Charity News: Colt Ford, Bobby Bones, Jake Owen

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Colt Ford gathered several of his famous pals to help raise $20,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the “Colt Ford & Friends 2nd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic.” The event was held at the luxurious Château Élan Winery & Resort just outside of Atlanta on Sept. 23, 2013.
Among those taking part in the golf classic and in the evening all-star jam were Laura Bell Bundy, Craig Campbell, Ira Dean & Keith Burns, Tyler Farr, Jamey Johnson, Charles Kelley, Josh Kelley,The LACS, Larry the Cable Guy, Locash Cowboys, John Michael Montgomery and Sister Hazel.
“Thanks to all of our sponsors and friends who helped make this a great event for St. Jude,” said Colt Ford. “My heart goes out to all the kids at St. Jude, and I’m so humbled that we were able to help the cause.”

Pictured (L-R): Tony Morreale, V.P. Promotion/Marketing, Average Joes Ent., Teri Watson, Sr. Director, Entertainment Marketing, ALSAC – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Colt Ford, Jamie Reeder, Average Joes Management & Tournament Coordinator, Rusty Harmon, Average Joes Management & Tournament Director

Pictured (L-R): Tony Morreale, V.P. Promotion/Marketing, Average Joes Ent., Teri Watson, Sr. Director, Entertainment Marketing, ALSAC – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Colt Ford, Jamie Reeder, Average Joes Management & Tournament Coordinator, Rusty Harmon, Average Joes Management & Tournament Director

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The Grand Ole Opry and the Bobby Bones Show teamed up for an album showcase for show listeners featuring The Raging Idiots (Bobby Bones and Producer Eddie Garcia) performing tunes from their album Charity Hilarity in historic Studio A of the Opry House Friday, Oct. 25. The showcase was followed by an Opry performance that featured appearances by Lady Antebellum, Love and Theft, Brandy Clark, and more.
Opry VP and General Manager Pete Fisher presented a platinum certification award “in anticipation of 1,000,000 copies downloaded” during the event. The light-hearted performance and presentation ended with another presentation from Fisher, a $1,000 check for a donation to Numana, the charity for which the Charity Hilarity album is raising funds. Listen to the album and make a donation at bobbybones.com, keyword: Raging Idiots.

Pictured (L-R): Bobby Bones, Pete Fisher, and Eddie Garcia. Photo: Chris Hollo.

Pictured (L-R): Bobby Bones, Grand Ole Opry VP and General Manager Pete Fisher, and Eddie Garcia. Photo: Chris Hollo.

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Jake Owen

Jake Owen


Jake Owen will perform at Nashville’s Loveless Cafe tonight (Tuesday, Oct. 29) as he teams with Saint Thomas Health for the annual Rock The Cradle charity event, presented by the Academy of Country Music. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. this evening for cocktails and dinner, followed by the concert at 8 p.m.
The event benefits newborns in need at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. In the past three years, ROCK THE CRADLE has raised more than $500,000 to support obstetrics care and the Beaman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. For more information, visit rockthecradlenashville.com.

American Country Awards Nominees Announced

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acaNominations have been announced for the fourth annual American Country Awards (ACA Awards), hosted by Trace Adkins and NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick. The special will air live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Tuesday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Taylor Swift leads the American Country Awards nominees with eight nominations; Florida Georgia Line and Blake Shelton each earned seven nominations.
Starting today, fans can vote once each day for their favorite American Country Awards nominees at theacas.com. Voting is open until Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 11:59 PM PT for all categories, except for Artist of the Year, which closes on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11:59 PM PT. The nominees for each award category have been determined by five media measurement companies: BigChampagne (record sales and media consumption); Great American Country (video airplay); Mediabase (radio airplay); Pollstar…The Concert Hotwire (touring data); and Nashville Songwriters Association International (song).
The American Country Awards will feature performances and appearances by the year’s chart-topping country artists. Performers and presenters will be announced soon.
Following is the list of categories and nominees for the American Country Awards:
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Artist of the Year: Female
Kelly Clarkson
Sheryl Crow
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Lee Brice
Hunter Hayes
Randy Houser
Scotty McCreery
Justin Moore
Artist of the Year: New Artist
Florida Georgia Line
Kip Moore
Kacey Musgraves
Cassadee Pope
Thomas Rhett
Album of the Year
Night Train, Jason Aldean
Here’s To The Good Times, Florida Georgia Line
Two Lanes of Freedom, Tim McGraw
Based On A True Story…, Blake Shelton
Pioneer, The Band Perry
Single of the Year
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“How Country Feels,” Randy Houser
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
Single of the Year: Male
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” Gary Allan
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
“The One That Got Away,” Jake Owen
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
Single of the Year: Female
“Easy,” Sheryl Crow
“American Heart,” Faith Hill
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Two Black Cadillacs,” Carrie Underwood
Single of the Year: Duo/Group
“Downtown,” Lady Antebellum
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Thompson Square
“Goodbye in Her Eyes,” Zac Brown Band
Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
“I Drive Your Truck,” Lee Brice
“All Over The Road,” Easton Corbin
“Somebody’s Heartbreak,” Hunter Hayes
“How Country Feels,” Randy Houser
“Til My Last Day,” Justin Moore
Single of the Year: New Artist
“Did It for the Girl,” Greg Bates
“Don’t Ya,” Brett Eldredge
“Redneck Crazy,” Tyler Farr
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
“The Only Way I Know,” Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church
“Don’t Rush,” Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill
“Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“Boys ‘Round Here,” Blake Shelton with Pistol Annies
Touring Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Zac Brown Band
GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY – Music Video of the Year
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
Music Video of the Year: Male
“Take A Little Ride,” Jason Aldean
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” Gary Allan
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
Music Video of the Year: Female
“American Heart,” Faith Hill
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Someone Somewhere Tonight,” Kellie Pickler
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood
Music Video of the Year: New Artist
“Don’t Ya,” Brett Eldredge
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Crying On A Suitcase,” Casey James
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
“Merry Go ‘Round,” Kacey Musgraves
Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“Come Wake Me Up,” Rascal Flatts
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Thompson Square
Song of the Year (award goes to the songwriter(s)):
“Better Dig Two,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, Recorded by The Band Perry
“Cruise,” Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Joey Moi, Chase Rice and Jesse Rice, Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Hard To Love,” Ben Glover, Billy Montana and John Ozier, Recorded by Lee Brice
“Highway Don’t Care,” Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren and Brett Warren, Recorded by Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary, Recorded by Lee Brice
“Like Jesus Does,” Casey Beathard and Monty Criswell, Recorded by Eric Church
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves, Recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Merry Go’ Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne, Recorded by Kacey Musgraves
“Pontoon,” Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird, Recorded by Little Big Town
“Wagon Wheel,” Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor, Recorded by Darius Rucker
American Country Awards is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2013, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers. Greg Sills is supervising producer.

Aldean's Tour Bus Involved In Fatal Crash

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jason aldean111A tour bus carrying Country singer Jason Aldean was involved in a fatal accident overnight in Knox County, Ind. The accident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Monday (Oct. 28) on Old U.S. 41. According to deputies, Albert Kennedy, of Vincennes, Ind., walked in front of Aldean’s bus, and was fatally struck. Neither Aldean nor the bus driver were injured, and the accident remains under investigation.
Aldean released a statement regarding the accident. The statement reads:
“With a heavy heart, I’m sad to say that a man passed away last night after stepping out in front of my bus in Indiana. In all the years I’ve been touring and all the miles we’ve driven, nothing prepares you for something like this to happen. I’m praying for Albert Kennedy’s family and friends today and ask that you do the same.”

NATD Gala Honorees Revealed

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NATD_Honors_logo_smOn Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) will hold its annual Gala at the Hermitage Hotel. This year, the Gala will honor ROAR Co-Founder Bernie Cahill, Co-Head of CAA’s football division Tom Condon, MWS Group Partner Chaz Corzine, country music icon Martina McBride, President of Buddy Lee Attractions Kevin Neal, and Academy of Country Music Chairman Bob Romeo. Stephanie Langston of Nashville’s WKRN will return to her duties as a co-host for the evening.
Last year, honorees included the late George Jones, WBA’s Robert S. Williams, CAA’s John Huie, Nashville Predator Mike Fisher, Morris Artist Management’s Clint Higham, and Nashville Symphony President/CEO Alan Valentine.
A limited number of tickets can be purchased online via n-a-t-d.com.

Rice Teams For Radio Promotion, Distribution

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chase rice

Chase Rice


Chase Rice has hired RPM to handle radio promotion for his new EP Ready Set Roll, in addition to employing Sony Music Entertainment’s RED and Thirty Tigers to handle distribution. The digital version of Ready Set Roll was released Oct. 15 on Rice’s own Dack Janiels label in partnership with newly formed T8 Records, a label launched by Triple 8 Management and headed by Bruce Kalmick and George Couri. T8 will handle all label activities in conjunction with RED and Thirty Tigers.
“Chase is at the forefront of a new movement in country music, and Triple 8 will continue to provide a welcoming atmosphere for evolution and improvement for our clients,” says Kalmick. “RPM has a tremendous team from top to bottom, given their many years of experience and commitment to servicing our country radio partners. They are some of the best promotion professionals on Music Row. It was a no-brainer to add them to the Chase Rice team.”
RPM VP of Artist Development April Rider adds, “Chase and Triple 8 have already laid a great foundation for Chase’s career to explode. RPM is very excited to partner with their team to take Chase’s music to the next level with our friends at country radio. They are going to love him!”

Kenny Rogers to be Honored at CMAs

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kennyrogersNewly inducted Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Rogers will receive The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during The 47th Annual CMA Awards airing Wednesday, Nov. 6 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC.
Rogers will be honored with a star-studded tribute featuring performances by Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker.
“Kenny Rogers is a living legend and Country Music trailblazer,” said Ed Hardy, President of the CMA Board of Directors. “He is more than deserving of this honor and what is sure to be a stellar tribute. He represents everything that this Award was intended to recognize when we initiated it last year with Willie.”
Rogers is a five-time CMA Awards winner with 23 career nominations. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in a Medallion Ceremony Sunday night (Oct. 27), celebrating a five decade-long career. Rogers has sold more than 120 million records worldwide, recorded 24 No. 1 songs and 12 No. 1 albums, is a New York Times Bestselling author, and recently released his 35th studio album, You Can’t Make Old Friends, which became his 22nd Top 10 Country album.
The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award was presented for the first time last year to its namesake. The Lifetime Achievement Award was created and meant to be presented to an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music. The Award recognizes an artist who has achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level.

BMLG Wins Six Davey Awards

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BMLG1The International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA) announced the 2013 Davey Awards winners last Tuesday (Oct. 22) in New York. Big Machine Label Group was honored six times, including Best in Show in Integrated Campaign/Promotional Branding for Tim McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care.”
The label group also garnered two Gold Awards for Print/Packaging (Rascal Flatts’ Changed Package) and in Film/Animation (Taylor Swift‘s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” Lyric Video). Big Machine Label Group also took home three Silver Awards for Print/Press-Media Kit (Thomas Rhett‘s Press Kit), Print/Packaging (Swift’s RED package), and in Integrated Campaign/Cause Marketing (A Very Special Christmas).
The Big Machine Label Group creative team is led by Sandi Spika Borchetta and includes team members Justin Key, Ivan Clow, Seth Hellman, Becky Reiser and Amy Fucci.
The Davey Awards recognizes small firms, agencies and companies around the world who push the creative envelope and deliver high quality work time and again. The IAVA’s 600+ member organization judges and oversees the awards process, sifting through almost 4,000 entries this year.

'Garth Brooks: Live From Las Vegas' To Air in November

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GarthGarth Brooks will perform a rare live broadcast concert special, GARTH BROOKS, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, from the Encore Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas, Friday, Nov. 29 (9:00 – 11:00 PM LIVE ET/ delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. This television concert event will feature Brooks’ final performance of his one-man show at the Wynn Las Vegas, which has played to sold out audiences for the past three years.
Throughout the show, Brooks will share his experiences listening to different musicians throughout his life, starting with the music of Merle Haggard and George Jones. Throughout the show, Garth will perform classic songs from his favorite artists and show viewers how they influenced his greatest hits.
“Blame it all on my roots,” said Brooks, “This is the soundtrack of my life. Growing up the last of six kids, music was the life blood of our family and as you can imagine, mom, dad, and each kid had his or her own favorite stuff and it all funneled down to me.”
“We’re thrilled whenever we get the opportunity to create a television event with an amazing live performer, and there is no one better than Garth Brooks,” said Jack Sussman, Executive VP, Specials & Events. “Garth will give the audience a rare opportunity to not only hear his classic hits, but also the music that became the soundtrack of his life and how those influences from the country, rock and pop worlds set him on the road to become the biggest selling solo artist in history.”
In 2009, Brooks announced that he was out of retirement and entered a multi-year “relationship” with Las Vegas resort developer Steve Wynn for performances at his Encore Theatre at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Aldean Raises Money For New Orleans Breast Cancer Victims

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Jason Aldean at Komen New Orleans


Jason Aldean pitched in for the fight against breast cancer again this year for the eighth straight year, holding his annual “Concert For The Cure” benefit on the sold-out New Orleans stop of his Night Train tour. The Oct. 25 show, his first-ever in New Orleans, raised more than $575,000 for Komen New Orleans grants for breast cancer screening, research, and education.
“New Orleans needs this money as badly as anyone right now,” said Aldean. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to give them this check! Like pretty much everyone I know, I’ve lost someone I love to breast cancer and I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that. For all you ladies out there – we love the rack… save ’em, alright!”
Aldean, who donates 50 cents from every ticket sold to a local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation somewhere each year, wrapped up his Night Train tour in Dallas over the weekend. He heads into CMA Week with three nominations, including his third consecutive Entertainer of the Year nomination.

NAfME Holds Annual Convention In Nashville

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NAfME Logo_state_dcThe National Association for Music Education’s 2013 National Convention is currently being held until Oct. 30 in Nashville. Sunday night (Oct. 27), as part of the conference, several musicians gathered at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate music teachers throughout the country. Performers included Casey James, Striking Matches, Mark Wilkinson and Sarah Darling.
“My 7th and 8th grade music teacher, Ms. Stephanie Rumple, was a great influence on me. It was her careful guidance and passion for the arts that started me on my musical journey,’ said Darling. “I feel like I owe her, and all of the music teachers out there who help preserve music in our schools a huge ‘thank-you’, for all they do. This concert will hopefully resonate with them as our way of showing thanks for their work that sometimes goes unrecognized!”
There are several other events scheduled during NAfME’s four-day convention, whose main theme focuses on ways in which “Music Education Orchestrates Success” in all aspects of life.
For more information, visit inserviceconference.nafme.org.