Playing the Bluebird Café

Written by Terry Cupp, who has played the Bluebird Cafe 30 times.

This story is about my experiences playing The Bluebird Café,

A song writers haven, the ultimate picking parlor, the best of the best. You don’t just walk in, get up on stage and play, you audition, and even then, some don’t make the cut.

My first appearance at The Bluebird was in Oct of 92”, first audition. The place was packed, I got lost finding the place, ( it’s in a tiny stripe mall on Hillsboro Pike ) so I was late getting there. I got to sing the first verse of a song, and was told that’s all they needed to hear, they would contact me by mail, if they wanted me back. So I waited, and four days later the bad news arrived , I didn’t pass the test, I didn’t make the grade, I wasn’t good enough.

I didn’t give up, four months later they held another audition, I went back, this time more determined than the last. I got to sing two verses of a song, and told the same ole story, don’t call us we’ll call you. That was in Feb of 93”, sixteen years later I still grace the stage of The Bluebird Café.

A lot of great songwriters and performers have walked in, and out of The Bluebird’s door. The pictures on the walls, are a testament to their undying loyalty to songwriters. I feel blessed to be included, among such great performers. “ I Shall Stand On Haloed Ground and Knell “

At The Bluebird I’ve played to the likes of Allison Krauss, Tex Cobb, and Skeeter Davis. Listened to some of the finest songwriters the world will ever know. Young, old, rock, country, and everything in between. I’ve met writers from all walks of life, and every state in the union. I’ve been scared stiff, at a loss for words, and so drunk I could hardly stand. High, low, and glad I was a but a small part of this historic arena. I was so drunk one time I couldn’t even tell you the songs I sang, and they were my own.

At the Bluebird I’ve stood on the same stage as the greats, and sang my songs. I might be a nobody, but this nobody has walked, and talked among the somebody’s.

“ Fame Is Not Just For The Famous, but For The Shameless To“

Don’t get me wrong, many a day I wish my songs would make the grade, and sell. I would be in a much better place than I am now, or maybe worse. I’ve seen some great songwriters fall by the wayside,

“writing about reality, can sometimes make you see the truth”

If you have the desire, love, and drive to be a songwriter, to me there’s only one place to hone your craft, that’s The Bluebird Café. Play your songs for the masses, showcase them at The Bluebird Café.

In leaving I would like to thank all the wonderful people at The Bluebird Café, there’s none better, Jeff Pearson, Barbara Cloyd, and Ms Amy, will always be in my heart. The staff, barkeeps, soundmen, and cooks change with the tide, but with each full moon they are back for the ride.

“ I want to sing a song I wrote , about a song I wrote , about a song I wrote”

Terry Cupp

Aka T.Cupp