Cashville411.com

The 16th annual Tin Pan South festival kicks off today, and at first glance, it might appear to be a down year for the event which celebrates Nashville as the city of songs.

In previous years, songwriting and recording superstars like Jimmy Webb, Gordon Lightfoot, Carole King, Ray Parker Jr., Kenny Loggins, and Dr. John have traveled to Nashville to appear at Tin Pan South. The 2008 edition features no one of the stature of those performers.

But what this year’s event lacks in sheer star power, it makes up in songwriting firepower. Over the event’s five days, you can hear a number of songwriting legends, such as Ray Stevens and Dan Penn, as well as some of the city’s most promising young pop-rock singer-songwriters, like Butterfly Boucher and Jeremy Lister (pictured above). Plus, as usual, the event features an excellent sampling of the many talented, local writers and performers who reside under Americana’s big tent — from the roots rockers and folkies to the traditionalists and neo-traditionalists.

Regardless of how the 2008 edition compares to previous ones, one thing is unchanged: Tin Pan South is not only an important gathering of the songwriting tribes, but it also brings together diverse elements of the Nashville music community. Regrettably, the event's one glaring deficiency in this respect remains, as the city’s black music community is woefully under-represented.

This year more than 250 songwriters will be performing at more than 70 shows at nine different venues, so it is impossible to check out everything. With that in mind, here are some recommended shows:

Tuesday, April 1

Early Show, Mercy Lounge, 6:30 p.m. — Will Kimbrough, Kim Richey, Mando Saenz, AM. Richey and Kimbrough are the heavies on this show.

Late Show, The Rutledge, 9 p.m. — Stephen Bishop, Roger Cook, Andrew Gold, Jude Johnstone. If you’re into pop hits from the ‘70s and ‘80s, this show will punch your ticket.

Wednesday, April 2

Early Show, Mercy Lounge, 6:30 p.m. — Dan Penn, Gary Nicholson, Lee Roy Parnell, Donnie Fritts. Worth the price of admission to hear the R&B legend Penn alone, this show will serve up a whole bunch of blue-eyed soul guaranteed to move you.

Amerisong Music and Then Some, The Basement, 9 p.m. —Tommy Womack, Jubal Lee Young, Gwil Owen, Irene Kelly. Led by the brilliant Womack, this show is rich with roots-rock talent.

Thursday, April 3

NSF Hall of Fame Show, The Bluebird Cafe, 6 p.m. — Ray Stevens, Bobby Braddock, Roger Murrah, Wayland Holyfield. It doesn’t get any heavier than this.

Friday, April 4

Next BIG Nashville Presents, 12th & Porter, 7 p.m. — Butterfly Boucher, Megan McCormick, Kate York, Erin McCarley. An excellent of sampling of the city’s female pop-rockers.

Music City Unsigned and Jack 96.3 FM Present, Mercy Lounge, 7 p.m. — Jeremy Lister, Matt Wertz, Gavin Mikhail, Matthew Perryman Jones. If you prefer your pop rock with a dash of testosterone, then this is your show.

American Naturals, The Station Inn, 7 p.m. — Matthew Ryan, Blue Mother Tupelo, Molly Thomas, Diana Jones. This strong Americana showcase provides a chance to hear Ryan perform material from his just-released album, Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State.

Saturday, April 5

Nashville Rocks, Mercy Lounge, 7 p.m. — Jim Peterik, Kip Winger, Kelly Keagy, Heny Paul. Classic rockers, circa 1980s.

2008 Tin Pan South Schedule
2008 Tin Pan South Performers