The Grand Ole Opry Comes To Country Radio Seminar

Little Big Town CRS1

Little Big Town


Since many of this week’s Country Radio Seminar attendees reside outside Tennessee, they received an experience that is essentially Nashville last night (Feb. 27)–attending the Grand Ole Opry. However, instead of taking everyone to the Opry House, they brought the Grand Ole Opry to the attendees at the Nashville Convention Center.
The NCC stage was set up with the Grand Ole Opry backdrop and lighting along with performances from several of the Opry’s members. The evening kicked off with a video introduction from Carrie Underwood, who gave an overview of the Grand Ole Opry’s history. Vince Gill, who served as host for the evening and who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1991, greeted the crowd with “Take Your Memory With You When You Go.” His sharp wit and dry sense of humor was on full display the entire evening. “That thunderous applause is overwhelming. Did you just eat?” he deadpanned after wrapping up “Take Your Memory…”
He brought out Little Big Town, who warmed up the crowd with “Tornado.” They then introduced another track from their Tornado album, the gorgeous ballad “Your Side of the Bed,” featuring a duet between Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook. “The one we are about to play is the one we are about to send you [country radio], so you can play it on the radio too if you want,” said Fairchild. They closed the trio of tunes with their summer No. 1 hit, “Pontoon.”
Next came a lineup of three of country’s traditional-leaning male singers–Dustin Lynch, Josh Turner and Greg Bates. Lynch performed his current single, “She Cranks My Tractor” before thanking radio for their support of his previous single, “Cowboys and Angels.”  Turner (who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2007) treated the crowd to his deep register on the songs “Long Black Train” and “Deeper Than My Love.” “I never have to worry about Vince Gill cutting that song,” he said, referring to Gill’s high tenor. Bates offered his debut single, “Did It For The Girl” before performing his clever new single, “Fill In The Blank.”
kacey musgraves1Ashley Monroe injected some old-school country into the evening with her airy, lilting voice on “Like A Rose,” the title track of her upcoming album, with backing guitar and vocal work from Gill. Following Monroe were performances from Scotty McCreery, then Nashville‘s Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio, who were received enthusiastically by the radio crowd.
After a video clip of Darius Rucker‘s induction into the Grand Ole Opry last year, Rucker performed two of his signature tunes, “Alright” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” before lending his booming voice to a cover of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel” (also Rucker’s latest single).
The show hit a minor snag when host Gill mispronounced Kacey Musgraves’ name upon introducing her. The misstep became a running joke throughout the rest of the evening. Musgraves, who has a surging hit on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart with “Merry Go Round,” charmed the crowd with her candor on “Step Off” and her aforementioned debut single.
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Vince Gill and Brad Paisley


The evening closed with an acoustic performance from Brad Paisley, who was inducted in 2001. He sang “This Is Country Music,” followed by “Southern Comfort Zone.” After joining in on the fun with a wisecrack about Gill’s age, Gill reminded him that many artists have had their names mispronounced during their debut performance including Martina McBride and Gill himself. “Thank you, Vern,” Paisley replied. The friends and fellow Opry members closed the show with “Mud On The Tires,” with Gill on background vocals and guitar.

Primetime 'Nashville': Dear Brother

Pam Tillis, Kate York, Vince Gill and Dan Auerbach guest on Nashville.

Pam Tillis, Kate York, Vince Gill and Dan Auerbach guest on “Nashville.”


Scarlett and Kip Moore toast Deacon's birthday.

Scarlett and Kip Moore toast Deacon’s birthday.


“Dear Brother” Season 1 | Episode 114 | Aired 02/27/2013
Rayna’s world was rocked when news of her divorce hit the tabloids in last night’s (Feb. 27) episode of Nashville. She and sister Tandy tried to do damage control to protect Rayna and Teddy’s daughters—the oldest of whom knows about Teddy’s affair with Peggy.
Meanwhile, Teddy continued to focus on his new career as mayor and selected former opponent Coleman as deputy mayor, against the wishes of his ex-father-in-law, Lamar. Teddy also named Peggy his financial consultant.
While Nashville writers usually keep the show mostly in-line with real-life Music City, last night’s paparazzi scenes were a big stretch from what local celebs experience. On the show, the paparazzi tracked Rayna to her daughter’s dance class and then to Deacon’s surprise birthday party at the Bluebird Café.
Juliette organized a star-packed shin-dig in honor of her guitar player Deacon. Cameo appearances at the event included Dan Auerbach, Vince Gill, and Kip Moore. For a happening party, there wasn’t much upbeat music coming from the stage. Rayna offered new song “Stronger Than Me,” (written by Sarah Buxton and Kate York), accompanied by her uncle Watty (JD Souther) on guitar, and Pam Tillis and Kate York on harmonies. Scarlett and Gunnar lured in the crowd with “I Will Fall” (written by Tyler James and Kate York).
Rayna and Watty at Deacon's birthday party.

Rayna and Watty at Deacon’s birthday party.


Juliette’s fun was cut short when her mom, who was recently released from rehab, fell off the wagon. Juliette is slowly coming around to helping her mother, particularly with the aid of her mom’s recovery advisor. The singer let her guard down long enough to reveal a story about how her mom’s addiction ruined her birthday as a child. Other scenes included Juliette and her entourage shopping at the Mall at Green Hills and Juliette working on new song “We Are Water” (written by Patty Griffin).
The episode ended with Gunnar being summoned to the morgue to identify his brother’s body. After Gunnar and Scarlett kicked him out of their house, he was beaten to death in an alley. Later at home, Scarlett and Gunnar found comfort in each other, by taking their romantic relationship to the next level.
Most new music from the show is available on iTunes.

Behind the scenes photo of Deacon (Charles Esten) and executive producer Steve Buchanan.

CMA Radio Listener Panel Discusses Mobile Music Consumption

cma radio panel1

Back row (L-R): Panel members Christina, Brandon, and Diane; CMA Consumer Research Committee Chairman David Ross; CMA Senior Director of Market Research Karen Stump; and panel members Melissa, Christopher, April, and Joey. Front row (L-R): Panel member Sara and panel moderator Pat Snyder of What They Think Research.


CMA’s Music On The Move: Inside the Drive toward Mobile Music Consumption session during Country Radio Seminar brought in a live Nashville radio listener panel of eight men and women, ages 18-49, to the stage at the Nashville Convention Center. They were recruited from the local market and are avid Country Music consumers, who in addition to traditional radio, listen to music via online sources, including iheartradio, Pandora or radio station streaming.
Some key pieces of information from the panel include:

  • Mobile technology is indeed helping listeners take their music everywhere as they listen at home, at work, on the job, and even in their cars.
  • While not abandoning traditional radio, streaming and mobile apps deliver on key consumer requirements.
  • While freedom of location is a key benefit, the panelists revealed a more engaging benefit is personalizing music to match their own preferences and variety. This personalization enables their listening to embrace a wider variety of songs and artists.
  • Most panelists want a listening experience that spans the format from traditional, current, and rising Country artists. The panelists said they are not getting enough of the legacy and up-and-coming artists on traditional radio.
  • With mobile apps and streaming, they can control what they listen to, not only where they listen.
  • Common features of today’s apps such as “like” and tagging, along with pre-programmed playlists of similar artists and songs, seem to be strong aids in the discovery of new music with users.
  • While mobile provides a unique method for music customization, it’s also supporting their listening of favorite Country stations when listeners leave the area. Now they take their favorite stations with them.

“Obviously the strength and vitality of Country radio has a direct influence on the industry,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Country radio stations and broadcast professionals do an outstanding job of broadening the scope of Country Music and presenting artists to their listeners–expanding the careers of established artists, creating and development awareness of new talent and delivering music directly to the fans that support our business.”

First Artists Announced for Tim McGraw ACM Special

timmcgrawACM Presents: Tim McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night will live up to its title. Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift and Ne-Yo are the first to be added to the all-star lineup. The event will be taped Monday, April 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The special will be broadcast at a later date on the CBS Television Network.
“There’s no better time for live music than in the heat of the summer,” said McGraw. “Country music is hotter than it has ever been, and with some help from a few friends in other genres too, we’re going to get summer started off right. I’ve been lucky enough to have all these artists join me on tour, and it’ll be fun to get everyone back together to help raise money and bring some attention to Lifting Lives. Not enough people know what good work the organization does, and when I was asked to help put this show together, it was a no-brainer.”
Tickets for ACM Presents: Tim McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night are on sale at Ticketmaster, priced at $105, $155 and $205. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy and an organization that McGraw was closely affiliated with during his last tour. For more information, log onto www.ACMLiftingLives.org or www.ACMcountry.com or follow on Twitter at @ACMawards.
 
 

Artist Snapshots (2-28-13)

Finalists in the ACM Top New Artist category–including Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert and Jana Kramer–gathered to tape the GAC special, ACM Top New Artist, which premieres March 25 at 8 p.m. CT. The special is hosted by reigning ACM Top New Artist Scotty McCreery and features performances by each nominee.

ACM Top New Artist11

Pictured (L-R): GAC VP/Programming Suzanne Gordon, Scotty McCreery, Brantley Gilbert, Jana Kramer, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. Photo: Ed Rode.

 • • •

Warner Music Nashville artist Sheryl Crow shared an intimate evening with CRS attendees at the Tuesday Night Country Club “Sheryl Crow and Friends” presented by Warner Music Nashville. Crow welcomed friends Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Charlie Worsham, John Oates and Brett Eldredge to join her during the concert. Warner Music Nashville and guests celebrated with Crow after an evening of performances for the sold-out crowd at aVenue Nashville.

sheryl crow and friends11

Pictured (L-R): Scooter Weintraub (W Management), Charlie Worsham, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Peter Strickland (EVP/GM, WMN), Brad Paisley, Scott Hendricks (SVP A&R, WMN), John Oates, Brett Eldredge, Chris Stacey (SVP Promotion, WMN)

• • •

RCA Nashville’s Love and Theft toasted to CRS at Sony Music Nashville’s Margaritaville event on Wednesday evening (Feb. 27). The duo treated the radio crowd to a four-song performance, including their hit “Angel Eyes” and current single “Runnin’ Out Of Air.”

love and theft crs11

Pictured (L-R): Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles, WUSN Chicago’s Marci Brown, RCA Promotion’s Matt Galvin and Love and Theft’s Eric Gunderson. Photo: Donn Jones

• • •

Rascal Flatts members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney met up with Franklin, Tenn.-based company K5 Presents to reinforce their support of positive lyrics for children. K5 Presents is a company determined to give parents safe, fun and powerful music
that is age-appropriate for Kindergarten through 5th grade. Rascal Flatts showed their enthusiasm for the K5 Presents childrens’ CDs in a recorded endorsement interview at Jay DeMarcus’ studio in Nashville. Levox’s daughter, Brittany, has performed on multiple songs on K5 Presents projects, including K5 Kids Vol 3 and K5 Kids Christmas.

k5 rascal flats111

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Smith (Mountview Creative), Ahmande (Mondo) Grimes (K5), Joe Don Rooney, Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, Jon Hartman (K5).

• • •

Redneck Records artist Gretchen Wilson recently sat down with GAC’s Headline Country host Storme Warren to chat about her new “Still Rollin'” single and upcoming 12-song Right On Time album, due in stores April 2.

Gretchen Wilson Storme Warren11

 
 

The Band Perry To Headline 'Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing!'

The Band PerryThe Band Perry will headline one of Nashville’s signature events this summer, “Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing!” The event will be held July 4 at The Lawn at Riverfront Park, and will also include blues musician Keb’ Mo’ and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. The event will also feature live music and family activities throughout the afternoon and evening. The headlining concert will be followed by a fireworks display choreographed to live music.
“Nashville is known for having one of the best Fourth of July Celebrations in the country,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation. “The event has become a major draw for visitors, with more than 150,000 people enjoying the show last year on the lawn. The Band Perry’s recent chart-topping success makes this year’s show bigger and a ‘can’t miss’ event.”
“Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing” is produced by the NCVC for the city of Nashville and is sponsored by Dr Pepper, Kroger and McDonald’s. Hotel and attraction packages are available by calling the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp at (800) 657-6910 or online at www.visitmusiccity.com.
 
 

CRS Party Photos

On Tuesday (Feb. 26), Big Machine Label Group and CMT Radio hosted CRS Kick-Off Party at 3rd and Lindsley. The kick-off event was hosted by CMT Radio Live’s Cody Alan. The night’s performances included country stars The Band Perry, RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope, Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw. Other BMLG artists in the house included Eli Young Band, The Cadillac Three and Greg Bates.

Big Machine Label Group Party1

Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Leslie Fram, Chris Thompson, RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope, Jimmy Harnen, Scott Borchetta, Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, Kimberly Perry; (Back Row, L-R): Jon Jones, James Young, Mike Eli, Kelby Ray, Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Greg Bates, Thomas Rhett, Neil Perry, Reid Perry, Cody Alan.

• • •

Sheryl Crow shared an intimate evening with attendees at the exclusive Tuesday Night Country Club “Sheryl Crow and Friends” presented by Warner Music Nashville. Special guests Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton joined Crow at aVenue Nashville to perform her hits including “Steve McQueen,” “Strong Enough,” “Mascara” and “Real Gone.” Crow captivated the audience with “Easy,” the first single from her forthcoming album due later this year.

SHERYLCROW

 

Ed Salamon Signs New Book Today

c996738ec673e48824fcde5023cde6e5Ed Salamon will be signing his new book, WHN: When New York City Went Country, at the Nashville Crossroads on Broadway this afternoon (Feb. 28) during the CRS New Music Showcase reception at 2 p.m.
Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of WHN’s switch to country music, the book tells the story of how the Park Avenue radio station reached a No. 2 position in the New York ratings and became the most listened to country music station of all time. Based on interviews with former WHN staffers, country artists, as well as the personal experiences of Salamon, who was WHN’s program director for more than six years, the book also includes more than 40 photographs.
For those who are unable to make the signing, The Country Music Hall of Fame has the Archer Books-published work in stock.
Salamon, a 2006 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, has been an adjunct professor at Belmont and MTSU. He is also the author of the Pittsburgh’s Golden Age of Radio (Arcadia Books).

CRS Research Presentation: Give the Listener a Relationship

Larry Rosen

Larry Rosen


At the CRS Research Presentation, presented by Edison, 2013 CRS attendees learned that the lyrics of songs provides listening audiences with memories and meaning––giving the listener a relationship. “Radio is giving the gift of a lifelong friend,” notes Lori Hamilton, research partner at Prosperity Production.
For the Edison Ethnographic study, habits of 17 radio-listening fans were observed while the subject was in a ‘natural environment’ to span 13 U.S. states.
Further findings included radio’s competition no longer between stations, rather against all of the other media: television, Internet and personal mobile devices. Respondents choose to listen to the device that presents the path of least resistance. In the car, that remains radio. At home or in the workplace where Internet is accessed, competition becomes much more broadly based.

Larry Rosin of Edison Research and Radio-info.com concluded the study with practical applications by highlighting the untapped “at home” market, encouraging broadcast radio towards cable streaming on TV. He promoted that attendees think about competition on a global scale, rather than neighboring stations in ones market. Rosin concluded with the note that what listeners desire from music is a relationship, therefore he encouraged broadcasters to talk to the listening audience as a close friend.
The full CRS 2013 Country Radio research study is now available online at: www.EdisonResearch.com.

Bobby Karl Works UMG at the Ryman

On Wednesday, Feb. 27, numerous artists from UMG performed for country radio tastemakers at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Billy Currington, Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, David Nail, Dierks Bentley, Drake White, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, George Strait, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kelleigh Bannen, Lady Antebellum, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Randy Montana, Scotty McCreery and Vince Gill performed crowd favorites and introduced new music.

On Wednesday, Feb. 27, numerous artists from UMG performed for country radio tastemakers at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Taking the stage were Billy Currington, Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, David Nail, Dierks Bentley, Drake White, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, George Strait, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kelleigh Bannen, Lady Antebellum, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Randy Montana, Scotty McCreery and Vince Gill. Pictured above with UMG staffers. Photo Credit: Peyton Hoge

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM Chapter 419

If you love country music, the annual Team UMG Country Radio Seminar showcase at the Ryman Auditorium might be the best two-and-a-half hours you’ll spend with music all year long.
That’s especially true if you enjoy hearing fresh, new sounds from both familiar stars and newcomers. Here’s the drill: The label parades its roster across the stage one by one, and each act performs just one song.
On Wednesday (2/27), the company presented 21 artists to the dazzled CRS conventioneers. The weather outside was cold, raw, blustery, rainy and downright nasty, but any discomfort melted away inside the hallowed hall.
“Every year, we try to figure out a way to top ourselves,” said host Royce Risser. “You have to have a merger!” Therefore, Universal had not only its MCA and Mercury rosters to present, but also its newly acquired Capitol and EMI stars. What a bountiful harvest. Here’s how it went down.
(1) “If you’re not awake, you’re going to be now,” promised Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum. The trio performed its jaunty new “Downtown” with flawless harmonies intact. Afterward, Royce presented the pregnant Hillary with a “Baby Antebellum” onesy. It was sized for a 24-month-old. “I’m in trouble if the baby is this big,” said the expectant mom.
(2) “I’m new to the game and I’m glad to be at the Ryman today,” said Drake White. “This place always gives you the jitters a little bit.” His soulful, intense performance of “The Simple Life” was capped by a testifying, revival-style rap at the finale with stomping feet. “I put spiders in his boots,” confided Royce, “and he got them all.”
(3) Billy Currington was next. He introduced a ballad about romance in Key West titled “23 Degrees South,” accompanied by his accomplished solo acoustic guitar playing.
(4) Last year, Kacey Musgraves drew a spontaneous standing ovation by singing “Merry Go Round.” The single is now in the top-10, and she is nominated as an ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. “I can’t thank you enough for ‘Merry Go Round’ and what you’ve done for me,” she told the radio tastemakers. Her performance of the delightfully witty and highly amusing “Follow Your Arrow” brought down the house. In a word, genius.
(5) Royce introduced The Brothers Osborne by saying, “You may not have heard of them. But remember, you never heard of Kacey Musgraves last year or Kip Moore the year before.” This is the fourth year that UMG has staged its CRS Ryman show. The Baltimore-bred Osborne siblings performed the country ballad “Let Me Love the Lonely Out of You” with one brother supplying powerful vocals and the other brother supplying poetic solo electric lead-guitar passages.
(6) “I want to thank you all for allowing me to live my dream every day,” said David Nail. He’s following up his first No. 1 hit, “Let It Rain.” He introduced the driving, uptempo, groove soaked “Whatever She’s Got.” As always, his voice was stunning.
(7) “What a difference a year makes!” exclaimed Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town. “Holy cow!” The foursome is now the reigning CMA Group of the Year and won its first Grammy earlier this month for “Pontoon.” LBT introduced its next single, a terrific ballad of lost love called “Your Side of the Bed.” Its fabulous harmony vocals soared into the rafters of the Ryman and earned the group the day’s first standing ovation.
(8) Eric Paslay did an excellent job with his country weeper “She Don’t Love You, She’s Just Lonely.” The hit songwriter gave us a beautifully shaded vocal performance as well as taut acoustic-guitar accompaniment.
(9) Scotty McCreery is working on a new album and was eager to show the audience that he is emerging as a songwriter. His co-penned “I Gotta See You Tonight” was bopping and romantic.
(10) Newcomer Mickey Guyton hails from the Dallas area. This was her first CRS and her first time at the Ryman. Her “Better Than You Left Me” was a gospel-inflected power ballad that drew cheers in mid song when she unleashed a firestorm chorus vocal. Clearly overcome by the standing ovation she received, she emotionally hugged Royce as she left the stage.
(11) Luke Bryan brought out singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton to sing with him. Chris and Jim Beavers co-wrote Luke’s moving ballad of a premature death titled “Drink a Beer.”
(12) Next, Chris Stapleton returned to the stage to sing the rippling, rolling and effortlessly soulful “What Are You Listening To.” It is a great song, and it drew a big, big cheer from the crowd.
(13) “He’s on a roll,” said Josh Turner of Chris. Josh’s toe-tapper “Deeper Than My Love” was also co-written by Chris. “He had some leftover songs. I said, ‘Sure.’”
(14) Nashville native Randy Montana introduced the moving “Funerals and Football Games,” a lyrical slab of real life wherein a factory closes and its devastated workers must face the future with heads held high. I remain a fan of this guy.
(15) Kelleigh Bannen was clearly frightened out of her mind facing the CRS crowd. “Y’all are more intimidating as a group than you are on your own,” she said. “I’m nervous as hell.” She babbled onward, garbling Royce’s name and admitting, “This is spiraling downward.” Singing the rhythmic “Jukebox” turned out to be the best remedy.
(16) With 10 No. 1 hits under his belt, Dierks Bentley was a crowd favorite. He recalled being the first act to play The Stage on Lower Broadway when it opened, as well as being fired from the club. “I dreamed of getting inside this building,” he said of the Ryman. “It’s always amazing to be here.” Dierks is working on songs for a new record and introduced the quirky “Drunk on a Plane” as one that might be included.
(17) It had to happen to someone: Darius Rucker totally screwed up when he began to sing “Wagon Wheel.” “Did I really start on the third verse?” he asked himself incredulously. “At the Ryman? What’s the first line?” he implored the audience, and someone provided it. Lady A’s Charles Kelley came out and joined Darius on chorus harmonies.
(18) Lauren Alaina almost didn’t make the show. She drove up from Georgia and arrived in the nick of time. “I had to take my high-school graduation test today,” she explained. “So if I don’t pass, I hope you like my song.” It was an aching number titled “Break Down.”
(19) “I almost cried last year when he said his time at UMG was up,” said Royce of Vince Gill. “He’s a freaking liar. We are never, ever breaking up.” Said Vince, “I’m surprised to be back, I must say.” His contract had expired, but after Mike Dungan took over, he called Vince to say, “I want to make a record with you.” “Done,” Vince replied.
The Country Music Hall of Famer told the attendees that he hasn’t recorded anything new yet and had wondered what he should sing for them. “This is a holy place,” he commented. “And I wanted to do this song in memory of sweet Mindy McCready. She was part of our family. She was part of the history of country music. And that mattered. The day’s third standing ovation greeted “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”
(20) The fourth standing ovation went to Eric Church, whose Chief is the CMA Album of the Year and who is the most nominated artist at this year’s ACM awards. He and Joanna Cotton performed “Like Jesus Does.”
(21) “How do we top last year’s finale with George Strait?” pondered Royce. “By having a finale with George Strait!” The Country Music Hall of Fame member kicked off his set with “Here for a Good Time” and took things home from there.
Working the rooms at the Convention Center and/or the Ryman on Wednesday were Donna Hughes, Kyle Frederick, Martha Moore, Bill Wence, High Valley, Steve Lowry, Steve Hodges, Bobby Young, Chris Farren, Karen Tollier, Ash Bowers, Maggie Rose, Carla Wallace, Bob Doerschuk, Jeff Green, Mike Sisted, Tom Lord and Joanna Mosca. By the way, Mike Dungan watched his own label’s show amongst the rest of us, seated in the Ryman’s Confederate Gallery balcony. What a guy.