On Friday, November 17, Underground Music Collective will return home to Bethlehem, PA to present Nashville Meets Bethlehem: An All-Local, Nashville-Style Songwriter Night at SteelStacks (101 Founders Way, Bethlehem).

This first-of-its-kind experience, presented in conjunction with the Your Next Favorite Band podcast and ArtsQuest, will feature two Nashville-style songwriter’s rounds featuring four acts apiece. Each artist will take turns performing acoustic versions of their original songs (and sharing the stories behind them). This intimate setting allows for interaction between the artists themselves, as well as the audience, creating an experience rooted in connection and community.

“This is an event that honors our past, while building toward the future. UMC got its start in Bethlehem as the regional music blog, Lehigh Valley Underground,” said Gerard Longo, Underground Music Collective Founder/CEO. “In the years since, we have built lasting connections in our home community, while transforming our platform to serve the greater music industry. Nashville Meets Bethlehem is an opportunity for us to partner with some of our favorite Lehigh Valley-based organizations, while showcasing some of the region’s most beloved and talented acts.”

A full lineup will be announced on Monday, July 10 at 10 a.m. ET (9 a.m. CT) at UndergroundMusicCollective.com. Seven of the evening’s 8 performance slots have been decided. The eighth slot will be awarded via an online contest and announced alongside the full lineup. Judges will evaluate performers on a set of criteria, including live performance ability, strength of original material, and social media following.

Want the final slot? All original musicians in the Greater Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply before Monday, July 3!