[Updated] Artist News: Hot Chelle Rae Gets Bieber Fever

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Hot Chelle Rae

Hot Chelle Rae


• Hot Chelle Rae, the pop/rock band comprised of several Nashville natives, is on the road with Justin Bieber this summer. The mega-star’s Believe outing will feature HCR and Mike Posner on dates that started last weekend and continue through July 20 in Boston. Following that leg, the tour heads north for a run through Canada with openers HCR and Cody Simpson in late July and early August.
• Carrie Underwood has been added to the lineup for the Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert on July 6. Due to a previously scheduled show at the Grand Ole Opry, the Oklahoma native’s performance will be aired via satellite from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville to the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla.
• Eli Young Band has another reason to celebrate. Their single “Crazy Girl” has been certified RIAA Double Platinum for more than two million copies sold. “Crazy Girl” was previously named the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year.
• Christian artist Matthew West will play at the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday (June 26). This will be West’s third time on the Grand Ole Opry stage and he will appear alongside Opry members Bill Anderson, Larry Gatlin and Ricky Skaggs, as well as Keith Anderson, Sunny Sweeney, Aaron Tippin and newcomer Sara Haze.
• The new Kanye West album Yeezus includes a sample of Brenda Lee’s song “Sweet Nothin’s.” The clip is used in West’s song “Bound 2,” the last track on the album.
•  Kenny Chesney’s stadium concert at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field on Saturday (June 22) was pretty rowdy, according numerous local news reports. Among the 50,000 concertgoers, there were more than 70 arrests, mostly due to disorderly conduct, public intoxication and aggravated assault. Additionally, 43 minors were cited for underage drinking and about 200 people were treated for medical needs or transported to medical facilities. The event received rave reviews anyway.

Industry Ink (6-25-13)

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spalding entertainment photo 2013Artist Manager Camy McArdle has left Spalding Entertainment after 15 years with the company. McArdle can be reached at 615-300-6768 or here.

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The 40th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational 2013 recently presented $73,000 to the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Since 1973, the Annual Music City Tennis Invitational has raised over $1.5 million for Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt from MCTI tournament player registrations, corporate sponsors, donors and songwriter showcases.

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The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association held their summer board meeting recently in Boca Raton, Fla. During the meeting, the state’s top restaurateurs and hoteliers were treated to a performance by BMI Nashville songwriter Danny Myrick. Myrick played a number of his popular songs including the Jason Aldean hit “She’s Country” and his Top 10 song “International Harvester” recorded by Craig Morgan.

Pictured (from l-to-r): Hilton Fort Lauderdale Managing Director Kevin Speidel, Wyndham-Tampa Bay GM Pam Avery, BMI’s Dan Spears, Incoming FRLA Chairman and Ritz Carlton-Amelia Island GM Jim McManemon, Danny Myrick, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover and Tradewinds Island Resorts President Keith Overton.

Pictured (L-R): Hilton Fort Lauderdale Managing Director Kevin Speidel, Wyndham-Tampa Bay GM Pam Avery, BMI’s Dan Spears, Incoming FRLA Chairman and Ritz Carlton-Amelia Island GM Jim McManemon, Danny Myrick, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover and Tradewinds Island Resorts President Keith Overton.

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Black River‘s Director of National Promotion, Bill Lubitz, married Amy Lewis on Saturday (June 22). They were wed at the Las Vegas JW Marriott.

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Bill and Amy Lubitz. Photo Credit: J. Anne Photography

Manuel American Designs Announces Move to Lower Broadway

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manuel photo 2013Manuel Cuevas, renowned fashion designer who has designed for Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and countless other celebrities and notable figures, will open a new retail space at 800 Broadway in downtown Nashville on July 15. The 3100 sq. ft. space is currently under renovation, and will accommodate the iconic designs Manuel is known for as well as a studio for designing and manufacturing the first run of products from the forthcoming “New Vision” collection.
Manuel’s current retail location at 1922 Broadway, which opened in 1988, will remain open until July 8. A final music showcase is slated for June 26 featuring musician and visual artist Amanda MCoy, who is celebrating her most recent recording The Hurt, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The boutique will close its tenure with a fashion show on July 11.
“We are excited about this move and all that it represents for the brand and the launch of the ‘New Vision’ collection,” stated Manuel. “The Nashville tourism, music and fashion communities have stood behind me for so many years and many fond memories have been shared at the boutique. I am positive just as many will be made in the new location as we open up our new home to friends and visitors who love Nashville as much as I do.”
Manuel’s “New Vision” collection will feature handmade, one-of-a-kind items that are 100 percent American made. Clothing and accessories, including leather goods, boots, dresses, pants, shirts, skirts and other creations for men and women, will sell at a price point of $50-$600.

Sheryl Crow, Gary Allan Announce Co-Headlining Tour

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Sheryl Crow


Sheryl Crow and Gary Allan will co-headline the Free and Easy Tour this fall. Three shows were announced on Monday (June 24). On Sept. 13, they will perform at the Santa Barbara Bowl, at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 14, and at the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, Calif on Sept. 15. Tickets for the shows will go on sale Saturday (June 29). Additional dates will be announced soon.
“Sheryl and I met while doing some guitar pulls earlier this year and started talking about doing something together. The timing seemed right and ‘Free and Easy’ just came natural to us both,” says Allan. “If we’re near you, come on out. It’s going to be a good time.”
gary allan photo 2013“I love Gary’s music,” says Crow. “He puts on the kind of show that I like to go see so I am thrilled to be out with him on tour, and really look forward to be able to perform my new music to the country fans this fall.”
Dates announced on Monday include:
Sept. 13—Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, Calif.
Sept. 14—The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles
Sept. 15—Rabobank Arena, Bakersfield, Calif.

Country Radio Broadcasters Announce New Board and Officer Members

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crbCharlie Morgan, Sr. VP and Market Manager for Emmis Indianapolis, has been elected as President of the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. for the 2013-2014 term.
“The Country Radio Seminar has played such a significant role in my own personal growth and success that it is a privilege and a bit humbling to have the chance to serve the organization as President,” said Morgan. “The leadership team, both board leadership and staff, is incredible and the Seminar will continue to be a catalyst for growth and learning for years to come.”
This year’s officers include: R.J. Curtis (All Access Music Group) as Vice President, Carole Bowen (WKIS-FM) as Secretary, and Jeff Walker (The AristoMedia Group) as Treasurer.
Seven newly elected members to the Board are: Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), Beverlee Brannigan (Journal Broadcast Group), Jeff Kapugi (CBS Radio/Chicago), Jon Loba (BBR Music Group), Nick Martin (Big River Broadcasting), CRS 2014 Agenda Chair Annie Sandor (Curb Records) and Todd Schumacher (Summit Media Group). Re-elected to the Board are: Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Consulting), Mike Dungan (UMG Nashville), Mike McVay (Cumulus Media), Charlie Morgan (Emmis Communications), Gary Overton (Sony Music Nashville), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Associates), Jennie Smythe (Girilla Marketing) and John Zarling (Big Machine Label Group).
Board members with continued terms are: Tom Baldrica (Show Dog – Universal), Carole Bowen (WKIS-FM), Johnny Chaing (KKBQ), John Crenshaw, Mike Culotta (Streamsound Records), R.J. Curtis (All Access Music Group), John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), Dan Halyburton (Texas State Networks), Clay Hunnicutt (Clear Channel), Keith Kaufman (Center Stage Tour Promotions), CRS Director Emeritus Charlie Monk (Monk Family Music), Royce Risser (UMG Nashville), Denise Roberts (Lytle Management Group), Tim Roberts (WYCD), John Shomby (Max Media of Hampton Roads) and Jeff Walker (The AristoMedia Group).
 
 

Bays Promoted to Executive Vice President at Capitol Christian Distribution

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Greg Bays111

Greg Bays


Greg Bays has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Capitol Christian Distribution. Bays has been with the company for 21 years, rising to the position of Sr. VP, Sales and Marketing in 2005. He will report to Bill Hearn, President and CEO, Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG).
“This promotion is well deserved as Greg has effectively led our distribution company as its Senior Vice President through the digital market transformation as well as paradigm-shifting initiatives moving the company into home video and book publishing distribution,” says Hearn. “Under Greg’s direction, Capitol Christian Distribution has become the market leader in Christian products distribution, in addition to being named Billboard Magazine’s Christian Music Distributor of the Year 15 of the last 18 years. Greg has also done an excellent job guiding his team and our business through the recent transition into the Universal Music Group Distribution system.”
Prior to his time at Capitol Christian Music Group, Bays spent seven years in Christian retail. Bays will continue to lead the sales function, strategic retail market development initiatives, catalog development and liaison with Universal Music Group Distribution on behalf of Capitol Christian Music Group’s proprietary label groups and more than 25 third-party music, home video and book publishing partnerships.
“I continue to be excited about the future of the Christian products industry and the new challenges, opportunities, and relationships each day brings,” says Bays. “We have an outstanding team focused on growth through the development of innovative ways to serve our people, retailers, creative partners, and the consumer. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this team and our vision to impact culture and resource the church with exceptional music, movies and books.”
Capitol Christian Music Group operates several divisions including Capitol CMG Label Group (Sparrow Records, ForeFront Records, Credential Recordings, sixsteprecords, Hillsong), EMI Gospel, Capitol CMG Distribution and Capitol CMG Publishing.

[Updated]: Nashville Symphony, Creditors Reach Debt Restructure Agreement

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The Nashville Symphony and its creditors reached a deal Friday (June 21) to restructure the nonprofit organization’s debt, to avoid a June 28 foreclosure and to keep the Schermerhorn Symphony Center from being auctioned. Banks, led by Bank of America, will forgive and write off a large portion of the debt used to build the Schermerhorn, while the symphony will restructure its operations in exchange for new lending terms, according to The City Paper.

In March, the symphony association opted to not renew a letter of credit, when banks refused to negotiate better terms for the debt.  Bank of America, holding more than $80 million in debt related to the building of the Schermerhorn, served notice of foreclosure earlier this month. The banks’ recent foreclosure notice has now been withdrawn.

“After months of discussion with our lenders, we are pleased to have reached a comprehensive resolution that represents the best path forward for all parties involved,” said Ed Goodrich, Chairman of the Nashville Symphony Association, in a statement. “With a healthier balance sheet, the Symphony will be in a better position to pursue its cultural mission of engaging the community, enriching audiences and shaping cultural life through musical excellence and educational vision. We deeply appreciate the professional and constructive approach of our bank lenders in the complex negotiations, and we are grateful to our generous patrons, the city of Nashville and the Mayor’s office. All of these interested parties have contributed significantly to the resolution of this matter, and without their support, this settlement would not have been possible.

“Over the past few months, the Symphony has taken steps to reduce expenditures, increase revenue and drive contributions in an effort to strengthen its bottom line. Reaching this agreement with our lenders is a major milestone in our restructuring process. However, the Symphony still has a lot of work to do to further reduce costs and will continue to need significant financial support from our donors in the years ahead to remain sustainable over the long term. We are committed to taking all possible measures to ensure our financial stability, and we are confident that the Middle Tennessee community will rise to the occasion to help this wonderful arts organization survive and thrive.”

“We are pleased that we have been able to reach this agreement with the Nashville Symphony so that it can continue to play its vital and unique role in this community for generations to come,” said John Stein, Nashville market president for Bank of America. “It is because we all recognize the orchestra’s importance to this community that we were all able to come together and work so hard to make this happen.”

“Throughout the course of these negotiations, we have been fully committed to serving everyone in Middle Tennessee with a dynamic array of programs, both at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and in the community,” said Alan Valentine, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nashville Symphony. “On behalf of everyone at the Symphony, I want to thank our patrons and donors for their unwavering support throughout the negotiation process. Their continued loyalty and generosity will be more important than ever as the Symphony moves forward. We would also like to express our thanks to the members of the Symphony staff who have had to make do with less along the path to this resolution. Their continued leadership and commitment to this great institution will help us to remain an integral part of Nashville’s music scene.”

Toby Keith Oklahoma Relief Concert Sold Out

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Toby KeithTickets for Toby Keith’s Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert quickly sold out after going on sale Friday, June 24. The star studded event will feature performances by Keith, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson, Sammy Hagar, Ronnie Dunn, Mel Tillis, John Anderson and other artists yet-to-be-announced.
“I grew up in Moore, I live in Norman and I’ve got lots of family and friends who were directly affected,” said Keith. “I know these folks and they’re resilient, but we’re going to keep helping them any way we can. I’m proud to get together with some others from around here who are just as committed as I am to supporting these communities.”
All event proceeds will benefit the United Way of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund. The concert will take place on Saturday, July 6 at the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. at 3 p.m.
For more information on the event, visit tobykeith.com.

Samsung Users Get Jay-Z Album First, But 'Billboard' Won't Count Sales

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jay-z-magna-carta-holy-grailJay-Z’s much-hyped deal with Samsung won’t boost his album sales tally. The rapper/music mogul sold one million copies of his upcoming album Magna Carta Holy Grail to promotional partner Samsung for $5 each. In turn, the electronics company is giving away those copies to customers for free, prior to the official release date. But those units will not be counted on the Billboard 200 album chart.
Billboard editorial director Bill Werde wrote a letter outlining the publication’s album chart policy, and explaining why Jay’s sales won’t be included. In order for an album sale to count, a consumer must purchase the album for at least $3.49.
In order to retrieve the album, Samsung Galaxy phone users can download a free app starting today (June 24), and the album will be made available to them on July 4—72 hours earlier than the general public.
Werde’s letter noted that first-week sales of the album are expected to fall in line with Jay-Z’s previous debuts of 400,000 to 450,000 units. The editor also shared plans to examine Billboard’s album chart policies in the coming weeks.

Frances Preston's Granddaughter Opening Store

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Frannie Preston Daughrity


Frannie Preston Daughrity, granddaughter of BMI trailblazer Frances Preston, will open a gifts and home furnishings retail shop in Nashville’s 12South neighborhood this September. Cadeau Nashville, the brainchild of Daughrity and business partner Catherine Rector, will cater to Nashville’s music industry, providing southern industrial decor, investment pieces and gift-able items.
Everything in the store will come with a story.
“I grew up in, and have been surrounded by, the music industry my entire life,” said Daughrity. “I wanted to open a store that catered to the music industry consumer, whether that be a Nashville native or L.A. transplant.” The concept is largely inspired by her grandmother. “My grandmother was such a source of encouragement and inspiration,” she said. “Cadeau Nashville will be a legacy to her sense of style and love for this community.”
For more information on Cadeau Nashville and its grand opening, visit cadeaugifts.com.