NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Thirty two years ago, leaders of the Nashville Songwriters Association International launched an event to celebrate songwriters. They called it 'Tin Pan South.' Today, the festival is known worldwide for bringing together the best of the best — performing songs and telling the stories behind them on stage across Music City.
I had the opportunity to enjoy music on Friday in a uniquely Nashville setting — the intimate venue of The Station Inn in the Gulch which brought me and other music fans up close to the artists behind the songs we love.
The festival is the brainchild of Bart Herbison, who serves as the executive director for the Nashville Songwriters Association International. He told me about its humble beginnings in the video player at the top of this page.
I also spoke with Allison Barrett, also of NSAI, about the seminars part of the annual event. Watch my interview in the player below.
Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival also gives back to our community. This year, ticket sales from one show were donated to Strings For Hope, a non-profit focusing on supporting survivors of addiction, human trafficking and domestic violence.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
