FUNL Showcase, Louvin Album, Secret Sisters

L to R: David Kastle (The Orchard), Tamara Alan (FUNL Music), Pam Browne (FUNL Music), Amber Hayes, and Ty Herndon. Photo by www.izzynashville.com

•••Nashville-based independent label FUNL Music hosted a double-feature showcase last night (10/19) at the Mercy Lounge with performances by Ty Herndon and Amber Hayes. Herndon’s Journey On earned the chart-topping singer a Dove Award earlier this year for “When We Fly.” Hayes’ current single, “C’mon,” is approaching Top 40 status on the Music Row Country Breakout chart.

O'Shea

•••DigitalRodeo.com is producing a new series called O’SHEA USA to air on Australia’s Country Music Channel (CMC). The 2-3 minute episodes will be hosted by Australia natives O’Shea, giving a behind-the-scenes look into life as up-and-coming Country artists and reporting from various Country music events around the U.S.

•••Charlie Louvin is releasing a new album via True North Records on Nov. 9. The Battles Rage On was inspired by his experiences in the Korean War. The Country Music Hall of Fame member is set for the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium on release day. Special guests on the album include Del McCoury and Jamie Dailey.

•••The Secret Sisters’ “My Heart Skips A Beat” is the iTunes Free Single Of The Week. The Nashville duo has worked with T. Bone Burnett and Jack White.

•••Web rumors abound that John Rich has been cast for the upcoming season of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice. Warner Music Nashville reps won’t confirm or deny.

•••Gary Allan will have minor surgery in late November to remove a polyp from a vocal cord. He is expected to make a full recovery.

•••Nashville pop singer Alyssa Bonagura will be the opening act on Raul Malo’s November UK tour. She recently graduated from Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts and released The English Diaries. Check out her video of “Myself with Someone Else.”

•••Keni Thomas has been to New York to sing the national anthem at Yankee Stadium three times this season.