Marissa R. Moss
View all posts by Marissa R. Moss September 1, 2026
James Otto is among the Nashville songwriters scheduled to join the Paley Center for Media in New York for a new music initiative. Rick Kern/GettyImages 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.”
