Bankers Form Firm With Strong Music Industry Support

First American Financial Holdings, Inc., a newly formed holding company, has announced plans to acquire Planters Bank in Maury City in Crockett County, Tenn. First American Financial also plans to open a Davidson county branch...

Toby’s Tour Heads Into New Year

Sarah Gilbert – 12/07/2006

Toby Keith's Hookin' Up & Hangin' Out Tour will continue in 2007, with dates beginning Jan. 25 in Albany, NY. Tickets go on sale over the next few days for the Ford Trucks sponsored event. Keith’s feature film debut Broken Bridges is also now being offered as in-flight entertainment by airlines American, Delta, Finnair, Harmony, Royal Brunei, Royal Jordanian, Singapore, Thai and US Air. The film makes its television debut Dec. 15 on CMT and comes out on DVD Jan. 9.

Grammy Nominations Revealed

R&B mainstay Mary J. Blige was the most-nominated Grammy artist, with nods in eight categories. Rascal Flatts joined Blige, James Blunt, Josh Groban, Justin Timberlake, Corinne Bailey Rae, and KT Tunstall to make...

Two New at Leadership Music

Leadership Music has hired Cori Dodson for the newly created position of Events Administrative Coordinator. She will be responsible for supporting Alumni event committees, assisting with event planning, and general logistics. She was most recently...

CMA Hires Bearden

Diane Bearden has joined the Country Music Association as Senior Manager, Meetings and Events, with responsibilities such as assisting with planning and budget management for Board of Directors meetings, logistics and event support for the...

New Studio for Austin City Limits

Sarah Gilbert – 12/07/2006

The long-running television concert series Austin City Limits will have a new home. The Austin City Limits Studio Theater is part of the new W Austin Hotel & Residences' mixed-use development. The 2,000 seat venue and production studio will host TV and off-Broadway productions, live broadcasts, special events and private parties, and will hold a five times bigger audience than the current theater's 320 seats. Willie Nelson and his nephew Freddy Fletcher (musician, producer) are partnering with Status Properties in the venue. No word on when it will be completed.

Gary Nichols Sponsored by Dippin’ Dots

Sarah Gilbert – 12/07/2006

Gary Nichols has partnered with Dippin’ Dots, Inc. for tour sponsorship and support of his self-titled debut, out next year on Mercury Records featuring the single “I Can’t Love You Anymore.” To promote the partnership, Nichols recently performed at the company's corporate convention in Las Vegas. Buddy Lee Attractions, Nichols’ booking agency, will also work with Dippin’ Dots to offer special incentives to fair and festival talent buyers. In-store signage and a CD sampler will also promote the record.

Belmont, Nashville Celebrate Elvis

Sarah Gilbert – 12/07/2006

Belmont University Presents “Nashville Celebrates Elvis” will be held at the Ryman Auditorium on Aug. 18, 2007, two days after the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death. In celebration of Elvis' association with the early days of Nashville's music industry, the show will feature Elvis songs performed by artists who have been influenced by his music. Proceeds will go to the Cecil Scaife Music Business Scholarship Fund for students attending Belmont's Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. The show will honor Scaife, a music industry pioneer and one of the early visionaries of Belmont's music business program.

Trace Tour 2007

Sarah Gilbert – 12/07/2006

Trace Adkins has announced dates for his upcoming Dangerous Man Tour. Craig Morgan and Danielle Peck will join him for the shows running February thru March 2007. Tickets are priced at $39.75 and go on sale Fri., Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. through various ticketing agencies.

Crystal Ball: Universal South Fosters New Relationship

Sarah Gilbert – 12/07/2006

It now seems the Wright time to mention that your Humble Scribe’s crystal ball sees a Universal change in the Nashville force field. The movement appears highly likely to Foster new beginnings. Stay tuned for official word soon. —DMR