8th Belfast Nashville Songwriters® Festival

From 22 - 26 February, more than one hundred artists will play in thirty five concerts across the city at the 8th Panarts Belfast Nashville Songwriters® Festival. With the profusion of the internet, home recording and self publishing, there’s never been a better time to be creative and get involved in music. And it seems creative types all over Northern Ireland are sitting down with their guitars and keyboards to write songs.

Once again, this annual event brings together award-winning international writers with local talent to celebrate the art of song writing. Belfast and Nashville are Sister Cities, and in March next year some local artists will also showcase in the Tennessee's famous capital.

Panarts Director Colin Magee said, “We started these unique music events in Belfast and Nashville eight years ago and work with international performers who are willing to share a stage with great local artists like Shauna Tohill, Aaron Shanley and Thom Southern.

"The Songwriters In The Round gigs have become our most popular events and give a real boost to emerging writers. We also attract an audience from many different countries, helping the local economy during the quieter winter months.”

Nick Lowe & Band will play a special opening concert on 16 Feb, after which Belfast will resound to the sounds of singer-songwritersJohn Oates of Hall & Oates, Nanci Griffith, Todd Snider and Mark Nevin who found fame withFairground Attraction. There'll be an acoustic set from local heroes The 4 of Us, and fellow countrymen Iain Archer, Bap Kennedy andGareth Dunlop, to name but a few, will also be on the bill.

One of the highlights of the five day festival of song will be the CMA Songwriters Series. With fifteen number one hits in the Billboard charts,Clint Black will headline the concert with award-winning Nashville country writers Bill Andersonand Bob DiPiero.

Running parallel to the thirty five concerts and showcases is the 8th Panarts Song Writing Convention™. Each year, music industry experts and writers share their skills and knowledge in fifteen workshops and panel discussions. World-class songwriters such as John Oates (She’s Gone, Maneater) and Mark Nevin (Perfect and songs for Morrissey & David Bowie) will demonstrate how they write their award-winning songs. While PRS for Music and BMI will answer questions on copyright, royalties and income streams.

This innovative programme of concerts, showcases and workshops has been designed to place songwriters centre stage, providing them with a platform to develop their craft. And by performing alongside some of the music industry's most celebrated names, the Festival also raises the international profile of emerging local music and musicians.

The Songwriters Festival is sponsored by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Laganside Department for Social Development, Botanic Inns & Madisons Hotel, PRS for Music, BMI and Country Music Association, Avalon Guitars, The Empire and Castlereagh Arts

To check out the full programme and buy tickets, click www.belfastnashville.com, www.ticketmaster.co.uk,tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 3744 or visit the Belfast Welcome Centre, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 6609.