SESAC Nashville Music Awards Names Performers

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Some of the top talents in Country and Americana will be entertaining attendees at the the SESAC Nashville Music Awards set for October 28 at the Pinnacle at Symphony Place.

Performers at the annual invitation-only gala include chart-topping artists Lee Brice and Thompson Square, who will perform their hit songs being honored. Songwriter Monty Powell will join retired Special Operations Forces officer Mike Vaughn on a performance of Keith Urban’s hit “For You,” which was featured in the film Act of Valor.

Additionally, Americana favorites The Avett Brothers will be honored with a special “Summit Award” recognizing the band’s rapid ascent to popularity and eclectic musical style. Group member Seth Avett will be present to perform and accept the honor.

As previously announced, the SESAC Nashville Music Awards will also feature a tribute to the Bluebird Cafe as part of the legendary venue’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Ru-dy! Ru-dy! Ru-dy!

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(L-R): Regions Bank Sr. VP Lisa Harless; Rudy Ruettiger; MR Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Bev Moser

Regions Bank hosted a meet and greet luncheon earlier this month for members of the industry to shake hands with Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger.

Rudy is best known as the former football player for the University of Notre Dame and the inspiration for the motion picture Rudy. The movie chronicles how Rudy overcame obstacles and rejection to achieve his dream of playing for the legendary team.

At the event guests enjoyed chatting one on one with Rudy and received autographed copies of his book, Rudy: My Story. The soiree, led by Regions Sr. VP, Entertainment & Sports Division Lisa Harless, was held at the bank’s Nashville office on Division Street. Rudy is currently on a tour promoting the new book which details the inspiration behind the film.

I confess, there were others in that room that knew more about Rudy’s story than I did, but on that day it didn’t matter. From our initial handshake I was inspired by his presence. I suddenly had the urge to go out and do something great. Some people are described as “lighting up a room” when they enter, but Rudy opens floodgates of inspiration like few others.

Photo: Bev Moser

Rudy continued sharing stories during lunch in the bank conference room. “When God’s plan works, it’s powerful,” he told the crowd. “At the same time, we know that plan is not about football and it’s not about Notre Dame. We use football as a metaphor, of course, and Notre Dame as the canvas.”

Rudy has shared many experiences with attorney Rusty Jones, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Rudy Foundation’s Board of Directors. “One of the greatest experiences I had was walking down the tunnel of the Tennessee game with Rusty Jones,” said Rudy. “As we were walking, I turned to Rusty and said, ‘you alright brother?’ and Rusty said, ‘This is the greatest moment of my life, Rudy.'”

Rudy’s many interesting stories included how he met Rusty, the time he was kicked off the field at a USC game, and how his tour of the Pentagon was interrupted by a call from the President to the Commodore guiding his visit.

“In the struggles God gives us, there’s a blessing,” Rudy continued. “You’ve got to recognize it so you can pass it on to help people. It’s all about getting hit hard and coming back.” He shared his belief of hard work over entitlement, the importance of respect, and his love for Country Music, noting the mutual respect among members of our industry.

He was quick to point out that he is inspired by stories of people overcoming obstacles, whether it’s about a Country singer or an athlete. “My dad always inspired me and here’s why,” he said. “Not because he was a great achiever in monetary means but because he was a great achiever in life.

“We have a great country. We are not going to fail. This country is not going to go down the tubes like they say. We have some major issues but we always come back because the American Dream is real.”

Now, that’s a dose of Rudy we all needed to hear.

(L-R): Vice Chairman of the Rudy Foundation Board Rusty Jones, and Rudy Ruettiger. Photo: Bev Moser

Martina Performs For Musicians On Call

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Martina McBride Photo: Randee St. Nicholas

Martina McBride will be performing at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Nashville on Nov. 16 to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Musicians On Call’s (MOC) committed service to Music City.

Tickets are now available with prices starting at $75 for general admission. Limited VIP packages, which include a meet and greet with McBride, are also available for purchase. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Nashville branch of MOC.

“I’m proud to be able to help raise money for this amazing organization,” adds McBride. “The fact that MOC takes music, with all its healing and uplifting power, directly to the people who need it most is so touching to me.” She explains, “As musicians, all we want to do is have our music heard and used to inspire or bring a smile. MOC has figured out the perfect way to do just that.”

For more information on MOC and the fifth anniversary celebration with Martina McBride, please visit www.MusiciansOnCall.org.

MusicRowPics: Lizzie Sider Artist Visit

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Up-and-coming artist Lizzie Sider visited MusicRow headquarters on Monday (10/15) before heading back home to Florida.

The high school freshman shared her current single “Butterfly,” which is at radio now. She wrote the song after being bullied in school. “My dad used to tell me, ‘No one has the power to ruin your day,'” Sider said, “It took me a little while to understand what he meant by that.”

She also played “How ‘Bout You” and “Souvenir.” All three songs were co-written with Jamie O’Neal.

For more information visit lizziesider.com.

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Joanna Smith Shoots Video; Blue Sky Riders At Franklin Theatre

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(L-R): Director Ry Cox and Joanna Smith

RCA Records artist Joanna Smith spent a rainy Friday in scenic downtown Franklin, Tenn. recently shooting a music video for her debut RCA single “We Can’t Be Friends,” from her Be What It Wants To Be EP. The clip follows Smith as she runs into her old flame and deals with the heartache of knowing it’s time to move on. Directed by Ry Cox and produced by April Dace for Revolution Pictures, the video will hit airwaves next month.

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Blue Sky Riders

Blue Sky Riders (Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr) will perform a two-night stand near Nashville at the Franklin Theatre on Nov. 16 and 17. The shows will benefit NSAI. Tickets here.

For local fans who can’t wait until next month, BSR will livestream a performance from Santa Barbara, CA on Thurs., Oct. 18 at 5 PM PST. The concert can be viewed on Stageit.com or via the Blue Sky Riders Facebook page. The trio will perform songs from its upcoming album, Finally Home, which is scheduled for release Jan. 22, 2013.

Select singles from the album are available on iTunes along with the Live At The Rutledge EP. Blue Sky Riders recently completed a 14-city national tour, including a five night residency in New York.

On The Cover: Brad Paisley (Oct./Nov. 2012)

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Brad Paisley is a consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer, which has earned him three GRAMMYs, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards including Entertainer of the Year for 2010. He has placed 20 singles at the top of the charts, the latest a duet with Carrie Underwood, “Remind Me.” Paisley’s current album, This Is Country Music, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and is his sixth consecutive studio album to debut as the nation’s country best-seller. He released his first book, Diary of a Player, in 2011 and was on the New York Times Best Seller list for two weeks.

Artist Name: Brad Paisley
Label: Arista Nashville
Current Album: New album “yet to be titled” due out April 9
Current Single: “Southern Comfort Zone,” written by Paisley, Chris DuBois and Kelley Lovelace
Hometown: Glen Dale, West Virginia
Management: Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald-Hartley
Booking: William Morris Endeavor
Recent Hits: With 20 No. 1 singles to his credit, Brad’s most recent hits are “Remind Me” duet with Carrie Underwood, “Old Alabama” and “This Is Country Music.”
Awards: 14 CMA Awards (including 2010 Entertainer of the Year), 14 ACM Awards (including 5 consecutive Male Vocalist of the Year) and 3 Grammys.
RIAA certs to date: With career sales over 12 million albums worldwide, Brad’s double-Platinum certifications include Time Well Wasted and Mud On The Tires.
Touring: Brad is currently headlining his Virtual Reality World Tour with special guests The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery.
Special TV/Film Appearances: For the fifth consecutive year, Brad will co-host the The 46th Annual CMA Awards on November 1 on ABC with label mate Carrie Underwood.
Birthday: October 28

Average Joe’s Hires New Publicist

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Kristin Palmer

Average Joe’s Entertainment has hired publicist Kristin Palmer to handle publicity and artist development for the company. Palmer replaces Karen Tallier, who exited the post on October 5th.

“I couldn’t be happier that Kristin accepted the challenge and is joining the Average Joe’s team,” says Tony Morreale, VP of Marketing and Promotion at Average Joe’s Entertainment. “Her background and experience in the corporate and independent music world made her a natural for us.”

Palmer has over 7 years of experience in the music business, most recently running her own, Palmer House Publicity.

Congratulate her by email, or reach the publicity office at 615-733-9983.

Average Joe’s houses three labels, a management company, a publishing entity and a film and TV production company. Artists include Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Matt Stillwell, JB and the Moonshine Band, Rehab, The Lacs, Gabe Garcia, Lenny Cooper, Bubba Sparxxx, The Mud Digger Series and Redneck Social Club.

Snapshots: Rucker, Hayes, and SOLID

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Darius Rucker Joins The Opry
Darius Rucker was formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry last night (10/16) by Opry member Vince Gill. A tearful Rucker and the audience watched a clip on the Opry’s barn screen of fellow member Keith Urban sending his congratulations “from Las Vegas,” but the star then surprised them by appearing onstage. Rucker’s family and friends, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino, also joined him.

(L-R): Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry VP and General Manager; Vince Gill; Darius Rucker; Dan Marino; Steve Buchanan, Grand Ole Opry President. Photo: Chris Hollo

Hunter Hayes Plays Staples Center
Hunter Hayes performed at the LA Staples Center last night (10/16) as party of Carrie Underwood’s tour. iTunes released the EP Hunter Hayes: Live yesterday, and his single “Wanted” is nearing double Platinum status. Catch him on Ellen Oct. 22.

Celebrating backstage (L-R): Rob Light, CAA Managing Partner; Hunter Hayes; Randy Phillips, Pres. & CEO AEG Live; Darin Murphy, CAA Nashville; Larry Vallon, SVP AEG; and Marc Friedenberg, AEG VP

SOLID Elects Officers
SOLID elected its 2013 officers recently. The new leadership team is pictured below. SOLID is also accepting new member applications through Oct. 31, details at www.solidnashville.com.

Pictured (L-R): Brian O'Neil, CAA, 2013 SOLID Vice President; Sarah McGrady, CMA, 2013 SOLID President; Kate Dore, Outback Concerts, 2013 SOLID Secretary; and Michelle Tigard Kammerer, CRB, 2013 SOLID Treasurer

ACM Announces 2012-2013 Board and Officers

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The Academy of Country Music has announced its new Officers and Board of Directors for the 2012-2013 term. Newly elected ACM officers include:

Chairman of the Board – Butch Waugh
President – Ken Robold
VP – Darin Murphy, CAA
Treasurer – Duane Clark, FBMM
Parliamentarian – Paul Moore, WME
Secretary – Tiffany Moon, ACM

There are 13 professional categories of Board members elected by Academy membership. In addition, Director-at-large positions have been appointed by Waugh, Robold, and Murphy. Each director serves staggered two-year terms, with half the board membership changing each year. Newly elected and appointed Board members appear below.

“I’m thrilled to work with so many dedicated industry leaders who have invested their time and shown a true commitment to hands-on involvement with the Academy,” said Waugh.

CATEGORY — ELECTED BOARD MEMBER(S)
Affiliated — Buddy Cannon, Cannon Productions; Tim DuBois, Artist Management Partners; Neal Spielberg, Spielberg Entertainment & Consulting

Artist/Entertainer/MBI* — Luke Bryan

Club/Casino/Venue Operator — Jerry Hufford, Buck Owens’ Enterprises

Composer — Don Schlitz

Manager — Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment/Red Light Management; Marion Kraft, ShopKeeper Management; Clarence Spalding, Spalding Entertainment

Media/PR* — Mary Hilliard Harrington, The GreenRoom

Music Publisher/PRO — Frank Liddell, Carnival Music

On-Air Personality — Bob Kingsley, “Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40”

Radio — Charlie Cook, McVay/Cook & Associates

Record Company — Mike Dungan, Universal Music Group

Talent Agent — Greg Oswald, WME

Talent Buyer/Promoter — Brad Garrett, Police Productions

TV/Motion Picture — Sherman Halsey, Halsey Productions

DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Clay Bradley, BMI
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Mike Culotta, WQYK/WYUU
Dallas Davidson
Chris Farren, Combustion Music
Leslie Fram, CMT
Mike Kraski, Tenacity Management
Jon Loba, BBR Music Group
Ebie McFarland*, Essential Broadcast Media
Dan Mason, CBS Radio
Curt Motley, Paradigm Agency
Brian O’Connell, Live Nation
Glenn Peoples, Billboard
Kimberly Schlapman*
Butch Spyridon, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ken Tucker

*Denotes tie in the categories of Artist/Entertainer/MBI and Media/PR, wherein one of candidates is listed as elected and the other is listed as appointed. The latter were appointed as a Director at Large following the tie.

“CMA Country Christmas” Spreads Holiday Cheer

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Pictured (L-R): Bethni Hemphill (Generosity), Robert Deaton, Jennifer Nettles, and Steve Moore.

Holiday television special CMA Country Christmas will tape its 2012 edition on Saturday, Nov. 3 in front of a live audience at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Performers confirmed for the special include Dierks Bentley, Colbie Caillat, Katherine Jenkins, Lady Antebellum, John Legend, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Jennifer Nettles, The Band Perry, and Keith Urban.

For the third year, Nettles will host the ABC special, which will air later in 2012. The event also marks the first time audience members are being encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Nashville area homeless and needy children. Nashville-based organization, Generosity, will collect the drop offs in front of the Arena beginning at 1 pm to be distributed on Christmas night during a special Bridge Ministry service.

“Our artists are extremely generous and so are our fans,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It is our goal to make sure no child goes without a present this Christmas and we are grateful to our partners at Generosity for helping to make this a dream come true for children in Nashville.”

Tickets for CMA Country Christmas are $50 for Club Level and $100 for Lower Level at Ticketmaster outlets or in person at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office. Tickets are not required to make donations.

CMA Country Christmas is a production of the CMA. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director, and David Wild is the writer.