Photos: Gill Wedding, Country Throwdown, Songwriters

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Bride Jenny Gill and husband Josh Van Valkenburg. Photo: Zach and Jody Gray

Jenny Gill, singer and daughter of Vince Gill, was married on May 8th to Josh Van Valkenburg, Manager of A&R for EMI Music Publishing. The wedding and reception was held at the Nashville home of her father and his wife Amy Grant. Jenny’s mother is Janis Oliver of Sweethearts of the Rodeo. The couple, who were childhood friends, are honeymooning in Jamaica.

Photo: Zach and Jody Gray


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Capitol/EMI Records Nashville labelmates Troy Olsen and Walker Hayes are performing on the Country Throwdown tour. Here they are at the opening show in Tampa, FL. The first annual multi-stage tour runs through mid-June. Pictured L-R: Troy Olsen & Walker Hayes.

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The International Broadcasters Idea Bank Conference drew small market radio owners and operators to Nashville on May 4. At the event, BMI sponsored a guitar pull featuring George Ducas, Dave Pahanish and Jeffrey Steele. The group has penned more than a dozen chart-toppers between the three of them. Pictured after the performance outside the Parthenon in Nashville are (front row): BMI’s Mason Hunter and Ducas; (back row): Commonwealth Broadcasting President/CEO Steve Newberry, Steele, NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith, Pahanish, Cromwell Group President and Conference host Bud Walters and BMI’s Dan Spears.

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McKendree, a Nashville-based songwriter with Ten Ten Music and genre-bending international recording artist, has recorded a modern remake of the Dolly Parton classic “Jolene.” Featuring Parton’s voice from the chorus of the original recording, McKendree's remake is the first single being released from his upcoming CD, McKendree Mania Volume 1, available in June. The album was produced by Peter Brazier of Vertical Rooms studio in Cambridge, England. A shoot for the "Jolene" music video took place last week in Nashville. (L-R): Peter Brazier (record producer), Jewel Coburn (president, Ten Ten Music Nashville), and McKendree. Photo: Hannah Haley

Music City Relief Concert Raises Over $1.7 MM

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Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott, the Grand Ole Opry's Pete Fisher and Kellie Pickler backstage at Music City Keep On Playin’: A Benefit For Flood Relief. Photo by Kay Williams for GACtv.com

Last night’s flood relief concert on GAC raised $1.7 million and counting. Some of Nashville’s biggest names turned out to perform, answer telethon phones and make significant donations. Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley opened the night with a $100,000 gift. Kimberly co-hosted the event at the Ryman along with actor and Nashville native James Denton. Proceeds from “Music City Keep On Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief” will go to the The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Among the performers were Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Rodney Atkins, Kellie Pickler, Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley with guest Sam Bush, and Christian star Jaci Velasquez.

When they weren’t on stage, many of the stars took donations at the phone bank, where they were joined by the likes of Lorrie Morgan, Nicole Kidman, Billy Dean, Joey+Rory, Lee Roy Parnell, Dailey & Vincent, Julie Roberts, Marty Raybon, Whitney Duncan, Holly Williams, Bomshel, Katie Armiger, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and countless others.

Martina McBride performs. Photo by Ed Rode for GACtv.com

The ACM made a sizable contribution. Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley presented a $250,000 check on behalf of ACM Lifting Lives. Brooks & Dunn taped a special message for the telethon, thanking all the artists who participated in the taping of the recent ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo. Ticket proceeds from that live event in Las Vegas went to ACM Lifting Lives, which in turn quickly earmarked funding for those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee.

More photos here.

SOLID Preps 13th Annual Crawfish Boil

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The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) is inviting Music Row, Nashville and beyond to attend their 13th Annual Crawfish Boil on May 19. The event kicks off at 5:30 PM in the SESAC parking lot at 66 Music Square West.

The informal gathering is free and open to the public (21 + with I.D.). In true low-country style, crawfish – “mudbugs” – will be served as well as potatoes, corn and beer. Bro’s Cajun Cuisine will cater the Creole fare and beverages are courtesy of the locally-owned Bluegrass Brewing Company.

“This is always one of our favorite events because it’s so casual and really gives everyone an opportunity to spend time together,” says SOLID President Katie Pope. “We are so proud of SOLID and the relationships it builds and many of those relationships start at events like the Crawfish Boil.”

Throughout the party, second year and alumni members of SOLID can look forward to getting to know the 2010 class. The May Boil marks the first large-scale social event of the year since inducting new members.

As temperatures heat up on the Row and downtown, SOLID is also gearing up for the annual Yard Sale in June during CMA Fest. Currently, members are pooling together materials, assets, and gifts to include in the sale, the organization’s largest fundraiser, which takes place in the Bridgestone Arena during the outdoor festival. Anyone interested in donating, volunteering or just learning more about the event should contact Ian Wolczyk at [email protected].

Artist News: Nail, McCurdy, Dalley and Jewel

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David Nail Plays Ball
MCA Records artist David Nail will be the focus of a new six-part CMT webisode series titled Making The Team. Cameras document Nail’s invitation to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals during spring training camp in Jupiter, Florida.

The premiere episode posted today (5/14) at 6:00 AM CT on www.cmt.com. A new episode will post every Friday for six consecutive weeks.

Nail will return to Florida this weekend to participate in the sold-out second annual Lakewood Ranch Golf Outing in Lakewood Ranch Friday, which benefits The Payton Wright Foundation and includes a golf tournament, silent auction, dinner and concert by Nail. The foundation provides assistance to families with children battling brain cancer and funding for brain cancer research. The festivities will be held at the Kings Dune course and Lakewood Ranch Country Club.

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Jennette McCurdy Visits Radio, Preps Debut
Capitol Nashville artist Jennette McCurdy has announced that “Not That Far Away” will be her first single from her upcoming debut album. McCurdy is currently on a radio tour visiting stations across the country in support of her single which is scheduled to impact radio later this month.

“This song really captures the last year of my life,” McCurdy says. “I’ve been in Nashville writing for and recording my record and following my dream while really missing my family and friends back in Garden Grove, California.”

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Amy Dalley at Mad Donnas
Mad Donna’s Music Row East, a showcase of up-and-coming artists and writers by Music Row publishers, labels and managers, will feature singer/songwriter Amy Dalley on Thursday, May 27. Doors open at 7:00 PM, music starts at 8:00 PM. There is no cover charge. Mad Donna’s is located at 1313 Woodland Street in East Nashville.

Jewel’s HD Album Launch
Velocity Broadcasting®, the largest global, private High-Definition broadcasting network; and Big Machine Label Group have joined forces to launch Jewel’s new album Sweet and Wild via a live, High-Definition broadcast event on Monday, June 7.

The ticketed, interactive concert will give fans across the country the opportunity to hear Jewel perform songs from her new album before it is officially released to the public on Tuesday, June 8. 

Fans can see and hear the concert in Velocity HD Digital Suites™ located in some of the nation’s top clubs and restaurants – Morton’s The Steakhouse, Maggiano’s Little Italy and the private clubs of ClubCorp.  The concert will also be broadcast in select movie theaters in more than 75 cities across the United States and Australia.

Hard Rock Reopens, Announces Flood Benefit

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Following the recent devastating flooding in Nashville, the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville officially reopens for business today (5/14). Located just steps away from the Cumberland River, like many establishments downtown, Hard Rock was subject to the recent flooding, and less than two weeks later, they are reopening.

To further aid the surrounding community in flood relief efforts, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville will host Fork the Flood benefit concert on Sunday, May 23 to raise funds for Hands on Nashville, a local volunteer organization helping to spearhead flood relief in Middle Tennessee.

Gracing the Reverb Room stage alongside hosts country singer Mindy McCready and songwriter Shawn Carnes, will be a number of local favorites and emerging acts, including Stephen Salyers, Gypsy Hombres, Carswell, The Cold Stares, Zach Spencer, Amanda Broadway, Newmatic, Halo Stereo, The Honeymoon Thrillers, Dave Berg, The Minor Keys and Snow Black Sunday. Doors open at 5:00 with a 6:00 show time.

615 Music Nominated For Daytime Emmy

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615 Music has been nominated for a 2010 Daytime Emmy award in the “Outstanding Original Song” category.  President Randy Wachtler made the announcement.

“The team here at 615 Music is very proud to have been involved in the making of such a memorable song to promote the Today show with NBC,”  Wachtler says. “As a company, we are proud of our ongoing relationship with NBC and of the work we do together.”

615’s nominated song, “Your Day is Today,” was written by Wachtler and songwriter Greg Barnhill for the Today show on NBC, featuring vocals by Paisley Van Patten. The 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast from Las Vegas, airing on CBS on Sunday, June 27 at 8:00 PM CT.

Laura Bell Bundy Surprises Aspiring Singer

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Mercury Records artist/Broadway star Laura Bell Bundy stopped by Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, TN recently to inform student Michael Nelson that he would be performing a song on the Sports Zone Stage at this year’s CMA Music Festival.

Bundy, star of Broadway’s Legally Blonde: The Musical, took time out from promoting her Top-5 selling country debut, Achin’ and Shakin’, to personally deliver the news to the high school senior and aspiring singer/songwriter during his lunch break at the school.

“It always amazes me when I see young people with raw talent and passion,” said Bundy. “Michael may be inspired by country music, but I was inspired by him today. I love being able to see beyond the surface of the fans, it’s incredibly humbling and makes me feel blessed.”

“This is amazing, just completely awesome,” said a near speechless Nelson.

Nelson, who has been playing guitar and writing songs for just over a year, came to the attention of CMA after he performed at the high school’s student talent show. After graduation this month, he will be attending Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio on an ROTC scholarship. He hopes to become an Apache helicopter pilot in the Army after graduation.

“Today’s young singers and songwriters are the future of Nashville’s music industry,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “It’s great to be able to showcase talent that may be performing on the LP Field stage someday.”

Nelson will perform his song “Feels So Right,” on the Sports Zone Stage at 3:45 PM CT on Thursday, June 10. After his performance, he will introduce Bundy, who will host a dance clinic, teaching fans the moves from her hit video and single “Giddy On Up.”

Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival will be held on Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, in downtown Nashville.

Laura Bell Bundy congratulates high school senior Michael Nelson

Flood Relief Telethon on GAC Sunday

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The first national telethon and concert event to raise money to aid victims of the recent flooding disaster in Middle Tennessee, sponsored by Great American Country Television, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Gaylord Entertainment, is set for this Sunday (5/16) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Music City Keep on Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief will air live and commercial-free on GAC, from 7:00-10:00 PM CT.

Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Kellie Pickler, Keb ‘Mo, CeCe Winans, Randy Montana, Jaci Valesquez and Will Hoge will perform. Celebrity hosts for the event include James Denton, Kimberly Williams Paisley, Food Network’s Pat & Gina Neely, Travel Channel’s Adam Richman and Samantha Brown and GAC’s Suzanne Alexander, Nan Kelley, Storme Warren and Bill Cody. NASCAR’s Tony Stewart and Clint Bowyer will also appear and will answer phones. All funds raised will go to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Celebrities will join other volunteers to man phone banks to collect call-in donations. The special will re-air at 10:00 PM and 1:00 AM and phone lines will remain open for donations. All money raised will go to those in need in Middle Tennessee. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will be the organization processing and distributing donations.

“Nashville has endured historic flooding, but we are resilient, recovery efforts have already begun and I am confident we will come out of this stronger than ever,” said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. “Music is the heart and soul of this city and as such it will play a critical role in its recovery. This collaborative effort is just one example.”

“This is the first event to solicit funds on a national level,” said GAC President Ed Hardy. “While it’s important that our viewers know our city has come together and survived this unfortunate event, thousands of Nashville and middle Tennessee residents are in serious need and some of this city’s most talented residents are generously stepping in to help.”

In addition to artists, many production people are donating their time and talent to the event.  High Five Entertainment will produce the telethon and concert event.

“Many of us have friends and family members who are just now beginning to get back into their homes to survey the damage and start rebuilding their lives,” said Colin Reed, Chairman and CEO of Gaylord Entertainment. “At the same time, support has come pouring in from every corner of the community. And now, we are reaching out on a national level to ensure that the people of Nashville have every resource they need to restore our city.”

Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau President Butch Spyridon added, “We are proud to partner with GAC and Gaylord Entertainment to raise money for Nashville’s flood victims. This concert effort is a great example of how the partnership between Nashville’s hospitality and music industries benefits the entire city.”

Elevation and Wide Open Join Forces

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Elevation Music Publishing and Wide Open Music Group have announced a new alliance between the two Nashville-based music publishing operations.

Through a shared services arrangement, Elevation Creative Principals Mike Molinar and Martha Earls are joining with Wide Open’s creative team to provide catalog and songwriter representation, as well as creative consultation. Elevation will also relocate to Wide Open’s headquarters at 54 Music Square East, Ste. 390, Nashville, TN, 37203. Phone number and e-mails contacts will remain the same.

“Martha and I are very excited to begin Elevation’s next chapter as a creative partner for Wide Open,” says Molinar. “We are looking forward to representing Derek George, Chuck Jones and a quality team of songwriters that are a perfect complement to Elevation’s fine roster and catalog.”

Wide Open Music Group President, Derek George adds, “We at Wide Open are extremely excited about joining forces with Mike and Martha! They are two of the very best at what they do creatively. Along with Wide Open Creative Director, Keithan Melton, we have a true triple threat, and we look forward to a bright future!”

John Grady Exits Borman Entertainment

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John Grady will leave his post at Borman Entertainment Nashville, it was announced today.

“For all of you looking for a juicy story, you will have to make one up,” says Grady said. “I have learned more from Gary and his staff at Borman Entertainment than I could ever have imagined. It’s simply time for me to apply my skills to other areas of my life and career. As for Keith, Lady A, and Randy Montana, I am the lucky one to have ever been in the same room with all of you.”

Gary Borman adds, “John has made valuable contributions to our company and I look forward to the opportunity to work together again in some capacity.  I wish him only the best in his new endeavors and I hope to continue our friendship well into the future.”

Grady started in the music business 34 years ago as a college rep for A&M Records and more recently served as president of DMZ Music, Columbia Nashville, Epic Nashville and Monument Nashville. Before joining Borman Entertainment in February, 2009, Grady was a partner in Redlight Management. He currently sits on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Board of Directors and is the Academy of Country Music’s Chairman of the Board.

John Grady can be reached at: (615) 438-7557 and [email protected].