ACM Announces Executive Promotions

(L-R): Tiffany Moon, Michelle Goble, Erick Long


The Academy of Country Music today (6/6) announced the promotions of Tiffany Moon, Michelle Goble and Erick Long. The executives are based out the Academy’s headquarters in Encino, CA, and their promotions fall under the organization’s new corporate title structure implemented last year.
Moon has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Managing Director. In her increased role, she will manage the office on an executive level, and will continue to oversee ticketing surrounding the Academy’s televised initiatives. She will report directly to Academy CEO Bob Romeo and will liaise with the Board of Directors in her continued capacity as Secretary to the Board, a post she has held for six years. She joined the Academy in 2003 as a project manager, a role that included managing all finance and accounting operations, overseeing ticketing surrounding the Academy of Country Music Awards, along with administering the Academy’s charitable initiatives.
Goble has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Membership & Events. She has managed the Academy’s Membership & Events departments since her hire in 2007, handling ACM Awards balloting and voting criteria. In addition, Goble has produced and elevated premiere events such as ACM Honors, ACM stage for the National Finals Rodeo, concerts on Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, and most recently on the first-ever ACM Fan Jam during the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
Long is taking on additional responsibilities and has been named Vice President, Operations. He joined the Academy in 2009, and this title change acknowledges his increased role in managing all ACM operations – including day-to-day oversight of the Academy’s office building in Encino, Awards show credentialing, and security.
“I’m excited about the Academy’s evolution over the past several years,” said Romeo. “With these changes in our organization, we can continue to support artists and engage fans through our membership, events and television properties. This, in turn, will sustain ACM Lifting Lives, which remains at the center of all Academy initiatives.”

Lauren Alaina Notches Strong Debut

Lauren Alaina


The first recordings from American Idol finalist Lauren Alaina are scoring big with fans. A compilation album of her performances from the television show ranked No. 9 on the Billboard Digital Albums and Country Albums charts for sales of 10,651 units. She is signed to Mercury Nashville/19 Recordings/Interscope.
Her single, “Like My Mother Does,” debuted at No. 11 on the Digital Songs chart and No. 20 on the Hot 100 chart for sales of 121,204, making it the highest debut for a second-place finalist in six years.
Lauren will begin recording her debut album this week in Nashville, where she is scheduled for appearances at the CMA Music Festival, CMT Music Awards, City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game, and the Grand Ole Opry.
She will join the American Idols Live tour that begins July 6 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and runs through September. Lauren is also set for a Aug. 12 performance on ABC’s Good Morning America.

Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Is A Rowdy Good Time

When Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour stopped at The Woods at Fontanel in Nashville Friday night (6/3), it was easily in the mid-90s. Which, when paired with some serious outlaw country, helps explain why the event was such a rowdy good time.

Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, and Randy Houser. Photo: Alan Mayor


Back for its second year and now co-branded with Nelson, the Country Throwdown Tour—organized by the same folks who put on the Vans Warped Tour—is set to hit 24 cities through early July. Performers at The Woods included Nelson and outlaw heirs-apparent Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and Drake White. Jack Ingram is supposed to join the trek later in June.
The tour also added a Bluebird Café component to showcase some of Nashville’s noted songwriters including Adam Hood, Austin Lucas, Brent Cobb, Caitlyn Smith, Dani Flowers, and Erin Enderlin.
The move to partner the tour with Nelson seems to have paid off, as the Woods amphitheater appeared close to its capacity for most of the evening. Lines to the beer vendors filled the pathways, and the queues for hot dog or barbecue vendors were even longer. Early in the evening, performances bounced back and forth between the main stage and smaller second stage near the festival entrance. At sunset, all the action shifted to the main stage.

Lee Brice performing. Photo: Alan Mayor


Just before 6 pm, Brice and band bashed out a gutsy, passionate set including his mega hit “Love Like Crazy” and his Garth Brooks mega-hit “More Than A Memory.”
Over on the second stage, Gilbert whipped the standing audience into a frenzy, rocking out on his songs “Dirt Road Anthem” (now a Jason Aldean hit) and “Country Must Be Country Wide.” By this point, audience members were removing clothing and the beer was flowing freely.
Houser followed on the main stage, showcasing his big, soulful voice. The audience was treated to his hits “Whistlin’ Dixie” and “Boots On,” as well as a lighter-worthy version of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.”
A handful of the songwriters, who had showcased earlier in the day, took the stage during the equipment changeover and played a few original tunes in-the-round. Then it was Jamey Johnson’s turn.
And this was clearly Johnson’s audience, who roared with approval when he started his set with “High Cost of Living” from That Lonesome Song. The crowd hung on his every word, sang every chorus, and generally went nuts with every new tune he introduced. His hard-earned underdog stance resonated with these folks, and he made sure not to disappoint.
For “In Color,” Johnson brought his daughter out to sing along which was both unbelievably cute and oddly affecting. Houser came back out to duet with him on “Can’t Cash My Checks.” And just for good measure, he threw in a swingin’ cover of “Tulsa Time.”
Around 9:30, it was time for the main event. Unlike some of the previous artists, Willie used the stripped down approach on this stage. His drummer just uses a snare and some other basic pieces, his sister Bobbi is at the piano, and his familiar old classical guitar never leaves his body.
The hour-long set wasn’t nearly enough for Willie to thoroughly cover his extensive career, but he brought out the big guns. “Whiskey River,” “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground,” “On The Road Again,” “Always On My Mind” were all present and then some. He was joined by Johnson, Houser and a whole cast of others for a rousing finale on “I’ll Fly Away.”
Yes, it was unbelievably hot, sticky and grimy on Friday but it hardly mattered. With musical performances this soul-satisfying, Throwdown audiences nationwide are sure to be pleased, even if they have to strip down to stay cool.

The festival crowd and view of the second stage. Photo: Alan Mayor

"Let Me Down Easy" Glides To No. 1

A room full of family and friends joined BMI in celebrating the team behind the Billy Currington No. 1 hit “Let Me Down Easy” at a party on May 31. Co-written by Marty Dodson and husband-wife duo Mark Nesler and Jennifer Hanson, the song marks Currington’s seventh trip to the top. The BMI team of co-writers have also had their fair share of success on the charts: “Let Me Down Easy” is Dodson’s third No. 1, Hanson’s second, and Nesler’s sixth.


Pictured (L-R): ole’s Gilles Godard, Mercury Records’ Ken Robold, producer Carson Chamberlain, co-writer Marty Dodson, Billy Currington, co-writers Jennifer Hanson and Mark Nesler, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, Disney Music Publishing’s Kos Weaver, ole’s Arthur Buenahora, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: Steve Lowry


 

News From the Road

Pretty In Pink
The Eli Young Band, Heidi Newfield and Stealing Angels joined KRTY in raising $15,000 last Thursday (6/2) at the Rodeo Club in San Jose, CA. Among those pictured are GM Nate Deaton, GSM Tina Ferguson and PD Julie Stevens along with members of Team KRTY (pictured in pink), who participate in the Avon BreastCancer Walk each year. Last year KRTY raised more than $130,000 for the cause.

Photo: Rudy Sabine


Bentley Wraps Jager Tour
Dierks Bentley’s recently wrapped the Jagermeister Country Tour which included stops in 28 cities. Along the way, Bentley crafted a series of video clips depicting a behind-the-scenes look into his life on the road, pre-show rituals, hobbies and interviews with fans. Check them out here.
Armiger Scores Big Opening Slots
Katie Armiger is following up her recent hit single “Best Song Ever” with what will likely be her best summer ever, opening for Darius Rucker, Ronnie Dunn, Little Big Town, Clay Walker, and Gloriana. Her tour, in support of her third studio album Confessions of a Nice Girl, will have her performing 20 shows across the country including stops at major festivals and fairs through the end of September.
The outing kicked off over the weekend in Nebraska, and brings her to Nashville June 10 for a performance at the CMA Music Festival on the Lays Plaza Stage.

Schmitt Chronicles Arrest and Rehab

Photo: Eric England/Nashville Scene


Former Tennessean/WKRN-2 entertainment reporter Brad Schmitt wrote the feature article (“Breaking Brad”) in this week’s (6/2) issue of the Nashville Scene, which gives the firsthand account of his DUI arrest last February and recovery process in the year following. Once a high-profile writer and TV personality, Schmitt was fired from WKRN after the arrest and sent to rehab. It’s a courageous, beautifully written piece full of heartbreak, humor, and warmth. Read it here.
The reformed journalist recounts in detail the events of the night that changed his life forever, his struggle with addiction, and the acceptance that brought him to a place of peace. Here’s an excerpt:

The police cruiser spotlight shot into my rearview mirror, pretty much blinding me. But I heard the officer’s door open and close. That was it. In that moment, I knew my whole life was about to change. I would be fired from my job as a reporter at WKRN. The news will get out, and the media and country music worlds will know.
A wave of surrender flowed over me as my mind decelerated. I’m going to start all over again, I told myself. A complete do-over. It could’ve been the vodka and Jager, but one thought took over: Tonight, whatever happens is gonna happen, so don’t fight it.

In the time since his arrest and rehab, Schmitt lost his home to the 2010 flood but has remained steadfast in his recovery. He speaks with gratitude of family and friends who have supported his journey, and helped him when everything seemed lost. He currently works at the YMCA, writes freelance, and continues to attend 12-step programs.

Adkins' Home Burns To Ground

Sad news this weekend from Trace Adkins, whose home burned to the ground yesterday afternoon (6/4). Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, including his children and their babysitter. Wife Rhonda returned home from running errands shortly after the fire started, according to The Boot.
The fire at the Brentwood home apparently started in the garage and spread quickly. It burned for more than two hours, destroying his vehicle, motorcycle, awards and memorabilia.
A statement was posted on his website: “Trace wishes to express his gratitude for the immediate response of the Brentwood Fire Department and is humbled by the outpouring of concern from friends and fans.”
Rhonda credits the family’s safe exit with the fire drills their daughters learned at school.
Adkins was on his way to Alaska for two concert dates at the time. He immediately returned home.

CMA Fest Road Closure Info

In preparation for next week’s 2011 CMA Music Festival, several upcoming street closures have been announced. The annual four-day festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, but road closures will take effect two days before the event officially begins.
Closures beginning Tuesday, June 7
9:00 AM/CT – Broadway from First to Second Avenues
9:00 AM/CT – First Avenue from Demonbreun to Church Streets
Closure beginning Wednesday, June 8
Noon/CT – Broadway from Second to Fourth Avenues (cross streets, Second and Third Avenues, will remain open)
Closure beginning Thursday, June 9
Noon/CT- Fifth Avenue from Demonbreun to Broadway
These closures will be in effect throughout the Festival and are scheduled to be cleared in the early morning hours on Tuesday, June 14.
Additional temporary closures will occur Wednesday, June 8 to accommodate The Seventh Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade and The Sixth Annual CMA Music Festival Block Party.
The following roads will be closed for parade traffic from 9:00AM to 2:00 PM/CT
Tenth Avenue North from Broadway to Lifeway Plaza
Commerce Street from Ninth to Tenth  Avenues
Broadway from First to Twelfth Avenues (only during parade hours of 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM/CT)

Ladies Golf Tourney Announces

(L-R): Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament committee members Herky Williams, Tim McGraw, Sara Johnson, Malia Axsom and Trina Smith.


The 25th Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament has announced that their annual event will be held Monday, July 25 at Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville. Claimed as the longest-running charitable event on Music Row, the tournament has raised over $1.5 million for United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee.
Golfers can support the cause by registering a team as well as bidding on exciting auction items. Other sponsorship possibilities exist for those preferring not to play golf.
Reservations are $150 per golfer and $100 per caddie and are by invitation only. Visit the LGT Facebook page for more details.
Along with Tim McGraw’s renewed support, additional sponsors include ASCAP, Kenny Chesney, City National Bank, McGhee Entertainment, UBS Financial Services, UMG Nashville and MSO PR.
 

Weekend Notes (6/3/11)

Next week is a busy one, with the Billboard Country Music Summit (June 6-7), CMT Music Awards (June 8), and CMA Music Festival (June 9-12) scheduled. But first we have to survive the weekend. Here’s what’s happening starting today (6/3).
Friday, June 3
Country Throwdown Tour: 3 – 10 pm, The Woods at Fontanel. Featuring Willie Nelson, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson and more.
On TV: Ronnie Dunn, Entertainment Tonight (check local listings for time)
Video Premieres: Kenny Chesney’s “You And Tequila;” Trace Adkins’ “Just Fishin’”
3rd Annual Battle of the Bands, hosted by SAE Institute: 6 pm, The Rutledge. Judges include Alan Shacklock, Ingrid Fletcher and Bernard Porter. Winning band will get studio time and radio exposure through Lightning 100. http://www.myspace.com/saebattleofthebands
 
Saturday, June 4
Joey + Rory’s 3rd Annual Bib & Buckle Fest: 4-8 pm, Pottsville, TN. http://www.bibandbucklefest.com
On TV: Old Crow Medicine Crow, The Marty Stuart Show (RFD-TV)
 

Ray Charles and Buck Owens, from the NPT special


Sunday, June 5
On TV: “Nashville: The 20th Century in Photographs, Volume 3.” 7 pm, NPT. Series narrated by Bill Turner and features photographs of Nashville from the late ‘50s through the ‘70s. http://www.wnpt.net
On TV: Jack Ingram performs the national anthem of the NBA Championship series Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks. ABC, 7 pm CT.