New York’s Paley Center Is Going to Pull Back the Curtain on Country Songwriting

Southern Rounds: Bringing Nashville to New York, featuring artists like James Otto, is part of an expanded focus from the organization on music programming A Nashville tradition is coming to a New York City media institution. Beginning Sep. 24 at the Paley Center for Media, Southern Rounds: Bringing Nashville to New York will host songwriting workshops and acoustic performances with some famed Music City hitmakers, in partnership with Southern Rounds — essentially replicating the songwriter gatherings that happen nightly in Nashville and have birthed countless country hits. The program is part of a larger focus for the center this year on music initiatives, which will also include live events, showcases, album release events, listening parties, and more. Featured songwriters for the Sep. 24 kickoff are James Otto, who is currently touring with the Mavericks after the death of Raul Malo and has co-written hits like Jamey Johnson’s “In Color” and “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Boat” for Jimmy Buffett, songwriter (and Shark Tank entrepreneur) Kevin MaC, and D. Vincent Williams, winner of the 2002 ACM Song of the Year for Rascal Flatt’s “I’m Movin’ On.” Guests can watch the writers swap songs, discuss backstories and give a glimpse into the intimate, often collaborative process of country songwriting. ”We are thrilled to turn up the volume with this exciting new initiative. From songwriter showcases, album drops, and listening parties to unforgettable live performances, Paley is the destination for music’s most exciting artists and fans,” said Maureen J. Reidy, President and CEO of the Paley Center for Media. “We look forward to kicking off this new chapter with Southern Rounds, bringing the energy and spirit of Music City to New York.” Trending Stories Additional events in the Southern Rounds: Bringing Nashville to New York series take place on Oct. 29, Nov. 11, Dec. 11, Jan. 28, 2027, and Feb. 18, 2027. Tickets are available on the Paley Center website, with a presale for certain member tiers live now and a public on-sale starting Sept. 4. The Paley Center has a long history of music programming, hosting conversations, performances and using its Paley Archive to preserve some of music’s most important cultural moments. Most recently, it hosted an exhibition that spotlighted the Latin Grammy Awards, timed to its 25th anniversary and featuring Celia Cruz, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Carlos Santana, and Shakira.