The Paley Museum & Southern Rounds present:
Southern Rounds: Take a master class and enjoy stories and performances from Nashville’s hitmakers
Step inside the heart of Music City when Nashville returns to The Paley Museum for this exciting new series, featuring a live performance where the hitmakers take the stage to perform the songs they wrote for country music's biggest stars. Founded in 2019 with a mission to champion the voices behind the music, Southern Rounds has become one of Nashville's most celebrated songwriter experiences. Now, this beloved tradition comes to The Paley Museum. For those interested in the actual process of songwriting, the evening starts with a songwriting Master Class. Whether you're a lifelong country music fan or simply love great songs and the stories behind them, this is a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the music in its most authentic form—straight from the songwriters who created it.
Events and artists subject to change.
October 29: Country Music Hitmakers
Kevin Mac
Writer behind the hit songs “Easy Tonight” and “Granny Drinks Whiskey,” which inspired him to create Elsie Marshall “Shotgun Granny” All American Whiskey
Wil Nance
Chart-topping songwriter with number one hits including Brad Paisley’s “She’s Everything” and George Strait’s “Round About Way”
Dan Tyminski
14-time Grammy Award–winning bluegrass singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, vocally featured in O Brother, Where Art Thou? performing “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow”
Steve Williams
Songwriter with two number one records, four gold records, and a Dove Award nomination, whose songs have been recorded by George Strait, Blake Shelton, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Craig Morgan
Bobby Hawk
(ON FIDDLE)
A virtuoso string player and songwriter deeply steeped in the folk tradition. Lately working in the studio with chart-topping artists like Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Bleachers, Kendrick Lamar, and more
November 11: Country Music Hitmakers
Wyatt Durrette
Cofounder of Southern Rounds, history-making, award-winner songwriter with 17 number one songs including “Chicken Fried,” “Beautiful Crazy,” “Even Though I’m Leaving,” “Colder Weather,” and “Highway 20 Ride”
Sonia Leigh
Americana, country, rock, soul artist, and songwriter. Writer of the hits “Goodbye in Her Eyes” and “Sweet Annie”
Tyler Reeve
The award-winning songwriter known for “In Case You Didn’t Know,” “Does to Me,” and “Mississippi or Me”
Master Class:
How Hit Songs Get Written: Experience the Magic of Songwriting
- October 29, 2026 | 5:00 pm
- November 11, 2026 | 5:00 pm
- December 11, 2026 | 5:00 pm
- January 28, 2027 | 5:00 pm
- February 18, 2027 | 5:00 pm
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit in the room and be part of the magic of songwriting. Before the live performance, take your seat for an exclusive Songwriting Master Class led by the acclaimed hitmakers of Southern Rounds. Designed for aspiring songwriters, musicians, music lovers, and creative storytellers alike, this interactive session offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the craft of writing songs that resonate around the world. Learn how ideas become lyrics, melodies become memories, and personal experiences become timeless hits as these accomplished writers share their creative processes, songwriting techniques, and lessons learned from careers at the highest levels of the music industry. Whether you're writing your first song or your hundredth, you'll leave inspired, informed, and with a deeper appreciation for the art of songwriting.
Paley Members $40
General Public: $50
Series of 5 Classes: Get 10% Off!
Live Performance:
Southern Rounds: A Unique Performance of Music & Storytelling
- October 29, 2026 | 8:00 pm
- November 11, 2026 | 8:00 pm
- December 11, 2026 | 8:00 pm
- January 28, 2027 | 8:00 pm
- February 18, 2027 | 8:00 pm
More than a concert, Southern Rounds is an unforgettable live storytelling experience. Hear the songs you know and love, then discover the stories behind them as award-winning songwriters share the inspiration, memories, and moments that brought each hit to life, transforming the theater into an intimate Nashville listening room where every seat feels like the front row.
Complimentary Whiskey: Each ticket holder aged 21+ is invited to enjoy one complimentary glass of Elsie Marshall “Shotgun Granny” All American Whiskey at the event. (Please note: Food & Beverages are not permitted inside the theater.)
Valid government-issued photo ID required at the bar. Must be 21 or older to receive or consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Live Performance Only:
Paley Members: $60
General Public: $75
Live Performance VIP with Meet & Greet:
Paley Members: $100
General Public: $125
Series of 5 Performances: Get 10% Off!
Ticket Info
Separate tickets are required for the Master Class and Live Performance. The Live Performance has a general admission price, and a VIP option with reserved seating and a Meet & Greet with the artists.
Paley Members enjoy exclusive ticket presale and discounts. Events do sell out, so become a Paley Member now for early access! Members, use your Member ID with dashes as the "Access Key" to unlock your Member discount.
Paley Member Presale for Partner level and above now open.
Paley Supporting, Family, and Individual Member presale opens Monday, October 12 at noon ET.
Public sale begins Tuesday, October 13 at noon ET.
This event launches a new monthly Southern Rounds music series at The Paley Museum, featuring a different lineup of acclaimed songwriters each month. The six-part series continues throughout the 2026–27 season with additional events on November 11, December 11, and January 28, and February 18, 2027. Additional artists and event details will be announced throughout the season. Paley Members always enjoy early ticket access at a discount.
Back to TopMore Paley Events Calendar
Conversation with a Curator
The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 Street, NYC
PaleyFest NY 2026
1:00 – 3:00 pm
PaleyGX Studio
The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 Street, NYC