Etowah’s Gem Theater to Host Qualifier for Tennessee Songwriters Week

Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 31, when 16 songwriters will perform at the Gem Theater in Etowah. The songwriters are competing to participate in Tennessee Songwriters Week, which runs from February 23-28, 2026. Qualifying rounds are held throughout the state ahead of the final showcase, and this is the first year McMinn County has been selected to participate.

“The Gem Theater has fantastic history, great acoustics, and is a nice place for people to gather,” says Adrian Lambert, Executive Director for Tennessee Overhill. “This event is free to attend, so anyone can come out and enjoy the songs.”

Tennessee Songwriters Week has grown since its inception eight years ago, and the Gem Theater’s inclusion in the qualifying rounds is an exciting step for the region. Here’s what you need to know about the event. 

Tennessee Songwriters Week Embraces the State’s Music History

Songwriters Week was created by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to celebrate the state’s music history and culture. Qualifying rounds are held all across the state, and each day of Songwriters Week features a showcase in a different city. One winner from each showcase is selected to perform in a private finale at the Bluebird Cafe.

“This event is designed to support music venues and communities across Tennessee, while giving songwriters a chance to showcase their skills,” says Lambert. “People from other states can travel to different parts of Tennessee and see how beautiful it is.”

In McMinn County, songwriters are traveling from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and New York to participate. There are also a few Nashville performers and local songwriters in the Gem Theater’s qualifying round.

There are currently 15 songwriters signed up to perform in the Gem Theater, with room for one more.   

The Gem Theater Recently Received a Grant for Renovations 

In November 2025, the Gem Theater received a $100,000 Tourism Enhancement Grant to tackle much-needed renovations. The funds will be used to improve the AV equipment, flooring, walls, lighting, electrical, and plumbing, giving the theater an overall update. The City of Etowah applied for the grant and will begin renovations shortly.  

Mark Ezell, the Tennessee Commissioner of Tourism, visited the theater to present a check for the funds once the grant was approved. He suggested the Gem would be a good fit for the Songwriters festival. Lambert submitted an application to become a host venue the next day. 

Songwriters Week is for Visitors and Locals Alike

McMinn County is expecting to welcome visitors from around Tennessee and beyond for the qualifying showcase on January 31. However, Lambert says this is also a fun way for families to enjoy live music at a free event.

“I hope locals also come out and experience our historic venue,” she says.

Both Tennessee Overhill and Discover McMinn are promoting Songwriters Week and the qualifying showcase at the Gem Theater. This is only one part of a larger push to attract visitors to Tennessee who are excited about the future of music.

While Tennessee is known for its country music, Songwriters Week features performances across all styles and genres. This means anyone can enjoy the qualifying rounds, no matter their music preferences. 

Plan Your Visit to McMinn County for Songwriters Week

McMinn County, Tennessee, is a great place to visit in late January. The weather isn’t as harsh as the rest of the country, so hiking and fishing are still viable activities. Plus, many families believe ice cream actually tastes better when it’s cold out.

Plan your stay in McMinn County for the weekend of January 31. Explore hotels, places to eat, and potential itineraries to build around the Songwriters Week event. We can’t wait to show off the Gem Theater, Etowah, and McMinn County as a whole. Come see why this part of Tennessee sounds like a fun time.