Photos: LBT Wedding, Lonestar On Price Is Right

Little Big Town hosted two weddings last weekend in their “Little White Church” tent on the Country Throwdown tour. Inspired by the group’s current single, the tent offers couples the chance to get married or renew their vows through their local country radio stations. The band not only attended the ceremonies but also signed the marriage licenses as official witnesses.

The first wedding was held Friday in Cincinnati, OH for Anne Zimmerman & Josh York. (L-R): Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Anne & Josh York, WUBE's Statt, and Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild & Jimi Westbrook.

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CBS’s The Price Is Right and host Drew Carey welcomed Lonestar recently for a show set to air Thursday, June 16. Lonestar will play throughout the show as the house band and contestants will compete for Lonestar experiences and merchandise.

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Artists/songwriters Elvis Costello and Hank Cochran caught up during the filming of the Cochran biography, Livin’ For A Song. Costello recorded Cochran’s “He’s Got You” for his Almost Blue album in 1981. Livin’ For A Song was helmed by Wesley Pryor, and previews are available here.

(L-R): Costello and Cochran, Photo: Kaye Pryor

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19/RCA Nashville’s Danny Gokey recently stepped into the kitchen with the always wonderful Hazel Smith for a visit and some good country cookin’ on her CMT series, Southern Fried Flicks with Hazel Smith.

Pictured (L-R): Smith, Gokey


Rubin First Nancy Saturn Award Recipient

Ronna Rubin

Ronna Rubin, owner of Rubin Media will become the first recipient of the Nancy Saturn Award of Inspiration. The honor is set to be presented June 24 during the American Artisan Dinner Party & Art Auction at Nashville’s Noah Liff Opera Center.

Nancy Saturn’s involvement with Gilda’s Club Nashville and other cancer-related organizations helped her to make a difference in many people’s lives. The Award bearing her name was created to perpetuate her memory by honoring an individual who, like her, has used their time, energy and talents to further the organization’s mission.

Gilda’s was formed in 1998 to offer free lectures, workshops, classes, support groups and social activities in a non-residential, homelike setting. It provides a gathering place where people living with cancer and their families and friends can join with others to actively involve themselves in building social and emotional support as a supplement to regular medical care.

Ronna Rubin served on the Gilda’s Club Nashville Board of Directors for eight years and gave of her time and talent on countless projects. She also worked side by side with Nancy Saturn on many of those efforts.

HonkyTonk TV Spots, Webchat With Urban, See Flatts On Today

Honky Tonk TV is scheduling artist interview slots for June 7-13. Through a partnership with Microsoft, artists are also invited to come by the Microsoft booth at Fan Fair Hall to mingle with fans, play XBOX, explore gadgets like Zune, and tour Windows 7, Internet Explorer 8, Office 2010, Silverlight, Bing, Windows Phone and the Surface. Artist reps should contact Honky Tonk TV at 615-206-3463 or watchus@HonkyTonkTV.com for details.

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Rascal Flatts will head to New York City to perform on NBC’s Today show “Summer Concert Series” on Friday, June 11. This appearance is the day prior to their visit to the CMA Music Festival where the band will sign autographs for fans at the Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall in the CMT booth and will also perform at LP Field later that evening on Saturday, June 12. Rascal Flatts will launch a new tour in two weeks, the “Nothing Like This Tour,” on June 25 in Raleigh, North Caroline with opening acts Chris Young and Kellie Pickler.

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Keith Urban will web chat tonight (Monday, June 7th at 5:00pm CST/6:00pm EST) with fans about his current tour Summer Lovin’ 2010, appearing at CMA Fest, his performance with John Mayer at the CMT Awards, and his new single “I’m In.” Fans can submit questions in advance at www.keithurban.net/live or via Facebook or Twitter. The chat will be streamed live at www.keithurban.net/live.

Latest iPhone Debuts June 24

“Stop me if you’ve seen this,” joked Apple CEO Steve Jobs, referencing the highly publicized version of the new phone that was found in the wild and leaked on blogs all over the Internet several weeks ago. “It’s the most beautiful thing we’ve ever created.” The new iPhone is glass on both sides with a metal band that binds it together and acts as an antenna. In addition to the phone and its numerous new features, the iPhone operating system’s newest version—4—will now be named iOS4 and drop the word iPhone from its title. Jobs noted that the iOS also powers the iPad which made the name change necessary.

While the Apple faithful will no doubt study the exact tech specs, suffice to say the new phone is faster, smaller, thinner, has an improved 5 megapixel camera with flash, improved battery life, sports a front facing camera which makes video chat possible and a higher resolution screen. It also has a gyroscope which will ad untold new possibilities for gaming programmers. The new phone will be available on June 24.

For complete iPhone 4 tech specs click here...

Stay tuned for more

Benefit For Songwriter Larry Wayne Clark

Larry Wayne Clark, a longtime Nashville songwriter and MusicRow contributor, has been undergoing cancer treatment in his native Canada. Among Clark’s catalog is Chris Young’s first single, “Drinking Me Lonely,” and cuts by the Statler Brothers, Lee Greenwood, Anne Murray, and many others.

Music City friends and colleagues are staging the benefit concert “Nashville Sings for Larry Wayne Clark” to help pay for his medical expenses. The show is set for Monday, June 14, from 6-9 PM at the Red Rooster Bar & Music Hall on Demonbreun. Buddy Jewell, who wrote “Addicted to the Rain” with Clark and included it on his sophomore album, will headline. Also on the line-up are Robin English, Andrea Pearson, Lauren Lucas, Chelsee Oaks, Adam Gregory, Jared Blake, Ryan Laird, Erinn Bates, Cassidy Lynn and renowned guitarist Ladd Smith. Many will perform songs they wrote with Clark.

There will be live and silent auctions. Admission is free, but donations will taken at the door. Everyone who makes a donation of $20 or more will receive a copy of LWC Favorites: Songs of Larry Wayne Clark. The CD is available for purchase at www.larrywayneclark.com/cd.html with all proceeds going to his medical expenses.

Friends who cannot attend the benefit will be able to view streaming video at UARadio. Online donations may be made via PayPal. The “send to” address to use in the US is the1mag@comcast.net and in Canada it’s canuckmag@comcast.net

For more information, call Robyn Taylor-Drake at 615-726-5810 or robynt11@comcast.net.

Sony Promotes Scott McDaniel To VP Creative

Scott McDaniel

Scott McDaniel has been promoted to Vice President, Creative Services, for Sony Music Nashville. He joined the company in March 2008 as Sr. Director, Creative Services with 15 years of design and production experience to his credit.

In his new post, McDaniel will continue to head the Sony Music Nashville creative team, overseeing artist imaging and all operations related to print and video creation, including video production, album packaging, photography, and design for the label group and its four recording imprints: Arista Nashville, BNA Records, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville.

VP, Marketing Tom Baldrica announced the promotion. “Scott has made an impact on all aspects of our creative process from the day he came to Sony Music Nashville,” said Baldrica. “He has raised the bar on videos, album packaging, and photo shoots, all while dealing with the changing economics of our business. He inspires his team, our artists, and our company on a daily basis.”

McDaniel remarked, “It is a privilege to serve with such an innovative creative department, the Sony Music Nashville team, world renowned photographers, landmark directors, artist managers, and our collective family of recording artists. To be entrusted in executing the visual art that will best communicate our artists’ music is a treasure. Without question, this career benchmark is humbling.”

McDaniel’s prior tenures include LifeWay, EMI Christian Music Label, CCM Communications, and ForeFront Records.

ASCAP Hires Two In Creative Dept.

L-R: Michael Martin, Robert Filhart

ASCAP’s Nashville office today announced the hiring of Michael Martin as Sr. Creative Director and Robert Filhart as Creative Manager. Over the last several months the performing rights organization has reworked its Nashville operations to serve as a regional headquarters.

Martin comes to ASCAP from Extreme Writers Group (EWG) where he was Partner and Co-Founder with Jason Houser and shared responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the publishing and content development companies. EWG has enjoyed numerous No. 1’s, including the recent success of Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye” and George Strait’s “I Saw God Today,” as well as the current Top 5 single “Crazy Town” by Jason Aldean. Since launching in 2000, EWG also had the 14-week Christian chart-topper “The Motions” by Matthew West, and hits with Big & Rich’s “Lost In This Moment” and Jason Aldean’s “Johnny Cash” and “Why.” As a graduate of University of Texas Arlington, Martin began his career in music publishing as VP of Creative Services at Moraine Music.

Filhart joins ASCAP from his most recent post as an Associate Manager at Dottore-DuBois Artist Management. In this position, he handled day-to-day activities for Matt Jenkins and Connie Smith. He was previously employed with Still Working Music, where he worked primarily as a songplugger while also handling day-to-day logistics for Danielle Peck. He began his career interning for Universal South Records and, later, at Major Bob Music/Bob Doyle & Associates. Filhart graduated with a B.S. in Business/Music Industry Management from Ferris State University in Michigan.

“We’re delighted to bring the diverse talents of Michael and Robert to our organization,” said Tim DuBois, VP and Managing Executive of operations at ASCAP Nashville. “Their experience, passion for the craft, and dedication to writers and artists wonderfully complement the overall vision of ASCAP, as well as the new elevated role in expanding and enhancing our relationships with our writers and publishers across all musical genres.”

“I have loved being a music publisher, and working closely with writers and artists and the songs they create is an amazing process,” added Martin. “To continue to be a part of this process while working with the ASCAP community and its members is an opportunity I am thrilled to be taking.”

“I am very excited to be a part of this amazing creative team that is ASCAP Nashville,” said Filhart. “The foundation for a successful music industry has always been great songs created by great writers, and I am looking forward to creating opportunities to help our members do what they do best.”

CMT Awards Adds New Artist Stage, Charity Donation

The most recent issue of "USA Weekend" had a cover story about Carrie Underwood and the CMT Music Awards. One of the awards on the Wednesday night show is the "USA Weekend" Breakthrough Video of the Year, where nominees include Easton Corbin, Laura Bell Bundy, Luke Bryan and Steel Magnolia.

Updated 6/8: Just announced presenters: Laura Bell Bundy, Gloriana, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Erin Andrews and Maks Chmerkovskiy, Sheryl Crow, Jada Pinkett-Smith and David Spade, and Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from MTV’s The Jersey Shore.

The CMT Music Awards are coming on Wednesday night, June 9, and here is some of the latest news about the show airing live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Rising country stars, including Laura Bell Bundy, Easton Corbin, Justin Moore, Steel Magnolia, Trailer Choir and Chris Young, will perform on the Nationwide Insurance stage. Also as part of their sponsorship, the Nationwide Insurance On Your Side® Award will be presented to a new artist based on fan voting at CMT.com. Award nominees include Ryan Bingham, Randy Houser, Justin Moore and Chris Young. Nationwide will also host a CMT Music Awards public viewing party on June 9 at 6:30 pm at Rippy’s Ribs & Barbecue.

CMT will be making a $40,000 donation to Feeding America in lieu of celebrity gift bags this year. The donation will provide 160,000 meals for over 400 school-aged children during the entire 2010-2011 school year through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee’s BackPack Program, which will in turn help children whose families’ have been affected by the recent flood. Trisha Yearwood and star chef Paula Deen will make the donation at an event on Thursday, June 10.

And as part of the CMA Music Festival, CMT will honor Rascal Flatts for 10 years of “Unstoppable” music on Saturday, June 12 at 2:00-4:00 p.m. CDT. There will be a short acoustic set in the convention center hall, and Rascal Flatts will sign autographs in the CMT booth located in the Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall.

Hosted by Kid Rock, the 2010 CMT Music Awards features performances from Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band. Previously announced presenters include Paula Deen, Kara Dioguardi, Terrell Owens, Hayden Panettiere, Richard Petty and Kenan Thompson, Trisha Yearwood and Zac Brown Band. Red carpet arrivals will be hosted by The Singing Bee’s Melissa Peterman and CMT’s Evan Farmer beginning at 7:00 p.m., ET/PT.

Dan Bowen Exits CMA

It remains unofficial, but MusicRow has learned that CMA VP of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Dan Bowen, has exited the Country Music Association, as a result of his position being eliminated.

According to his CMA public phone message, Bowen can now be reached at DanBowenDB@gmail.com or 615-440-6346.

ACM Announces $1 Million Endowment

(L-R Front Row): Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood (L-R Middle Row) Taylor Swift, Miranda Cosgrove, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Jennifer Hudson, George Strait, Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean (L-R Back Row) Darius Rucker, Kristian Bush, Dave Haywood, Jennifer Nettles, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney. COPYRIGHT PETER YANG/FOR PEOPLE MAGAZINE 2010

The Academy of Country Music has announced a $1 million endowment to ACM Lifting Lives, made on behalf of the artists who participated in the taping of ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo in Las Vegas in April. Ticket proceeds from the taping went to ACM Lifting Lives, which in turn quickly earmarked funding for those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee.  The gift successfully completes a three-year funding commitment and fundraising campaign the Academy initiated in 2008.

Honorees Brooks & Dunn along with Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban all participated in the taping, with more than 10 million viewers tuning in to the special on CBS on May 23.

“These artists generously donated their time and talent for this event,” said Erin Spahn, Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “We are so thankful to them, and we’ve worked to immediately turn around this endowment to fund programs that will quickly respond to the needs of those affected by the recent flooding in Middle Tennessee.”

Two major disbursements from the $1 million endowment have already taken place—with more planned in the coming weeks.

On May 16, superstars Lady Antebellum and Paisley presented the first disbursement, a $250,000 check on behalf of ACM Lifting Lives to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The presentation was made live during the Great American Country (GAC) telethon, Music City Keep On Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief.

(L-R) ACM President Bill Mayne, ACM VP Sarah Trahern and ACM Chairman John Grady, present $1 million to ACM Lifting Lives VP Mark Hartley, ACM Lifting Lives President Gayle Holcomb and ACM Lifting Lives Chairman Gary Haber.

Last week, reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Underwood and ACM Lifting Lives announced the creation of the new ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund to support flood relief efforts. The Fund takes its name from Underwood’s co-penned hit song “Temporary Home,” in acknowledgement of the immediate needs surrounding those impacted by the floods. Seed money to start the Fund represents the second disbursement from the $1 million endowment, with ACM Lifting Lives and Underwood each providing a portion to get it off the ground.

“We approached Carrie about how she wanted to use the matching grant she would receive as our 2009 Entertainer of the Year, and she leapt at the chance to help people in need of shelter,” said Spahn. “Our goals fit perfectly, and the Temporary Home Fund was created.”

A text-to-donate campaign for the Temporary Home Fund officially launched May 20 and continues through August. Underwood taped a PSA call-to-action inserted into ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo when it aired on May 23, encouraging viewers to text ACM to 501501 to make a one-time $10 donation. These donations will benefit The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and are earmarked specifically for nonprofits serving those displaced from their homes due to floods.

The ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home will be administered in part by MusiCares and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, to help ensure that people in need of temporary housing will have the support of nonprofits able to help.  Donations can be made NOW by texting ACM to 501501 through August 2010.  Text donations are confirmed by replying with YES, and can be made up to three times. Donations can also be made online at www.ACMliftinglives.org.  For information on the funding application process, visit www.cfmt.org.