CRS 2011 Photos: UMG, Big Machine, Sony Music Nashville

Special radio guests in town for CRS 2011 visited UMG President Luke Lewis’ home last night (3/1) for an evening of musical entertainment. Pictured (L-R): MCA’s Michelle Tyrrell, MCA’s David Nail, WKLB’s Ginny Rogers, MCA’s Josh Turner and Mark Anderson WDSY Pittsburgh OM PD.

Fresh off her Asian tour, Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance last night (3/1) at the CMT/Big Machine CRS party held at Cellar One. The night included performances from Edens Edge, Eli Young Band, Justin Moore and Martina McBride (who offered three new songs), and was hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan and Melissa Peterman. Steel Magnolia, The Band Perry and Sunny Sweeney were also seen hanging in the crowd. Pictured (L-R): Lori Megown, VP Radio, MTV Music Group; Jean Williams, Director, CMT Radio Network; Martina McBride; Taylor Swift; Scott Borchetta; Cody Alan, Host CMT Radio Live; Melissa Peterman. Photo: Brian Bayley

In an unofficial kick-off to CRS 2011 last night, RCA Nashville artist Jake Owen and BNA Records newcomer Casey James performed new music from their forthcoming albums for a crowd of country radio programmers and music industry guests at Margaritaville. This will be the third studio album for Jake and debut album for Casey—both set to release later this year. Pictured (L-R): RCA Nashville VP National Promotion Keith Gale, Sony Music Nashville Senior VP Promotion Skip Bishop, Academy of Country Music CEO Bob Romeo, Owen, Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton, James, BNA Records VP National Promotion Bryan Frasher.