Nashville Symphony Presents Free “Thank You” Concert Tonight

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With Schermerhorn Symphony Center damaged by the extensive downtown flooding, the Nashville Symphony has moved swiftly to find alternative venues for multiple May concerts. The first of these is tonight’s (5/7) free outdoor public concert in front of the Metro Courthouse, One Public Square. 

The Symphony is calling the free show a “thank-you” to the city of Nashville for helping friends, neighbors and fellow citizens through the unprecedented events of the last few days.

Maestro Giancarlo Guerrero and Resident Conductor Albert-George Schram will lead a program of symphonic favorites, and ‘80s hitmaker Christopher Cross (who is waiving his fee for the show) will join the orchestra to perform a selection of his hits. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, and come out to enjoy an evening of music with the Nashville Symphony.

Thanks to the generosity of the Nashville Downtown Partnership and Metro Nashville Government, the Symphony will also be offering free parking for this event at the Metro Courthouse/Public Square Garage. Located directly under the Public Square, these parking spaces will be available on a first come, first served basis from 6:00-11:00 PM.

CMA To Donate All Proceeds of CMA Music Fest to Flood Relief and Music Education

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In response to the devastating floods that have plagued the City of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, CMA has announced that 50 percent of the net proceeds of 2010 CMA Music Festival will be donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for flood relief. This is in addition to CMA’s already established annual donation of 50 percent of the net proceeds to Metro Nashville Public Schools for music education through the Keep the Music Playing program. In total, 100 percent of the net proceeds of the event will be given to benefit Nashville’s public school students and Middle Tennessee families in need.

CMA Music Festival is Nashville’s signature music event, drawing 56,000 people from the region as well as every state in the nation and visitors from 26 countries around the globe, while bringing in more than $22 million in direct visitor spending to the local economy.

“This year with all the downtown businesses as well as our tourism industry suffering huge losses due to flood damage, it is vitally important to the Nashville business community that CMA Music Festival continues as planned,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “CMA is proud to step up and help our area by donating half of the CMA Music Festival’s net proceeds to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help its flood relief efforts while we continue our important commitment to children and music education.”

“CMA has always been a great supporter of Music City through the Association’s Keep the Music Playing initiative,” said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. “This added contribution to aid in flood recovery efforts will be incredibly helpful and demonstrates the great partnership that exists between the City of Nashville, CMA Music Festival, and the country music industry.”
“Millions of lives have been affected by this disaster. While some will recover quickly, others will take months or years to rebuild, and The Community Foundation’s disaster funds will continue to strategically address needs as they emerge and evolve,” said Ellen Lehman, President of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “It has been incredible to see this community’s outpouring of generosity, and we are thrilled, but not surprised, to see CMA join in leading the efforts to help this city rebuild.”

Amy Willis Opens Amy Willis PR

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Veteran publicist Amy Willis has announced the launch of her own company, Amy Willis Public Relations. Willis’ extensive experience include time at Wortman Works Media & Marketing, Hallmark Direction Company, Stringtown Records, Sony Music and Spring Hill Music Group.

As the business launches, Amy Willis Publicity’s clients include Star City Recording Company and country artists Brady Seals and Nathan Lee Jackson. Willis is also working events for Bullying Hurts, an organization that educates children and their parents on how to deal with bullying.

Willis can now be reached at:

Amy Willis Public Relations
PO Box 2221
Mount Juliet, TN 37121
Ph: (615) 453-5625
Cell:  (615) 319-9756
Fx:  (615) 349-3584
[email protected]
www.amywillispr.com

Local Flood Updates 5/6

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CMT Offices Remain Closed
CMT’s offices in Downtown Nashville remain closed today (5/6) due to flood-related power outages and other damage. CMT spokesperson Lisa Chater tells MusicRow that, although the offices are closed and several of CMT’s TV Trucks were affected, employees are working remotely. CMT promises that television viewers will see no change, with the exception of the frequent flood-related PSAs the network is airing for the Red Cross.

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CMA Escapes Flood Damage
Although some buildings in the area were flooded, Country Music Association’s Music Row offices sustained little or no damage, according to Dan Bowen, CMA’s Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Communications. “I was a bit nervous when I arrived Monday morning that the parking garage might be flooded,” Bowen said. “But we were very lucky. CMA was closed on Monday but reopened on Tuesday. The only damage to the building was a small roof leak in the ceiling in the men’s room. Overall we were very blessed.”

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Country Music Hall of Fame To Re-Open This Weekend
The Country Music Hall of Fame officials have announced that the museum is will re-open to the public this weekend. Due to flooding in Downtown Nashville and the subsequent loss of power, the museum has been closed since Monday (4/3). “We expect power to be restored by Saturday, May 8, at the latest,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “As soon as the lights come back on, our staff stands ready to welcome visitors back to the Museum.”

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Grammy Block Party is a Go

NARAS has announced that the Grammy Block Party is still on for this Tuesday (5/11) and will officially kick off fundraising efforts for MusiCares® Nashville Flood Relief. Emergency assistance already has begun, and 100% of every dollar raised will be immediately distributed to help those in our music community that are victims of the flood. Please visit the MusiCares table at the Block Party or www.musicares.com to donate to MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief. This year’s Block Party will feature musical performances by Darius Rucker, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Steel Magnolia, Plumb and Daily & Vincent. The event will be held at Owen Bradley Park with gates opening at 4:30.

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Reba McEntire has donated $100k to the Nashville Area Red Cross Chapter and is asking everyone to text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the flooding. Many other Nashville artists have asked fans to text and donate as well….
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Lady Antebellum’s current webisode is dedicated to “everyone affected by the recent flooding in Nashville and mid-Tennessee.


Fresh Aire Solutions Offers Free Flood Consultation

Fire and water disaster restoration service FreshAire Solutions is offering free consultation services to businesses and victims of the recent flooding disaster in Nashville. Consultation service will include objective analysis of damage, repair estimates and restoration options, including musical instruments, which can often be salvaged rather than discarded. Fresh Aire owner Ed Ciofani will be in Nashville the week of May 10. Contact him at 239.633.2080 or email him at [email protected] to set an appointment. There is no obligation to hire FreshAire Solutions for any services. Ciofani is donating his time and expertise for those in need. “Country music has always been a big part of my life and my family’s life, too,” says Ciofani. “It’s nice to be able to give back to the Nashville community without any expectations in return. In a crisis like this, my only motivation is to make sure people are educated about their options and to make sure they aren’t being taken advantage of, because I’ve seen it happen so many times before.”

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Britain’s Smart Choice Music Offers International Help
Nashville-based artist manager John Lomax III passed along the following message that Britain’s mail-order music retailer Smart Choice Music sent out to its customers: “Everyone will by now be aware of the devastating floods that have hit Nashville and the surrounding areas. As country music fans with many friends and extended family in Music City our thoughts are with everyone affected. Living several thousand miles away we are left feeling helpless in being not able to offer any practical help. So, the best we can do at this point is try to raise awareness and help with fundraising. We have set up some charity auctions on eBay of a few rare items, and all of the proceeds of these sales will go to the relief fund. Please take a look at our auctions here, and give generously to help the community that is suffering so badly. Alternatively, you can donate to the flood relief directly by visiting the Community Foundation website here.

The Show Goes On For Relocated Opry

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A flooded Grand Ole Opry House was not enough to keep the hallowed country music institution from going forward and carrying on. Despite Nashville’s new and unwelcome disaster area status, the Tuesday night Opry performance went on as scheduled last night (5/4). Relocated to the War Memorial Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry convened with performers including Chris Young, Suzy Bogguss, Restless Heart, Marty Stuart, Jimmy C. Newman, Jack Green and Jeannie Seely (who lost her home in the flood). Also in attendance were Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker. Alexander took to the piano to perform a version of “Tennessee Waltz.”

“The Opry is a show,” said Grand Ole Opry Group President Steve Buchanan. “No matter where the show is held, it takes the heart of country music with it. This is a historic occasion.”

On The Cover: In Charge 2010

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the Jane Dear girls (Danelle Leverett, Susie Brown)

Label: Reprise Records/Warner Music Nashville
Current Single/Video: “Wildflower”
Current Producer: John Rich
Hometown: Danelle: Amarillo, TX; Susie: Alpine, UT
Management: Turner & Nichols Management
Booking: William Morris Endeavor
Birthdate: Danelle: 8/15/83; Susie: 3/14/84

Interesting Facts: Danelle: I majored in Psychology with an emphasis in Math at Abilene Christian University, and when I moved to Nashville I tutored high school Algebra I students working for a learning lab. I played sports my whole life, until I broke my wrist in a pole-vaulting accident when I was 17. I had to take some time off because of my injury, so it lead me to learn how to play the guitar and start songwriting. I don’t have a TV and I hate to shop!
Susie: I was born at home in my mother’s bedroom and I am the youngest of seven children. I started playing the fiddle when I was four and also picked up the mandolin, guitar, bass, and accordion before I turned 14. I grew up playing with my family in the The Charley Brown Family Band, named in my mother’s honor because her nickname was Charley (check out www.youtube.com/thejanedeargirls for the video). I was voted Homecoming Queen in High School. After moving to Nashville I was fortunate enough to land a slot as a backup singer and instrumentalist for several artists including Trisha Yearwood.

Outside Interests: Danelle: I love to dance, especially swing dancing! I also love to go running and walking with my Boston Terrier Dixie. Traveling is a passion of mine, especially in South America. I lived in Montevideo, Uruguay for three months and fell in love with their friendly and vibrant culture. My new favorite hobby is making up silly rap songs with the band on the bus. Sunday is my favorite day of the week because I love going to church and listening to Pastor Jim speak.
Susie: Country and Salsa Dancing, shopping, seeing a movie at the movie theater, 4-wheeling, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, horseback riding, Rummikube, hanging out with friends and family.

Musical Influences: Danelle: My brother Carson, The Beatles (My Dad only let me listen to The Beatles for the first ten years of my life!), Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Nirvana, Brad Paisley, Erin McCarley, Willie Nelson, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Judds
Susie: Shania Twain, Pat Benatar, The Judds, Rascal Flatts, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Michael Jackson, Mark O’Connor, U2, Journey, Barbara Mandrell, Rihanna, Patsy Cline, Mariah Carey.

Favorite Record(s): Danelle: Thriller by Michael Jackson, Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette, Songs About Jane by Maroon 5, Golden Road by Keith Urban, and Love Save The Empty by Erin McCarley
Susie: I love a lot of different records but some of my favorite songs are Shania Twain “The Woman In Me” and “Man, I Feel Like A Woman;” Tim McGraw’s “Don’t Take The Girl;” Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most;” The Temptations’ “My Girl;” No Doubt’s “Just a Girl;” Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy;” Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “You Rock My World;” Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You;” Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love;” John Denver’s “Annie’s Song;” Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman;” Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot;” Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes;” Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up The Sun;” The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishing In The Dark;” U2’s “With Or Without You,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Sweetest Thing;” Mariah Carey’s “My All;” Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You;” Alison Krauss’ “When You Say Nothing At All;” and there’s a whole lot more…

Soundcheck Flooding Devastates Local Music Industry

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Adam Gold, from MusicRow’s sister publication the Nashville Scene, posted the following story about the devastation that hit flooded Nashville rehearsal and storage facility Soundcheck, and the far-reaching effects – financial and emotional – on the city’s musicians and music industry.

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Soundcheck Nashville Is Submerged [Lost in the Flood]
When compared to the 19 reported deaths statewide, the homes lost, scrapbooks ruined, missing pets, businesses crippled and lives destroyed, the following might seem like a trite observation, but I can’t help but make it anyway.

Water is no friend to musical instruments. While watching a torrent of heartbreak rip through our city this weekend, as a musician I couldn’t help but constantly wonder how much priceless gear of all kinds was in the process of being destroyed with each passing current and rising inch. While the loss of an original ’59 Les Paul, a Tweed Fender Bassman or the mixing console After the Gold Rush was recorded on is no tragedy in comparison to the loss of human life, we’re talking about the tools with which many peeps in these parts make a living.

As you all well know, Nashville is rife with home studios and basement rehearsal spaces. Couple that with the professional spaces affected, and inevitably the cumulative value of the losses is incalculable, and sentimental losses are even greater. Read the complete story from the Nashville Scene and see more photos here.

Soundcheck's submerged Nashville facility

Shedaisy Video Says Help Your Neighbor…

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Shedaisy’s Kelsi and Kassidy helping sister Kristyn in the clean up her flooded basement. Also discussed are ways to help, places to donate…

Kenny Chesney’s Home Flooded

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If anyone needs proof that nobody is immune to the disastrous flooding that has hit Middle Tennessee, they need only to visit superstar Kenny Chesney’s riverside residence. CNN’s Anderson Cooper did just that, interviewing the singer via telephone and airing video Chesney made as he found his 40-acre spread covered with flood waters. Chesney also posted a photo and spoke to fans via Twitter, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. TN is a mess with floods. If you’re fortunate enough to help out, hit up the mid-TN Red Cross. Stay safe, everyone.” Photo and video below.

Kenny Chesney salvages a guitar from his flooded home

Our City

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Photo: Jude Ferrara

The following letter comes from Danny Arena and Sara Light of SongU.com via Doak Turner of nashvillemuse.com. Turner writes, “great message that speaks for many of us in Nashville – we will come back, we will help each other through this time right now and help with the “moving back in parties” in the future! We all have stories of our friends and family that are suffering right now. Please keep Nashville in your prayers!”

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I have been asked by friends, family and SongU.com members from around the world how they can help those in TN affected by the flood. I realize it’s hard to completely understand the magnitude of what happened here. I live here and I can’t comprehend it. This was a historical record rainfall for Nashville and middle TN. We had more rain than we’ve ever had since they began tracking rainfall. We topped the state’s record for rainfall in the entire month of May before sundown on May 2nd. We had about 40% of Seattle’s annual rainfall in less than 2 days. If this was snow, we would have had the equivalent of 13 feet of snow in less than 48 hours. This is not a once-in-a-while kind of flood. No, this one’s in the record books. It’s a once-every-hundred-or-two-hundred-years kind of flood.

The devastation is so widespread, it’s unbelievable. You would probably have to submerge my entire home state of NJ in water to cover as much area as this flood has covered in TN. While a few of these areas are flood prone, the majority are not and a large portion of the people affected do not have flood insurance. Just to give you a better picture of my little world, I could easily draw a one-hour radius from my house and barely scratch the surface of people affected. Across the road from our development, one of our daughter’s elementary school teachers lost everything in the flood. Just up the street at the Fieldstone Farms development, they were rescuing people in boats – one house in Fieldstone caught fire and blew up. Drive south for about 30 minutes, you would get to my friend Dale and Carol’s farm which is home to the annual Blackberry Jam Festival where Michael McDonald played a couple years ago. Their entire first floor of their house was submerged in water. It took a group of four of us about 3 hours just to clean the mud out of one bathroom in their house. Drive west about 40 minutes and you’ll get to Bellevue, an area I lived in when I first moved to Nashville. Entire neighborhoods are underwater. Our friend Gary and Robin’s house managed to escape with about a foot of water, but the rest of their cul-de-sac was submerged. Cars were floating upside down on the road in front of the nearby Belle Meade Kroger. Two people died when their car turned over. Two others drowned behind the Belle Meade Kroger. Head northeast about 40 minutes to Hermitage and you’d get to my friend Denise’s house. The water level is at the top of her garage — she needs a boat just to reach her house. Head north another 30-40 minutes to Goodlettsville and Hendersonville and you’ll find the houses of some of my students and faculty at the college where I teach that were destroyed due to the flood.

Somewhere in the center of all this is downtown Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame, the Schermerhorn Center, Broadway and Second Avenue all flooded. The Titans Stadium where my seven year old daughter, Mia, ran the Country Kids Marathon a week ago was flooded up to the level of the first row of seats in the stadium. Other historic landmarks that are synonymous with Nashville are badly flooded and damaged, including Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ole Opry. It is going to take a lot of time and resources for Nashville and all the areas affected by this catastrophic flood to recover. Here are some ways you can help:
Donate money. You can donate to the middle TN Red Cross online at http://www.middletennredcross.org. If you’re a texter, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 on your cell and a $10 donation will be sent to the middle TN Red Cross through your cell phone provider.

Donate stuff. People lost everything. While you can’t replace possessions with sentimental value, you can give someone a shirt to wear or sneakers for their kids or towels or rags so they can clean the mud out of their bathtub. Check out the clothing drive for middle TN residents at: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=113883681985618&ref=ts or the cleaning supply drive at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=111188545589696

Participate in clean up crews. If you live within driving distance and have the time or skills and want to help cleanup and rebuild, go to Hands-On-Nashville at http://www.hon.org They need volunteers immediately.

Donate food. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN is continuing to provide a central distribution center for companies, groups, and individuals to help provide food for Middle Tennessee’s affected families. Check it out at: http://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/

Plan to visit. Nashville is a great city that has many businesses and jobs that depend on tourism. Come see us. Plan your next family summer vacation or next year’s business conference here. Check out the Nashville Chamber of Commerce for more information at http://www.nashvillechamber.com/Homepage.aspx

Spread the word. Others may not necessarily realize how bad we were hit because of the way the media industry and news organizations work. People are going to need assistance down here for a long time in order to rebuild their lives and restore our historical landmarks like the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland Hotel, Country Music Hall of Fame and historic Second Avenue.
I love Nashville. It’s a big name city that has a small town feel. Contrary to its sequined, cowboy hat and boots image, Nashville is an incredibly diverse city where the music industry, universities, and lifestyle brings together people from all walks of life, whether they’re writing a song or watching a TN Titans or UT football game. We have one other thing in common – we love our city. If you’ve seen some of the videos and pictures that have been posted, you can probably see why we are referred to as the “Volunteer State.” When the time calls for it, we simply roll up our sleeves and get down to it because there is work to be done.

And there is much work to be done. One of my friends who works at one of the major media outlets in the New York-Metropolitan area relayed to me that Nashville hasn’t been getting a lot of national coverage because our story lacks the “hook” of some of the other currently hot issues like the oil spill and the bomb in Times Square. I get that. I’m a longtime songwriter who certainly understands the power of a “hook”. Truthfully, even if we had our “15 minutes” of full-court press media coverage, it wouldn’t begin to touch how many months or years this recovery is going to take. And it could never cover how many lives have been affected. So spread the word and pass it on. From donations to positive energy and prayers, it is all welcome and needed. This is my city and these are my friends and neighbors.