Music is capable of many things. Singing and songwriting can provide an outlet for some who otherwise would find it hard to communicate. For others, music is a way to break down barriers and achieve things that they could have only dreamed of. That’s why I believe that mentoring those who have this wonderful ability is so important. The Over My Shoulder Foundation, after all, was started because of a song by the same name that I wrote. This song was performed by legendary Grammy Award Winner Patti Austin and her mentee.

Amy Kurland’s Bluebird Cafe has sparked many creative careers. Source: Cheapflights via Pinterest

Now, if you’ve ever been to Nashville or watched the hit series on ABC, you know that the Bluebird Cafe is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This intimate 90-seat venue is the setting where many famous country music artists have been discovered including Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift.

In 1982, Amy Kurland opened the Bluebird Cafe, and since then her cafe has helped launched the careers of several aspiring songwriters and singers. By creating an environment where local Nashville artists can test their talent in front of a live audience that is often filled with influential guests in the music community, Kurland has become one of the most regarded mentors in Nashville.

To honor her, Kurland will receive the Frances William Preston Award at the 43rd Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner on October 13th. One recipient of this award is chosen each year, and the intention is to recognize an individual that has helped pave the way for songwriters. Kurland was a natural choice for this award as she has always felt that people are just as interested in the songwriter as the person singing the song, which in many ways is why the Bluebird Cafe has been so successful over the years.

The music mentoring awards event will also honor the year’s best song, songwriter, and the “Top 10 Songs I Wish I Had Written.” To learn more about the upcoming music mentoring awards and attending this event, please call 615-256-3354.

If you don’t live in the Nashville area and would be interested in attending an upcoming mentoring event near you, please contact me at the Over My Shoulder Foundation. I use the blog as an opportunity to make others aware of ways that they can get mentoring help or become a mentor themselves.