Paisley Sells Out West Coast Run, Heads For “Tonight Show”

Brad Paisley’s American Saturday Night Tour whipped around the west coast this past weekend with four sold-out shows in Fresno, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Reno. The L.A. Staples Center was packed with over 13,000 fans, including celebrities Sheryl Crowe, William Shatner, The Jonas Brothers, and members of REO Speedwagon.

The American Saturday Night Tour with special guests Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore will take a break this week and then concludes next weekend, March 4-6, with stops in Greenville, SC; Knoxville, TN; and Charleston, SC.

Paisley will return to the west coast on March 1 as the musical guest for Jay Leno’s first show back as host of The Tonight Show. Also on the line-up are Jamie Foxx and Olympic Gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn.

Chart Climbers: Armiger, Ballestrini, Burns & Poe, Kennon

Armiger takes the Kiss Me Now tour to PD Scott Lindy and MD Lance Houston at WUBL.

With Country Radio Seminar hitting town this week, artists are set to schmooze radio reps from across the nation. Here’s a rundown of some of the rising artists and their singles that are already climbing MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart.

Katie Armiger’s “Kiss Me Now” is at No. 52 on the Country Breakout Chart. It’s the first single from her forthcoming third album on Cold River Records, and she penned it with Lyric Street recording artist Sarah Buxton and well-known Nashville songwriter Blair Daly. This is also Armiger’s first single to chart on Billboard.

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Veronica Ballestrini

Veronica Ballestrini is working her new song “Out There Somewhere.” It’s the follow-up to her debut single, “Amazing,” and last week edged ahead of Armiger at No. 51 on the Country Breakout Chart. Ballestrini performs Friday, February 26 at 12th & Porter at 9 pm, where one fan in attendance will win a spot on her upcoming fan cruise to the Bahamas. The boat leaves from Miami, FL on August 27 and makes stops in CocoCay and Nassau. To learn more about the cruise and to register, please visit Ballestrini’s website.

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Matt Kennon

Riding the momentum of his breakthrough single “The Call,” Bamajam artist Matt Kennon will release his self-titled debut album on April 27, 2010. He co-wrote the single, which is currently at No. 22, with Noah Gordon and Jeremy Campbell. BamaJam will be releasing the three-song The Call – EP to digital outlets on Tuesday, March 9.

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Burns & Poe performed “Big Truck,” for the folks at syndicated show Mud Truck TV recently. The track was chosen as a featured song for an upcoming show, along with their rising single “Don’t Get No Better Than That” from Blue Steel Records (No. 26 on the MR chart). The duo’s episode is set to air ­ Thursday, March 4, at 1:30PM/CT.

Pictured with the Mud Truck crew l-r: Lisa Austin, Michelle Poe, Keith Burns, and Brian Austin.

ASCAP Elevates Nashville to Regional Office to Serve all Musical Genres To Be Led By Industry Veteran Tim DuBois

Official press release: Nashville, TN — ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento announced a major expansion of the company’s Nashville operations which will be elevated to a Regional Office serving all genres of music.

Effective immediately, the newly established ASCAP Nashville Regional Office will be overseen by Nashville-based industry veteran Tim DuBois, who has been appointed Vice-President and Managing Executive of the operations, reporting to ASCAP Senior Vice-President and head of Domestic Membership Randy Grimmett. Connie Bradley, Senior Vice-President of ASCAP Nashville, will continue to serve the company as a Senior Advisor, reporting to Grimmett, in a role she had been discussing with LoFrumento for some time. In her new role, Bradley will advise the organization on trends and developments, travel on behalf of ASCAP and work closely with high-profile writers on special projects.

As a result of ASCAP’s expanded emphasis and investment in Nashville, the new Regional Office will now serve a broader array of members across musical genres and a multi-state geographic footprint while bolstering its services to new and existing members, according to LoFrumento.

“The City of Nashville commends ASCAP for recognizing Music City’s evolution into a vibrant mecca, known worldwide for developing musical talent of all genres,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “As the 2010 Grammys indicated, Nashville is producing today’s most popular music, and boasts one of the most energetic and talented pools of writers and performers in the country.”

The expansion reflects Nashville’s growing importance as a global music capital that is a magnet for songwriters and publishers in a spectrum of genres. Nashville is today the launching pad for many of the most talented writers and performers in all genres of music and the ASCAP office will respond to this growth and change in the marketplace by taking on a regional approach to its core mission in Nashville. ASCAP also expects to expand the geographic region the office serves, serving other parts of Tennessee, as well as Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, the Carolinas, Florida and Virginia, among others, LoFrumento said.

“From Brad Paisley to Paramore, from the Kings of Leon to Alan Jackson, Nashville is the home to many of the most exciting developments in today’s music industry,” said LoFrumento. “Our office, while continuing to serve the needs of Country and Christian music’s greatest writers and publishers, will expand our vision and strategy to also meet the needs of the Pop, International, Urban and Folk writers, as well as film and television composers, who work, live and thrive in this region.”

In announcing DuBois’ appointment, Grimmett said, “ASCAP is privileged that an executive of Tim’s stature has joined us in this leadership role. Tim’s vision of the music industry and of Nashville’s prominent role dovetail perfectly with our expanded focus in Nashville. He will direct the daily operations of our team and office here, while assuring that ASCAP’s importance and impact grow even greater. We look forward to helping Tim fulfill that mission during this exciting time of expansion for ASCAP.”

DuBois stated, “I am excited about this opportunity to lead ASCAP’s Nashville Regional office. I believe ASCAP’s recognition of the influx and development of other successful genres of music in Nashville speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to our whole community. In addition, I hope to be able to address the growing needs of the business professionals who represent all genres of music here and to align the mission, goals and business strategies of this office with those of ASCAP’s Domestic Membership.”

DuBois has had a long career as one of the most successful executives in the recording industry having led both Arista Records and Universal South Records. A Clinical Professor of Management at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management and long-time ASCAP member, DuBois’ storied career has included recognition as a songwriter, manager, record executive and producer. Five songs that he has co-written have been No. 1 hits. DuBois’ songs have received numerous awards, and two Grammy Award nominations. As a producer, his accolades have included over twenty No. 1 and top 5 singles and more than a dozen gold, platinum, and double platinum albums. Tapped to open a Nashville division of Arista Records in 1989, DuBois discovered and signed Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, BlackHawk, Pam Tillis and Diamond Rio. DuBois quickly turned the new label into one of the most successful in country music history, selling more than 75 million records worldwide in just four years.

After serving as president of Gaylord Entertainment’s Creative Content Group in 2001, DuBois went on to head Universal South Records with producer Tony Brown in 2002, a position he held until 2006. DuBois was recognized as the most powerful person in the music industry by Business Nashville in 1996, Record Executive of the year in 1992 by Pollstar, and was included in Entertainment Weekly’s list of 101 Most Powerful People in Entertainment in 1994 and 1995.

DuBois currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and has served as a board member of the Country Music Foundation, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Leadership Music, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is a co-founder and board member of MyWerx LLC, the former chairman of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is a board member of Sun Trust Bank in Nashville.

“We applaud Connie Bradley’s contributions to ASCAP over her 34 years with our organization,” said LoFrumento. “Her name will always be synonymous with ASCAP Nashville. She is a dedicated and hardworking executive, and we are thrilled that her vast knowledge base will continue to inform our strategic plans as an advisor for us.”

“John LoFrumento and I have been discussing this transition and new role for some time and I am pleased that it these changes have come to fruition,” Bradley said. “After 34 years, this new role as a Strategic Advisor is an exciting change for me. I can focus on the strategic direction and vision for ASCAP, an organization I have loved for my entire career. I am also looking forward to having a bit more time to spend with my family. I am delighted to welcome my good friend Tim DuBois to ASCAP and to work with him during such a dynamic time of change as our organization broadens to meet the expanded role of Nashville as a music capital.”

Little Big Town At Symphony Fashion Show; Garth Adds Dates

Capitol Nashville’s Little Big Town has been announced as the musical guest for the Nashville Symphony’s Spring Fashion Show on April 20, 2010 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This year’s show will feature the work of noted fashion designers including Isaac Mizrahi. All proceeds from the event go to the Nashville Symphony and the Thor Johnson Scholarship Fund. For more information about the show, please contact Stacie Taylor, Director of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra League, at 615.687.6541 or at staylor@nashvillesymphony.org.

Little Big Town is also currently at work on a new album for Capitol Nashville, and the first single from the project—“Little White Church”—has just been released to radio. The song will be available digitally and as a ringtone on March 9.

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Those who haven’t had a chance to see Garth Brooks during his sold-out residency at the Wynn Las Vegas, rejoice. Brooks has just announced another series of dates at the Wynn, and tickets go on sale this Saturday, February 27 at 10 am CT. Full dates included below. Tickets cost $125 plus service charge and tax. To order, visit www.wynnlasvegas.com/boxoffice or call 702-770-1000. Brooks still has shows lined up for Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend and will have a month off before the new dates start. Shows will take place Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 8 pm and 10:30 pm, and Sundays at 8 pm.

Garth Brooks Dates:
March 26, 27, 28
April 9, 10, 11
June 25, 26, 27
July 16, 17, 18
August 6, 7, 8

Aldean, Chesney Launch iPhone Apps

Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean are the latest artists to offer iPhone/iTouch apps to droves of tech savvy followers.

Fans can use the applications to get news, updates and purchase concert tickets. Both musicians are giving them away for free.

“It’s a good way to put your songs and tour directly in your fans’ hands,” says Chesney, who bought iPhones for his touring crew when the device first came out.

Chesney’s app debuts as his current single, “Ain’t Back Yet,” is set to hit digital retailers on March 2. Designed by Aloompa, the app includes his No Shoes Radio, a merch and music store, photo galleries, videos and Twitter capability.

Aldean’s app by Moonshadow eCommerce comes as he releases his fourth single from his Platinum album Wide Open this week. He says “Crazy Town” “is all about the love-hate relationship that every new artist has with Nashville when they’re just starting out…I’ve been playing this one to kick off my live show, and the fans go nuts when they hear the first guitar lick.”

Aldean’s tour has been selling out arenas and setting attendance records. In the past nine months, he has scored three consecutive multi-week No. 1’s (“She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” “The Truth”) spending a total of eight weeks at the top spot, more than any other country artist in the last year.

ASCAP Nashville Restructures Leadership

Connie Bradley and Tim DuBois

It remains unofficial, but MusicRow has learned that ASCAP is restructuring its Nashville office to take on a more focused regional role for all genres. Under the new arrangement, Sr. VP Connie Bradley will step down from her longstanding position of leadership. Tim DuBois is expected to be named as ASCAP’s new Nashville head. The change reportedly happened this morning.

Bradley rose through the ASCAP ranks from her start as a Membership Representative. Always a strong advocate for creative rights, under her tenure she has acted as as cheerleader, advisor and confidant to ASCAP members such as Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Sugarland and many more.

DuBois has recently been a faculty member at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management, but first established his career as a hit songwriter and producer. He started the Arista Nashville office around 1989 and went on to sign, develop and create superstars such as Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, and many others.

Borman Ups Donna Jean Kisshauer

Donna Jean Kisshauer has been named Vice President, Radio and Tour Marketing for Borman Entertainment. In her 11 years with the artist management company, Kisshauer has coordinated tour and sponsorship efforts, as well as radio campaigns, including chart activity across four radio formats.

“DJ’s passion for our artists and their music has fueled her persistence at radio promotion and the marketing of their live performance,” says company founder Gary Borman. “Her commitment to her work and her ability to seamlessly coordinate our company’s marketing efforts is an asset to all involved in our campaigns.”

Borman Entertainment Nashville’s roster includes Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Michael Franti and Spearhead, and Randy Montana. Borman Entertainment has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles.

Joe Chambers on “Fox and Friends”

Joe Chambers, founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, was on Fox News’ Fox and Friends this morning (2/22) discussing the recent eminent domain ruling that caused the Museum to shut its doors to make way for a new Nashville convention center. See the video.

The museum closed on Saturday, February 13th after Judge Barbara Haynes ruled in favor of the Metro Development and Housing Authority (MDHA), ordering Chambers and company to be out of The Musicians Hall of Fame within seven days.

The museum represented a key piece of property that the MDHA needed in order to move forward with the construction of the Music City Center.

Although the museum’s new physical location is currently undecided, The Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Show will take place once again in Nashville in the fall of 2010. Further details will be announced at a press conference in late spring.

Jerrod Niemann

“Lover, Lover”

Sea Gayle/Arista

Jerrod Niemann’s new single “Lover, Lover” is impacting country radio, and officially goes for adds March 1. The song appears on Niemann’s upcoming major label debut album, for which his friend Jamey Johnson provided inspiration. Johnson encouraged Niemann to make a record that really meant something to him, and the result earned him a record deal with Sea Gayle/Arista. The album is slated for release later in 2010.

Niemann’s voice may be new to country radio but the Kansas native has already been making a name for himself as a performer and a respected songwriter, best-known for co-writing Garth Brooks’ “Good Ride Cowboy.”

Niemann began writing songs at an early age, and his love for country music found him embracing such classic influences as Keith Whitley, Eddy Arnold, Waylon Jennings, and many others. He is currently out on a radio tour to promote the single, but also has live dates lined up with Johnson in March.

www.jerrodniemannofficial.com

Alan Jackson Maps Tour, Debuts Video

Alan Jackson is prepping for the March 30 release of his new album with a supporting summer tour and new music video. He just revealed dates for the Freight Train Tour, kicking off April 8 in Estero, FL, and continuing for 15 cities before wrapping in Lexington, KY on May 23. Joining him will be Josh Turner and Chris Young. Tickets are already on sale in select markets.

Jackson’s eighteenth album Freight Train was produced by longtime collaborator Keith Stegall. The Arista release has eight songs from Jackson’s pen, as well as four other tracks including lead single “It’s Just That Way,” and a duet with Lee Ann Womack on the Vern Gosdin classic, “Till the End.”

“It’s Just That Way” was written by Stegall, Vicky McGehee and Kylie Sackley. The accompanying video makes its world premiere today (2/22).  It was taped at an old antebellum farmhouse in Spring Hill, TN and various locations in Tampa, FL, with award-winning director Roman White. The video’s concept was created by Jackson’s oldest daughter Mattie, a sophomore at the University of Tennessee.

Jackson will launch the album with appearances on Today (3/30) the Late Show with David Letterman (3/30), The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (4/14), and his first visit to Ellen (4/15).

The superstar’s career has spanned 20 years and netted 50 million in album sales.