The Paley Museum & Southern Rounds present:
Southern Rounds: Bringing Nashville to New York!
September 24, 2026
The Paley Museum
25 West 52 Street, NYC
Step inside the heart of Music City when Nashville comes to The Paley Museum for this exciting new six-part monthly series including a songwriting workshop, followed by 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. 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.
The Southern Rounds series is part of the Paley Center's year-long music initiative, you can read more about that here. We're thrilled to kick off Southern Rounds on September 24 with country music hitmakers Kevin MaC, James Otto, and D. Vincent Williams, tickets on sale first to Paley Members.
In Person:
Kevin MaC, the writer behind the hit song "Easy Tonight" and “Granny Drinks Whiskey,” which inspired him to create Elsie Marshall “Shotgun Granny” All American Whiskey
James Otto, currently a frontman for The Mavericks and the force behind the #1 hit song “Just Got Started Lovin’ You”
D. Vincent Williams, winner of the 2002 ACM Song of the Year award for “I’m Movin’ On,” which was recorded by Rascal Flatts
Events and artists subject to change.
Master Class:
How Hit Songs Get Written: Experience the Magic of Songwriting
September 24, 2026
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 process, songwriting techniques, and lessons 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
Live Performance:
Southern Rounds: A Unique Performance of Music & Storytelling
September 24, 2026
8:00 pm
Step inside the heart of Music City with Southern Rounds—Nashville's premier songwriter round, where the hitmakers take the stage to perform the songs they wrote for country music's biggest stars. 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.
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
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 Thursday, September 3 at noon ET.
Public sale begins Friday, September 4 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 October 29, 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.
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