Putting The "Spin" on Americana

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The latest issue of Spin gives a big boost to the Americana scene, including a cover story about Mumford & Sons under the heading “The New Americana Revolution.”
“It’s a sign of the times,” states Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, which has been promoting the music for ten years. “It’s definitely a fast growing genre.”
Scott Avett of the Avett Brothers agrees, telling Spin, “I feel like in the past decade, this thing has been swelling.” Avett was interviewed for the “Meet the New Stars of Americana” story, which highlights his band as well as Old Crow Medicine Show, Those Darlins, the Civil Wars, and more.
Writer Amanda Petrusich explains the genre and its growing presence, noting that popular Mumford & Sons aren’t even American:

In music, it’s a catch-all term for songs that are influenced, in part, by the indigent, rural, acoustic traditions (namely blues, bluegrass, country, and old-time) of the American South. It’s populist, minimally produced, rowdy, and sincere. It’s also enjoying an unexpected commercial and cultural renaissance, particularly among the indie-rock set….
Indeed, more than any single musical thread, the idea uniting these bands is their joint pursuit of Americana “feeling” — a warm-and-friendly guilelessness that’s been largely absent from the pop landscape for years (and from indie rock almost forever).

Keep reading.

Anatomy of An Award Show-CMT Wins BossRoss Trophy

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Sugarland


Last night’s 2011 CMT Music Awards overachieved, and succeeded. Under the watchful gaze of CMT President Brian Philips, Sr. VP Music Events John Hamlin and Sr. VP Music Strategy Jay Frank and a great team, the production delivered its message of country music FUN across a multi-tiered construct of communication channels, social networks and live in front of a sold out audience of over 12,000 fans. Finally, to accommodate the on-demand “I want when I want it” crowd, there will be numerous re-airings over the next few weeks.
But what defines a hit award show recipe in 2011?
Without getting scholastic, it should be fast-paced, entertaining and sprinkled with humor. Great musical performances as well as special pairings are a requisite. It also needs a script that can connect the various moments without being predictable. Blend in high profile red carpet coverage and a comprehensive online strategy. Then sprinkle a bit of magic dust in the form of celebrity sightings that make fans feel they are peeking behind the curtain, stir and simmer for 2-3 hours.
So how did CMT stack up against the above ingredients? Let’s hand out some newly-minted BossRoss trophies where deserved. In the fast-paced, humor department, witness the opening prerecorded Taylor and Shania sequence where the dual femmes channeled Thelma and Louise. (If you haven’t seen it click here.)
Kid Rock was also right on the money this year and kept the show in motion (unlike last year’s on-camera drinking shots backstage with other artists fiasco). Loved the frequent camera cut aways to seated celebs, which kept the fan’s eyes stuck like glue to the CMT screen.
Great performances were there as well. Sugarland, The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum and a Kid Rock/Sheryl Crow duet all earned trophy status. @Musicrow tweeted after the Sugarland segment, “If Jennifer Nettles voice doesn’t touch your heart….check with your doctor, you might be dead #CMTAwards” and it was retweeted over 31 times! The show closer pairing of Jason Aldean and Ludacris was innovative, if not a perfect fit.
The script was brief but sharp. For example, imagine Martina McBride and Train’s Pat Monahan quipping about the dangers of cellphone mishaps (Anthony Weiner and Brett Favre) before announcing the Collaborative Video Award.
To discover CMT’s online strategy, start at their web site, click to facebook (310,000 likes) and then check out @followCMT (80,000 Twitter followers). A barrage of coverage was flowing out to fans before, during and after the show. Links to various short clips, comments, photos backstage comments and much more. The online team was also engaging the crowd in a two-way conversation. Online was treated as a key ingredient, not an afterthought. (Hand them another trophy.)
CMT makes no apology for its edgy, big-tent concept of country music and takes some heat as a result. Some fans complain about seeing Ludacris or Kid Rock and others on the country show. It’s a personal preference and when the ratings come back later today we’ll see how they fared. My guess is that even though they might complain some, they were mostly watching…
Perfection is elusive, but this production ranked “heavenly” in the increasingly packed sky of country music awards constellations.
 
For a complete list of CMT Winners click HERE
For another opinion on the show click HERE

Fun CMA Fest Photos

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The EMI Records Nashville promotion team and Alan Jackson gave radio programmers a first listen to his new single “Long Way To Go” last night (6/8) in Nashville. The song was written by Jackson and is the debut single from his studio album to be released this fall.

(L-R): Tom Becci, Capitol Records COO; Cindy Mabe, Capitol Records SVP Marketing; Alan Jackson; Mike Dungan, Capitol Records President and CEO; and Steve Hodges, Capitol Records SVP Promotion

• • • •

Teen artist Payton Rae celebrated the release of her 5-song EP, Dare To Live, with a live streaming concert at The Rutledge. Rae is taking part in her first official CMA Music Festival. She will be performing at the CMA Chevy Acoustic Stage in the “Sports Zone” on June 10 at 5 pm, Margaritaville on June 10 at 11 pm, and at Wild Bills on June 11 at 2 pm.

Pictured at the release party (L-R): Dare To Live producer Brian White, Payton Rae, songwriter/artist Karyn Williams, manager Laticia Lord, and Nashville Hootenanny’s David Malloy. Photo: Matt Andrews

• • • •

The Roys and Hollywood Yates (American Gladiator/WWE/Country artist) strike a pose aboard the Operation Troop Aid Hummer during the CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade. Following the parade, both artists performed during OTA’s show at Cadillac Ranch.

(L-R): Elaine Roy, Lee Roy and Hollywood Yates.

• • • •

The Dirt Drifters pictured with the Sounds Mascot at the CMA kick-off parade.

Star Songwriters To Play During Music Fest

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The Hard Rock Cafe Nashville will host performances by a slew of songwriters during CMA Music Festival. Kicking off tonight (6/9), the 5th Annual Songwriters Series will run through Saturday, June 11. Shows start at 10 PM. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Musicians On Call.
Thursday, June 9—BMI presents Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby, Thomas Rhett Akins, and Rhett Akins. After-Party featuring LoCash Cowboys.
Friday, June 10—ASCAP presents Dave Berg, Clay Mills, Ashley Gorley, and Chris Stapleton. After-Party featuring Matt Stillwell, Rachel Farley and
 Ty Stone.
Saturday, June 11, 2011—SESAC presents Monty Powell, Jon Nicholson, Rob Hatch, and Brian White. After-Party featuring Aly Sutton, Marthia Sides, and The Roys.
Tickets and details here.

Bobby Karl Works The CMT Awards

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Chapter 367


It’s a music-business axiom that the public doesn’t remember who won or lost at awards shows, just who performed well.
I doubt that even the industry really cares about the fan-voted trophy Buckles at the CMT Awards. I, for one, mostly paid attention to who sang the best.

Sugarland's Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles perform "Stand Up" at the 2011 CMT Music Awards. Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/CMT.com


That would be Sugarland, with its stirring duet performance of “Stand Up.” Two Joplin, MO sisters waved flags throughout the song, and its proceeds will go the Red Cross to benefit disaster victims.
Also in the winner’s circle were Big & Rich, plus Gretchen Wilson, for their “Fake ID.” It was on-the-money both vocally and with party attitude. Gretchen promises that their tour together will be, “one band, no breaks, hit after hit.”
Keith Urban’s raspy-cool vocal on “Long Hot Summer” and the Zac Brown Band’s charming rendition of “Knee Deep” were first-rate, as well. The surprise of the performances was probably the super-energetic snippet of “Fast as You” sung by CMT Next Superstar finalists Matt Mason and Steve Clawson.
Toby Keith has the distinction of being the only artist to perform on all 10 CMT Awards telecasts. Alas, he was somewhat pitch-y on “Made in America.” Ditto for Hunter Hayes. And the less said about the Colt Ford train-wreck snippet, the better.
In general, the show was notable as an exercise in country music’s self-loathing. As if the genre’s stars and songs aren’t “good enough” for television, many of them had to be tricked out with rock additions.
First of all, where is it written that Kid Rock has to be on every country awards show, never mind as a host? What’s worse, he and Wynonna actually mocked country music with their “Hell, Yes, I’m Country.”
Throughout the show, much was made of the presence of pop prince Justin Bieber, who tagged along with Rascal Flatts. Nashville rockers Paramore, whom we love, were trotted out inappropriately as presenters.
Lady Antebellum’s lovely “Just a Kiss” apparently wasn’t strong enough to stand on its own without the grafting of Prince’s “Kiss” onto its performance. Ludacris had to rampage in to join Jason Aldean on “Dirt Road Anthem.” I hate to break it to you producers, but fans of Ludacris likely aren’t watching this show, and his appearance won’t cause them to drop what they’re doing and tune in.

The Band Perry's Kimberly Perry performs "You Lie" at the 2011 CMT Music Awards. Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/CMT.com


Ably acquitting themselves musically were The Band Perry, Luke Bryan and snippet singers Thompson Square, Lee Brice and The JaneDear Girls.
One of the cutest moments on the show was the opening video starring Taylor Swift and Shania Twain in a Thelma & Louise parody. Donald Trump, Kenny Rogers, Glee’s Chord Overstreet, Ron White and Kid Rock were featured in it.
On occasions such as this, always thank the fans. “Country music fans are the best,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “I’m honored that you fans all gathered together to vote me Male Video of the Year,” said Blake Shelton via video from the set of The Voice. “Thanks to everybody and to all the love that they show us,” chimed in Zac Brown.
Here’s my favorite: “It takes a village to raise an artist, and you are our village,” said Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry.

Luke Bryan performs "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)" at the 2011 CMT Music Awards. Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/CMT.com


Among my favorite quips was Sara Evans saying on the red carpet, “I hate gowns…I’m such a tomboy.” Jay DeMarcus joked of Bieber, “He reminds me of myself when I was a kid – extremely good looking and talented.” Quoth Shania Twain of her OWN reality show, “It’s been a really great growing, healing experience.” The red carpet walk, by the way, was moved indoors this year. Smart move: The heat index outside by show time was nearly 100 degrees.
“I was voted Best Hair in the NFL,” said pony-tailed linebacker Clay Matthews of The Green Bay Packers. “I’ve won two Super Bowls and Dancing With the Stars,” responded Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward.
Sheryl Crow told the viewers that everyone was tweeting about her underwear showing during her performance. What is this culture coming to?
Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon escorted Sunny Sweeney to the Bridgestone Arena whoop-de-do. Also making the scene were Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Katie Cook, Evan Farmer, Ron White, a nicely amusing Laura Bell Bundy, Terry Bumgarner, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Nicole Kidman, Gary Busey, Train lead singer Pat Monahan, Melissa Peterman, Cheryl Hines, Mary Steenburgen, Kristin Chenoweth, Ricky Schroeder and Shania’s handsome hubby Fred Thiebaud.
Missing in action, in addition to Blake, were big winners Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert. Nevertheless, Jennifer Nettles proclaimed it, “The most fun awards show, ever.”
To read a differing opinion of the CMT Awards show, click here.

Luke Bryan performs "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)" at the 2011 CMT Music Awards. Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/CMT.com


Reunited Big & Rich pose with Gretchen Wilson on the CMT Music Awards Red Carpet. Photo Credit: Alan Mayor

Steve Popovich Passes

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When Steve Popovich signed Johnny Cash to Polygram in 1986, the label exec and polka aficionado presented the star with an accordion to welcome him to the label. Photo: Alan Mayor

Steve Popovich, one of the most colorful record executives in the history of Music Row, died suddenly on Wednesday (6/8) at age 68.

Often described as a “maverick,” he was the head of Mercury Records in 1986-88 and ran his own label, Cleveland International Records, from 1976 onward. At Mercury, he signed Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, polka king Frank Yankovic, Lynn Anderson, Billy Swan and Johnny Paycheck. Under his stewardship, the label also marketed The Class of ’55, a landmark LP that combined the talents of Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison.

His Cleveland International roster featured the country comebacks of B.J. Thomas and Donna Fargo. He also brought Tom Jones to the country charts and produced his albums.
Beginning in 1966, Steve Popovich spent 10 years at CBS Records. There, he was instrumental in establishing the careers of Santana, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Mac Davis and Chicago. Known as one of the industry’s top radio promoters, he created pop “crossover” hits for Cash, Anderson, Marty Robbins and Ray Price.

Rising to an A&R vice presidency at Epic Records, he signed Michael Jackson, The Jacksons, Cheap Trick, The Charlie Daniels Band, Ted Nugent and Boston.

Photo credit: Scott Shaw, The Plain Dealer. Click for photo gallery.

At Cleveland International, he made a star of Meat Loaf. The artist’s Bat Out of Hell LP is one of the biggest-selling albums of all time, reportedly now at 40 million in worldwide sales. In 1995, Popovich sued Sony for unpaid royalties on the record and reportedly won nearly $7 million in an out-of-court settlement.

When Sony failed to use his Cleveland International logo on subsequent pressings of the record, Popovich sued again. This time, he was awarded $5 million in damages by a jury.

Steve Popovich was born July 6, 1942 in Nemacolin, PA as the son of a coal miner, and he was proud of his working-class roots. He moved to Cleveland as a teenager and played bass in a band called The Twilighters. His first record-industry job was unloading trucks at a Columbia Records warehouse in 1962.

During his two decades at CBS, Steve Popovich affected the careers of dozens of top stars. Boz Scaggs, Loggins & Messina, Janis Joplin, Tony Bennett, Taj Mahal, Andy Williams, Johnny Winter, Janet Jackson, Jeff Beck, The Hollies, Sly & The Family Stone and Nashville’s Dr. Hook, Joe Tex, Dave Loggins, Charlie Rich and Michael Martin Murphey were all promoted by him.

His Cleveland International roster included Ellen Foley, The Rovers, Ronnie Spector, Slim Whitman, Ian Hunter, The Iron City Houserockers and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. The company’s revival in 1995 included marketing music by David Allan Coe, Brave Combo, Eddie Blazonczyk and Michael Learns to Rock.

Among his other accomplishments as a Nashville executive, he brought the entire national PolyGram Records sales convention to Nashville in 1988. More than 150 of the label’s top executives convened for a week-long series of meetings at the Opryland Hotel.

As a producer and/or label executive, Popovich was responsible for six Grammy Award nominations. He was involved with the first polka-music Grammy and with The Class of ’55 Grammy in the spoken-word category. He was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame in 1997.

Steve Popovich with his son Steve Jr. Photo: C.J. Flanagan/NashvilleScene.com

The widely loved executive died at his home in Murfreesboro. The cause of death has not been determined.

Son Steve Popovich Jr. is also in the Nashville music business, as a radio producer and artist manager. His father had remained near Music City in order to be with his son and two grandchildren. He is also survived by daughter Pamela Popovich and sister Barb Lemmo.

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Monreal Funeral Home in Eastlake, Ohio will be handling them and that burial will be in Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland, Ohio.

2011 CMT Music Awards Winners

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Updated in real time as categories are announced. Winners in Red.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.

  • Jason Aldean– “My Kinda Party”
  • Kenny Chesney– “The Boys Of Fall”
  • Lady Antebellum– “Hello World”
  • Miranda Lambert– “The House That Built Me”
  • Rascal Flatts– “Why Wait”
  • Sugarland– “Stuck Like Glue”
  • Taylor Swift– “Mine”
  • The Band Perry– “If I Die Young”
  • Carrie Underwood– “Undo It”
  • Zac Brown Band– “Colder Weather”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

  • Jason Aldean– “My Kinda Party”
  • Kenny Chesney– “The Boys Of Fall”
  • Toby Keith– “Bullets In The Gun”
  • Blake Shelton– “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”
  • Keith Urban– “Without You”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

  • Lady Antebellum– “Hello World”
  • Little Big Town– “Little White Church”
  • Rascal Flatts– “Why Wait”
  • The Band Perry– “If I Die Young”
  • Zac Brown Band– “Colder Weather”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

  • Sara Evans– “A Little Bit Stronger”
  • Miranda Lambert– “The House That Built Me”
  • Reba – “Turn On The Radio”
  • Taylor Swift– “Mine”
  • Carrie Underwood– “Undo It”

USAWEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)

  • Lee Brice– “Love Like Crazy”
  • Aaron Lewis – “Country Boy”
  • Jerrod Niemann– “Lover, Lover”
  • The Band Perry– “If I Die Young”
  • Thompson Square– “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

  • Martina McBride and Train– “A Broken Wing” from CMT CROSSROADS: TRAIN AND MARTINA MCBRIDE
  • Reba– “If I Were A Boy” from UNPLUGGED: REBA
  • Darius Rucker and Adele– “Need You Now” from 2010 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR
  • Keith Urban and John Mayer– “Sweet Thing” from CMT CROSSROADS: JOHN MAYER AND KEITH URBAN
  • Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett– “Margaritaville” from CMT CROSSROADS: JIMMY BUFFETT AND ZAC BROWN BAND

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)

  • Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson– “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
  • Justin Bieber feat. Rascal Flatts – “That Should Be Me”
  • Kid Rock feat. Sheryl Crow– “Collide”
  • Aaron Lewis feat. George Jones and Charlie Daniels– “Country Boy”
  • Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow– “Coal Miner’s Daughter”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

  • Steel Magnolia– “Last Night Again”
  • Sugarland– “Stuck Like Glue”
  • The Civil Wars– “Barton Hollow”
  • The JaneDear Girls– “Wildflower”
  • Thompson Square– “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Best video director of the year; awarded to the director for his or her body of work from the past year

  • Deaton Flanigen (award eligible videos include: Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow’s “Collide” and the JaneDear Girl’s “Wildflower”)
  • Trey Fanjoy (award eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” and Blake Shelton’s “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”)
  • Chris Hicky (award eligible videos include: Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” and Keith Urban’s “Without You”)
  • David McClister (award eligible videos include: The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” and LeAnn Rimes’ “Swingin’”)
  • Roman White (award eligible videos include: Lady Antebellum’s “Hello World” and Kellie Pickler’s “Makin’ Me Fall In Love Again”)

BEST WEB VIDEO OF THE YEAR (New for 2011)
Best video created primarily for internet streaming; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

  • Jason Aldean–“My Kinda Party” (Live From The CMT Webcast)
  • Luke Bryan–“It’s A Shore Thing”
  • Lady Antebellum–“Stars Tonight”
  • Blake Shelton–“Kiss My Country Ass”
  • Taylor Swift–“Mine” (Live from the Speak Now Album Release Party)

Bobby Karl Works CMA Fest: Part 1

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Josh Thompson kicked off the first performance at the CMA Music Fest Riverstages today (6/8) with a 30 minute set that included his current single, "Won't Be Lonely Long." Pictured (L-R): Julianne Drenon, manager, Creekhouse Entertainment; Skip Bishop, Senior VP Promotion, Sony Music Nashville; Heather McBee, VP Digital, Sony Music Nashville; Jimmy Rector, VP Promotion, Columbia Nashville; Gary Overton, CEO/Chairman, Sony Music Nashville; Thompson and Steve Moore, CEO, Country Music Association.


Chapter 366
With the biggest parade in its history, charity concerts, some Opry events, two international-artist showcases and a flurry of early fan-club parties, the 40th annual CMA Music Festival is off with a bang.
The kick-off parade on Wednesday morning (6/8) was an hour-long affair packed with action. Sirius/XM and GAC star Storme Warren hosted. “This is the official kick off of country music’s biggest party!” he crowed to the crowd. Attendees were massed for blocks on Lower Broadway. Fans were perched on the police precinct porch, the Masonic Lodge plaza, the steps of the Customs House and on ledges of dozens of other buildings.
Slowly, a phalanx of motorcyclists rumbled over the rise at 8th Avenue. Wow, what a beginning – 300 riders from the Harley Davidson HOG Rock, Rhythm & Blues Tour roared past the screaming throng. Very festive. The Metro Police Department’s color guard marched next, accompanied by bagpipe and drum. Rescue vehicles were followed by the Music City Drum & Bugle Corps, dressed in vivid red & white uniforms with silver epaulets and buttons.
Parade co-grand marshal Bill Anderson stared at the throng that stretched all the way down to the river from his vantage point at 6th Avenue & Broadway. “We didn’t have near this many people 40 years ago,” he observed. “Welcome to Music City!” He should know: Bill is one of the few artists who have attended every single one of the 40 Fan Fairs.
Co-grand marshals The Oak Ridge Boys are another. “We’ve been to every one,” said the group’s Duane Allen. “There are shows all over town – we’re looking forward to a great week.” “Oom-papa, Oom-papa, Mow-Mow,” sang Richard Sterban. This is the 30th anniversary of “Elvira.”
“I was here for the first Fan Fair, so this is my 40th,” said Lynn Anderson, the only other parade participant who dated back to the beginning.
“This is my very first parade,” said Josh Thompson. “This is awesome. This is a tribute to the greatest fans in any genre of music.”
“This is my very first CMA Music Festival, and I’m blessed to be here,” said American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox.
“Look at all these amazing people,” exclaimed Ty Herndon. Let the record show that his yellow convertible was being driven by none other than the CMA’s Steve Moore.
“Welcome, everybody, to Nashville, from all over the world,” said Deborah Allen. Right next to me on the sidewalk was a couple from Paris — France, not Tennessee. Fans from more than 25 different nations have bought tickets this year.
“There’s so many of you – what happened?” exclaimed Sherrie Austin. “It has grown,” Storme explained to “The Wonder From Down Under.” “The stars just keep on coming, just like they will over the next five days,” he added.
Riding in various Chevrolet vehicles – sedans, Silverado pick-ups, Corvettes and such – were Billy Dean, Lee Brice, Jason Jones, Mark Wills, Ashley Gearing, Eli Young Band, Dailey & Vincent (also their first Fan Fair), pop star Tiffany, Miss Willie Brown, Bo Bice, Tyler Farr, Buddy Jewell, The Roys, GAC contest winning One Night Rodeo, Stephen Cochran, Rhonda Vincent, Karie Armiger, JT Hodges, Sarah Darling, Bomshel, Ash Bowers, The Carter Twins, Carter’s Chord, The Dirt Drifters, LoCash Cowboys, Hollywood Yates and The Lunabelles.
“Good Morning, Beautiful,” said Storme as Steve Holy glided by, waving from his car perch. Daryle Singletary was fresh from winning the Porter Wagoner Memorial Fishing Tournament on Tuesday (6/7). He said his winning bass catch weighed 13 pounds, six ounces. Walker Hayes pronounced himself, “Embarrassed,” at being named one of People Country’s hottest guys. Rowdy Her & Kings County were having a ball, bouncing their truck bed up and down. Stealing Angels were notably vivacious, especially considering the blistering temperature.
Mascots T-RAC (The Titans), Gnash (The Predators), Ozzie (The Sounds) and the Geiko Gecko (handing out gecko-head fans), cavorted down the parade route. The Nashville Roller Girls skated by, promoting their June 18th game. The General Lee car tooted its “rebel” horn. The clopping, handsome Budweiser Clydesdales delighted the fans. The Gildan stilt walker with a huge blue flag was promoting the unveiling in Centennial Park on Saturday of the world’s largest t-shirt.
Middle Tennessee Girl Scouts and Brownies, the Nashville Fire Department color guard, the GAC Tour Bus, Operation Troop Aid, the U.S. Coast Guard, Sheriff Daron Hall and more paraded by.
The McGavock High School Band treated us to “The Tennessee Waltz,” one of our state songs. Making its first parade appearance was the  “Keep the Music Playing” All-Stars band. These are some of the kids who have benefited from the festival’s proceeds that go to music education in our schools. A beaming Wendy Pearl marched with them.
“This is a phenomenal event,” marveled Dan Wheldon. He won the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 over Memorial Day Weekend. In case you didn’t know, his car was co-sponsored by our own Mike Curb and Scott Borchetta.
A banner reading, “Follow Me to the Block Party,” brought up the rear of the parade. If you were selling food downtown, you were in the catbird seat. There was an hour lag time between the parade and the first show at Riverfront Park, so fans lined up wherever lunch beckoned.
For North Carolina’s Joel Hawkins, his first CMA fest was already a success. He and his wife attended the Opry on Tuesday (6/8) and saw their faves Martina McBride, Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum. The night before (6/7), they went to their ultra favorite Carrie Underwood’s fan-club party, also at the Opry. “You’re going to have a ball,” I promised them about the days to come. The always entertaining Jerrod Niemann starred at the Opry Plaza Party (6/8). Carrie, by the way, introduced this year’s Idol winners Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina to the Opry fans.
Sweet Caroline, a fan from Ottowa, Canada, remembered me from hosting an Eric Church fan event last year. She was desperately seeking tickets to his Chief album-preview party on Thursday (6/9). To my surprise, she is also a MusicRow reader. Blonde, 8-year-old Kentucky triplets proclaimed themselves here to see – who else? – Taylor Swift.
Braving the heat were Vanessa Parker Davis, Heather Bahn, Harry Harrison, Joyce Riser and balloon wranglers from SunTrust and Fifth Third banks.

The 4th annual GAC Fan Kick-off Breakfast was held this morning (6/8) at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. The sold-out event included performances by Lee Ann Womack, Laura Bell Bundy, Ashton Shepherd and David Nail followed by autograph sessions. Pictured (L-R): GAC GM Sarah Trahern, David Nail, Ashton Shepherd, Laura Bell Bundy, Lee Ann Womack and GAC Pres. Ed Hardy.


The aforementioned Misters Brice and Thompson, plus Eli Young Band, Uncle Kracker and Randy Houser were booked to kick things off at Riverfront. Meanwhile, over at 12th & Porter, fans were already lined up and dying to get into the Craig Morgan fan club party. The Tracy Lawrence crew was bustling all over Rocketown getting it ready for his fan club bash (6/8).
The “Country Gives Back” Red Cross Disaster Fund charity show was on Broadway Tuesday evening (6/7). Rodney Atkins and Thompson Square starred, and Butch Spyridon, Lindsey Bynum, Loretta Kelly and Chris Cannon were there. Meanwhile at The Stage (6/7), WKDF was raising money for Cystic Fibrosis with a “Beach Party” starring Darryl Worley, Kellie Pickler, David Nail and more.
The AristoMedia Global Shows were Monday (6/6) and Tuesday (6/7). MusicRow’s Jon Freeman was thunderstruck by Oz’s Tommy Emmanuel at Monday’s gig at The Stage. “I’ve never seen anybody play guitar like that,” he observed. Keith Urban presented Tommy with the 2011 CMA Global Country Artist Award at the SRO event. Tuesday’s gig at the Second Fiddle was hosted by The McClymonts, also from Australia.
As early as Monday (6/6), Bill Mayne was making wisecracks about the “polyester invasion.” The fans may be overweight (like all of America), but they don’t wear polyester and haven’t for years.
We are anticipating a daily attendance of 70,000 of them this year. Last year, the aggregate attendance for all four days was 160,000. The fest employs more than 500 stagehands, security personnel, catering staff, TV crews, transportation people and artist assistants. The two-hour network television special, cable shows, internet feeds and national radio broadcasts that the festival generates are all essentially advertisements for our city. The fans bring in $25 million to the downtown Nashville economy. So for pete’s sake, let’s celebrate them and welcome them.
 
 
 
 
 

Matt Adams Joins Sony Music Nashville

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Sony Music Nashville has added Matt Adams, Esq. to the label group as Director, Legal & Business Affairs, effective immediately. He will report to SMN VP Legal & Business Affairs Angela R. Magill.
“Matt brings us exceptional experience, insight and professionalism and I’m thrilled to have him as part of our team,” says Magill.
Adams brings nearly 15 years experience in entertainment law to the label, including his most recent position as Director, Business Affairs at EMI Christian Music Group.
Adadms graduated from Baylor University in 1993 and received his JD from Baylor University School of Law in 1996. He has served as an adjunct professor on entertainment legal issues, as well as guest speaking for universities and industry events on a variety of entertainment matters.
Reach him at [email protected].

ReTune Donates $50k To MusiCares

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(L-R) ReTune Nashville Board Members Dina D'Gerolamo and Allison Thompson, MusiCares Executive Director Debbie Carroll, ReTune Nashville Founder Sheri O'Neal, ReTune Nashville Board Member Janis Ehrat, and Publicist Becky Lynn Street. Photo: Jason Delkou


ReTune Nashville presented a $50,000 check to MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief today (6/8) at the MusiCares Nashville office. In one year, ReTune Nashville has activated 81 visual artists, received flood damaged gear from more than 25 donating musicians and companies, experienced the generosity of 18 music artists with accompanying musicians and crew, welcomed the support of roughly 80 sponsoring businesses and individuals, and completed two highly successful fundraising events to help uninsured musicians with their flood recovery efforts.
This donation supplements the initial $12,000 previously donated to MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief and the Nashville Musicians Association Flood Relief Fund in December 2010, bringing the total to $62,000 donated by ReTune Nashville for musicians’ flood relief.
MusiCares Executive Director Debbie Carroll commented on the donation and importance of monetary support,“Without the generosity and support of individuals and organizations such as ReTune, our work in providing support to the music industry after the devastating Nashville flood of 2010, would not be possible. ReTune’s donation will make a tremendous difference in the lives of many music people and their families who are still struggling from this disaster.”