The Lewisville Grand Theater is tuning up for an intimate song-strumming soirée where the locals get to shine. On Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., the Acoustic Friday's Songwriter Challenge is taking over the Black Box Theater to celebrate originality in its rawest form. With a theme that promises to rock – metaphorically, of course – the event vows to showcase the guts and glory of songwriting, sans gloss and auto-tune.

Free to all, whether you're a troubadour who's seen it all or a greenhorn just starting to shape your chords, this challenge throws down the gauntlet to pen a tune that embodies the spirit of "Rock". A safe space for acoustic aficionados, the event, sponsored by the Visual Art League, allows for amplified acoustic guitars and the rare inclusion of a keyboard or electric bass in the typically unplugged environment. Having an accompanist isn't off the table, as long as they too are wielding an acoustic instrument. An announcement made on the City of Lewisville's website threw in just two caveats for competitors: songs must be freshly minted for the event and make their debut on the Black Box stage.

While it's not a cash-and-carry affair, the Songwriter Challenge is a celebration of the craft with no prizes up for grabs. Tuning into the communal heartbeat of the arts in Lewisville, the Grand stands as a beacon for the artsy types with its plethora of venues including the 294-seat Huffines Performance Hall and an inviting art gallery. This artistic haven provides a platform not just for up-and-comers on the local scene but also reels in regional and national acts that fancy a more cultured touch.