Snapshots (8/08/2012)

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins and Jim Beavers. Photo: Drew Maynard

Songwriter Jim Beavers received two Million-Air certificates from BMI, celebrating his hits “Watching Airplanes” (Gary Allan) and “Don’t” (Billy Currington), for amassing more than one million performances each.

The presentation took in Nashville August 1, after the songwriter treated BMI licensing employees to an acoustic set.

 • • • •

Pictured (L-R): Michael Johns, K'naan, Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Chevy Chase, Norm Crosby, Starkey Co-Founder Tani Austin, President Clinton, Starkey Founder Bill Austin, Billy Crystal, Forest Whitaker, Billy Ray Cyrus, Glenn Frey, Okello Sam

Billy Ray Cyrus recently attended and performed at the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s 12th annual So The World May Hear Gala on August 4 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The event brings awareness and funds to the organization’s efforts of fitting more than 100,000 hearing aids globally.

“It is about the gift of love,” said Cyrus. “It is just incredible that they go all around the world to give people their first chance ever to hear, to sing, to dance, to communicate. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of it.”

Cyrus is currently finalizing his forthcoming album, Change My Mind to be released October 23. He is set to make his debut in the Broadway play Chicago on Nov. 5, and will continue his run through Dec. 23.

• • • •

Tim McGraw and Mike Shepherd

Tim McGraw was surprised with an induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame during the middle of his concert set at the Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, (8/3).

Louisiana Music Hall of Fame President Mike Shepherd presented a plaque honoring the Louisiana native for contributions to the state’s musical heritage.

McGraw joins the ranks of Louis Armstrong, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dr. John and Allen Toussaint, among others.