultural experiences at Milligan

Local news

Betsy Band does it again

Local news

Celebrate the season with ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’

Local news

Milligan Musical Theatre presents ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’

Local news

Food City kicks off Race Against Hunger campaign

Community

Hampton and Watauga Lodges to host Thanksgiving Dinner

Local news

ETSU introduces new awards at Celebration of Research

Local news

Experience the magic of ‘The Polar Express’ at the newly renovated Jackson Theatre

Local news

Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department honored at 2024 TRPA Conference with multiple awards

Local news

Carter Mansion Specialty Tours will focus on Christmas traditions

Local news

Autumn Heritage Celebration is this weekend at Sycamore Shoals

Church News

Church Briefs

Church News

Can I know I’m in the place where God wants me?