News Shorts: Big Country Records Opens

Big Country Records • CRS unemployment rate • Joseph Conner joins Lotos Nile • Americana Festival submissions • HFA/Napster
>>Entrepreneur Glen Blaschke and hit songwriter Tammy Hyler (Martina McBride “I Love You,” Collin Raye “I Can Still Feel You”) launched Big Country Records and Big Country Entertainment with an industry party yesterday. Singer/songwriter Morgan Tobias is the flagship act and her debut single will be released to country radio this spring. The offices will be at 44 Music Sq. W. in Nashville. MusicRow reported on this story earlier this month. More here.

>>CRS is again offering a $99 unemployment rate for the seminar to be held March 2-4, 2011, in downtown Nashville. This offer, and the $499 regular rate, are available through Friday, Feb. 18. Contact Kristen McRary at 615- 327-4487 or [email protected] for registration materials. www.CRB.org.
>>Joseph Conner has joined Kissy Black’s Lotos Nile. Conner spent the last few years handling publicity at Kaleidoscope Media. He can be reached at [email protected]. For Kaleidoscope business, contact Lauren or Susan at [email protected] and [email protected].
>>Showcase submissions for the Americana Music Festival are open now through April 18. The 12th annual Americana Music Festival and Conference will be held Oct. 12-15, 2011 at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel. There is also a super early bird registration rate available now. www.americanamusic.org.
>>The Harry Fox Agency has announced the renewal of its agreement to provide Administration Services to Napster.