The Bluebird Cafe

THE BLUEBIRD CAFE

The Bluebird Cafe is one of the world’s preeminent listening rooms that has gained worldwide recognition as a songwriter’s performance space where the “heroes behind the hits” perform their own songs; songs that have been recorded by chart-topping artists in all genres of music. The venue presents two shows a night, seven nights a week, with their In The Round shows typically scheduled Tuesday-Saturday, their established Open Mic on Mondays at 6 PM and the audition-only Sunday Writers Nights on Sundays at 8 PM.

Located in a small strip mall outside of downtown Nashville, the 90 seat venue is unassuming in appearance, but some of the most significant songwriters and artists have performed in this room. Our reputation as a listening room originates from the acoustic, singer/songwriter style music that is performed here nightly. Our shows are supported by The Bluebird’s “Shhh policy” which is designed to support an environment where both the audience and the songwriters can concentrate on the songs. Our patrons repeatedly tell us that they are captivated by hearing songs performed by the creators themselves and the stories behind how the songs came to be in such a quiet, intimate, and unique venue.

At The Bluebird, performers include up-and-coming songwriters along with those whose music is regularly on the charts, country music as well as pop, rock and Contemporary Christian hits. Kathy Mattea was the first star to be identified with The Bluebird and is still a friend and a regular guest performer today. Garth Brooks played on both our Open Mic and Sunday Songwriter’s Shows before he was discovered – at The Bluebird – and signed to Capitol Records.

In 2008, original owner and founder Amy Kurland sold the legendary venue to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), a 40+ year old, not-for-profit organization devoted to the service of songwriters and the craft of songwriting. More of a donation than a corporate sale, Kurland saw NSAI’s mission to “educate, elevate and celebrate songwriters” as a way to continue the Bluebird’s relationship to songwriters and to the community.

A note about covid protocols from The Bluebird Cafe:

We are joining many other local venues in making the health and safety of our staff, songwriters and customers our highest priority. Effective August 20, 2021 and until further notice, all patrons artists and staff are required to either present proof of Covid-19 full vaccination or negative Covid-19 test administered by or under the supervision of a healthcare provider and taken within 48 hours of show entry. Proof of vaccination and test results must bear a name that matches the government-issued identification for the patron that is seeking entry. We will continually assess the information and recommendations provided by the CDC and update our policy as needed. 

* Full vaccination=final vaccination completed with 2nd shot at least 14 days prior.

Source: The Bluebird Cafe