Industry Photos (10/20/11)

Frances Preston Honored as Giant of Broadcasting

Frances Williams Preston made history as the President & CEO of BMI, and on Friday, October 14, her contributions were celebrated by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation. Named one of the foundation’s Giants of Broadcasting, Preston joined 2011 honorees Christiane Amanpour; Rick Buckley; CBS Sunday Morning’s team comprising Charles Kuralt, Rand Morrison, Robert “Shad” Northshield, and Charles Osgood; John F. Dille, III; Brian Lamb; Dawson B “Tack” Nail; Frederick S. Pierce; and Brian Williams.

Preston was selected to open BMI’s Music City outpost in 1958, where she helped define the golden era of the music industry. As BMI’s New York-based president & CEO from 1986 until 2004, she oversaw the company’s unprecedented growth. Preston was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. (L-R): BMI’s Alison Smith; Preston; and Susan Davenport Austin, Chairman BMI Board of Directors, Sr. VP/CFO Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation and Pres. Sheridan Gospel Network.

Photo: R. Arhold

7th Annual Stars For Second Harvest A Smashing Success

A variety of Nashville celebrities came together to support and participate in the 7th annual Stars For Second Harvest concert which benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. The event helped to raise nearly $50,000 this year. Host Craig Wiseman, Kix Brooks and Dallas Davidson kicked off the evening with a rockin’ songwriters round. The evening included performances by pop artist Martin Johnson of Boys Like Girls, indie artist Dave Barnes and a surprise appearance by country recording artist Jake Owen. Tennessee Titans football players Rob Bironas and Cortland Finnegan were there to auction off autographed memorabilia including jerseys, footballs and even a few penalty flags. Presenting sponsor O’Charley’s underwrote the entire event to ensure that all proceeds benefit the food bank. Also, Nissan Americas, Vice Chairman Bill Krueger presented Second Harvest Pres./CEO Jaynee Day a brand new 2012 Nissan NV stocked with food items. The donated van will be used to help collect and distribute food around Middle Tennessee. Left: (L-R): KK Wiseman and Craig Wiseman. Right: (L-R): Jake Owen, Jaynee Day, Dave Barnes.

Photos: Peyton Hoge

Australian Invasion at 2011 Americana Music Festival

Twenty of Australia’s finest roots artists descended on Music City’s annual Americana Music Festival and Conference last week, held in and around downtown Nashville Oct. 12-15. This year’s Australian lineup included Kirsty Akers, James Blundell, Ange Boxall, Catherine Britt, O’Shea, Chris Pickering, Henry Wagons, 3rd Wheel, Chris Altmann, Lachlan Bryan, Kristy Cox, Mia Dyson, Gleny Rae Virus and Her Tamworth Playboys, Caitlin Harnett, The McMenamins, Shandell and Duke Wilde Band. 2011 Telstra Road to Discovery Songwriter winner David Garnham and Telstra Road to Discovery Performer winner Harry Hookey also made the trip and performed at events throughout the week.

The artists participated in several AMA-related activities, including the Tamworth Presents “A Taste of Australia” showcase at the legendary Bluebird Cafe, the “Are You Prepared To Be Known As A Country Artist Down Under?” seminar panel at the AMA conference, the Maton Presents “Lunch With the Aussies” luncheon and performance at famed Broadway honkytonk The Second Fiddle and a free Aussie BBQ at The Basement.

For the second year in a row, Australian music industry and government-supported organization Sounds Australia sponsored the overseas trip through its strategic partnership with the Nashville-based Americana Music Association. (L-R): Jay O’Shea, Mark O’Shea, Troy Cassar-Daley, Sounds Australia Project Manager Dobe Newton, Catherine Britt, AristoMedia Pres./CEO Jeff Walker, and record producer Mark Moffatt.