12th & Porter Gets New Ownership, Undergoes Renovations

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12th and porter333On Friday, Feb. 7, Keith Hayman and his investment team finalized the deal to purchase the remaining interest in 12th & Porter from Justin Roddick and Daniel Slezinger, the previous owners. Hayman’s team has 100 percent ownership and has provided new management for the organization.
12th & Porter has over $800,000 in recent improvements including a state-of-the-art sound system, new lighting, a 16-foot x 8-foot high definition video wall, technical advancements, and grid configuration. In recent weeks, 12th & Porter hosted A Great Big World, Nine Days, LOL Improv Comedy, a television premiere, music video releases, and a medley of live music events. The venue can be used for comedy film, televised sports, public speaking engagements, and intimate shows with a sit-down food and beverage option. The venue includes five newly renovated bathrooms. USB charging ports have been installed in the bar and seating areas, so customers can charge their portable devices.
12th and porter222The lounge area of 12th & Porter was gutted for a complete transformation and addition of a new food and beverage operation, Music City Pizza. Chefs Michael Dorris and Michael Santoro created the menu and recipes. A 6,000-pound Marra Forni pizza oven was brought over from Naples, Italy. Sixteen craft brews are on tap with local favorites like Yazoo and Fat Bottom Beer.

NASH Brand Expands With National Rollout of 'America's Morning Show'

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nash america's morning show111Cumulus has announced the national expansion of “America’s Morning Show,” hosted by Blair Garner live from Nashville.
“America’s Morning Show” is the newest addition to NASH, joining other long-form content including “Kickin’ It with Kix” hosted by Kix Brooks and “NASH Nights Live” with Shawn Parr. Beginning Monday, Feb. 10, “America’s Morning Show” will expand to a total of 20 Cumulus-owned Country format stations.
Cumulus launched the NASH entertainment brand based on the Country music lifestyle in January 2013 with the flagship NASH FM 94.7 in New York City. In addition to Country radio stations, the NASH brand will include a NASH magazine, concerts/events, online content and television programming.
“The expansion of ‘America’s Morning Show’ is just the latest preview of what’s ahead for NASH. We’re moving full-speed ahead with growing the multi-media content offering that will drive the NASH brand,” said John Dickey, Executive Vice President and co-Chief Operating Officer of Cumulus.
“I’m so incredibly grateful to get to lead this charge. New York Country music fans have been so gracious in allowing ‘America’s Morning Show’ to become part of their daily routine. We’re excited to welcome new listeners into the NASH family, and to honor the music that brought us all together in the first place,” said Garner.
“America’s Morning Show” airs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and originates live from Nashville before a studio audience. In addition to Garner, the program is co-hosted by Country music personalities Terri Clark and Chuck Wicks, and features news updates by Robin Meade and Erika Grace Powell. The show features a mix of Country hits, in-studio interviews with Country music’s biggest stars and news about the Country lifestyle.
The following stations and markets will begin airing “America’s Morning Show” beginning Monday at 6 a.m. locally:

  • WKDF/Nashville, TN: NASH FM 103.3
  • WDRQ/Detroit, MI: NASH FM 93.1
  • WRKN/New Orleans, LA: NASH FM 92.3
  • KRMD/Shreveport, LA: NASH FM 101.1
  • WIWF/Charleston, SC: NASH FM 96.9
  •  WNNF/Cincinnati, OH: NASH FM 94.1
  • WKOR/Columbus-Starkville, MS: NASH FM 94.9
  • WXTA/Erie, PA: NASH FM 97.9
  • WFBE/Flint, MI: NASH FM 95.1
  • WYZB/Fort Walton, FL: NASH FM 105.5
  • WTNR/Grand Rapids, MI: NASH FM 94.5
  • WZCY/Harrisburg, PA: NASH FM 106.7
  • WXBM/Pensacola, FL: NASH FM 102.7
  • WPSK/Blacksburg, VA: NASH FM 107.1
  • WLXX/Lexington, KY: NASH FM 92.9
  • KQFC/Boise, ID: NASH FM 97.9
  • WHKR/Melbourne, FL: NASH FM 102.7
  • WKOS/Tri-Cities, TN: NASH FM 104.9
  • WLFF/Myrtle Beach, SC: NASH FM 106.5

Jerrod Niemann Gears Up For High Noon Adventure at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

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jerrod niemann111All Access Experience and Sony Music Nashville will present a music-filled vacation, March 7 – 12 in Mexico, with the music and entertainment of Jerrod Niemann’s High Noon Adventure. Headlined by Sea Gayle Records/Arista Nashville hitmaker Niemann, and featuring music guests Arista Nashville duo and The Voice Season 4 finalists The Swon Brothers, and RCA Nashville recording artist, DJ/remixer/producer Dee Jay Silver.
“The High Noon Adventure at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is about good times, good music, and good people,” shares Niemann. “It’s a perfect way to bring people together through music, which is what my new album High Noon is all about.”
The Swon Brothers (Zach and Colton) will allow resort guests to become the stars during a competition in which guests sing for the title, the audience, and for the chance to be mentored by Zach and Colton.  The night is capped off with a “Swonfire” live performance on the beach.
“We are so excited that Jerrod invited us to come along for his High Noon Adventure,” says Zach Swon. Colton Swon adds, “We can’t wait to hit the beach, meet some fans, and perform for everyone who comes out for spring break this year.”
The event will also feature an auction; funds raised from the auction will benefit Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization aimed at putting music back in underprivileged schools.
Niemann’s album, High Noon, releases March 25.
Fans will have the chance to win a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and two VIP Passes for the High Noon Adventure. Visit highnoonadventure.com for a complete schedule and more information on entering the sweepstakes.

The Civil Wars To Release Digital EP

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between the bar111In November 2013, The Civil Wars released a four-song limited edition 10″ EP as part of Record Store Day’s Back To Black Friday. The EP will be re-released on Feb. 11 as a digital EP on Sensibility Music/Columbia Records.
The EP features the duo covering classics including Elliot Smith‘s “Between the Bars,” Portishead‘s “Sour Times,” Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean” and The Romantics‘ “Talking In Your Sleep.”
The Civil Wars recently won “Best Country/Duo Performance” at the 56th annual Grammy Awards for their song “From This Valley.” The duo previously won a 2013 Grammy for “Best Song Written For Visual Media” and pair of 2012 Grammys for “Best Folk Album” and “Best Country Duo/Group Performance.”
Between The Bars Track Listing: 
1. Sour Times
2. Between the Bars
3. Billie Jean
4. Talking In Your Sleep

Luke Bryan To Collaborate with Florida Georgia Line at ACM Awards

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luke bryan

Luke Bryan


The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions unveiled today (Feb. 7) that the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan, will make a special performance at the 4th Annual ACM Fan Jam live remote at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, April 6, 2014. The performance is in addition to his co-hosting duties with Blake Shelton at the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
Florida Georgia Line recently released the single “That’s How We Roll” which features Bryan and currently sits at No. 37 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
The 4th Annual ACM Fan Jam, hosted by reigning ACM New Artist of the Year Florida Georgia Line, is a fans-only, live concert event which gives Country music fans the ultimate pass to be a part of the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The ACM Fan Jam continues after the Awards telecast ends with a concert featuring Florida Georgia Line; details will be announced soon.
Tickets for the ACM Fan Jam start at $45 and are on sale NOW by visiting ticketmaster.com. For more information on the ACM Awards and all ACM events, visit acmcountry.com.

Chesney Named Honorary Ocean Conservation Board Member

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kenny chesney 2013 photo

Kenny Chesney


The Building Conservation Trust, the national marine habitat program of the Coastal Conservation Association, has added Kenny Chesney as an honorary board member. Founded in 2010 to enable people who love and enjoy the oceans, the Trust supports projects that revitalize critical habitat and establish a vibrant foundation for the marine ecosystem.
“We have come to a place where everyone needs to get involved if the oceans, the beaches, the sea life is important to us as human beings,” Chesney said of his involvement. “No one person can save the world – or the water. But in creating alliances, bringing people who care together and creating projects that can have an impact we start to slowly protect and build up this important natural resource.”
Last year, Chesney and the Trust teamed for an “urban reef” project to place two artificial reefs in the St John’s River in downtown Jacksonville to enhance recreational angling opportunities and heighten awareness of the importance of marine habitat.
“When you can have a hand in stewarding the health of the ocean,” Chesney said at the time, “you’re insuring the survival of something very necessary for all of us, whether you’re a beach person or someone that won’t go near the water. The ecological balance is very delicate, especially in Florida, so I am honored to help them achieve this goal.”
Another Trust effort, the Louisiana “floating islands” project, used new technology to restore marsh in Louisiana with participation from local residents, members of an indigenous Native American tribe and students from a nearby elementary school. For its support of the project, Shell Oil Company won the 2013 Gulf Guardian Award bestowed by the Gulf of Mexico Program, an initiative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico.
“The Trust is creating a model for the successful collaboration of business, non-profit organizations and government agencies to revitalize the marine ecosystem, all driven by passionate people in coastal communities,” said Patrick Murray, president of the Coastal Conservation Association. “There is no lack of work for the Trust to do, and with the involvement of Kenny Chesney, the future has never been brighter.”

Industry Ink (2/7/14)

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KingSpirit Music recently hosted a private acoustic writers in the round at Warner Bros. Records for the A&R staff,  which was catered by Boca Loca Cantina. This is the first of many that KingSpirit Music will be doing for recorded labels, managers and producers.
Pictured (L-R): James LeBlanc(Writer), Kalisa Ewing(artist/writer), David Reyes (owner/chef of Boca Loca Cantina) and Todd Wilkes of KingSpirit Music

Pictured (L-R): James LeBlanc(Writer), Kalisa Ewing(artist/writer), David Reyes (owner/chef of Boca Loca Cantina) and Todd Wilkes of KingSpirit Music

• • •

blair garner11111Cumulus Country station WKDF/Nashville will begin airing the Blair Garner-hosted “America’s Morning Show” on Monday, Feb. 10. The show features co-hosts Terri Clark and Chuck Wicks. Erika Grace Powell will provide celebrity news, and Robin Meade will give national news.
Current WKDF morning co-host Becca Walls will move to middays, while current midday host Darlas Rai will move to evenings on station WSM-FM, which has been without a radio personality.
• • •
upncoming111111Up & Comin’ is searching for the next Country, Hip-Hop, Alternative, R&B, Rock or Pop complete artist, group or band for a chance to win a recording deal, a $10,000 cash prize and global exposure for their music. At a time when YouTube is the dominant platform for discovering independent artists, Up & Comin’ will highlight original music creators on their quest to fame. Season 2 of the competition returns for a worldwide search and a 25-episode run to ultimately discover the next complete artist.
Updated information on auditions, applications, and other information can be found at www.upandcomin.jacobseye.com. The registration period ends March 7, 2014.
The show is produced by Massey, Bob Holmes (“Christmas in Rockefeller Center”), Willie “Bum Bum” Baker (Record Producer for PINK, India Arie, BoyzIIMen) and a team of entertainment industry experts that have worked with the biggest names in the business.

Nancy Shapiro To Be Featured Guest At Rising Women on the Row Breakfast

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Nancy Shapiro

Nancy Shapiro


Nancy Shapiro, Senior Vice President, Member Services for The Recording Academy, will serve as the special guest at MusicRow’s third annual Rising Women on the Row ceremony.
To be held March 21, 8:30am, at the Omni Nashville, the breakfast event will feature a sit-down discussion with Shapiro in addition to honoring Julie Boos (Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy), Caryl Healey (Sony Music Nashville), Kelly Rich (Big Machine Label Group), Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media), and Alicia Pruitt (Warner/Chappell Music). Read more about the honorees here.
Shapiro began her impressive career with The Recording Academy in 1985 as Executive Director of the Nashville Chapter. She worked toward establishing five new branches in Texas, Florida, the Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. as South Regional Director and National Field Director. She currently manages The Recording Academy’s 12 chapters, overseeing national education programming, fundraising events, professional development initiatives and operations, which serve over 20,000 members.
Appointed by Mayor Karl Dean to the Music City Music Council, Shapiro serves as Chair of the Music Makes Us Advisory Board for Metro Nashville Public Schools. She has also served on the boards of the Country Music Association; National Museum of African American Music; Tennessee Film, Music, and Entertainment Commission; Leadership Music; Country Music Retirement Center; the W.O. Smith Community Music School; the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau; and the Ear Foundation. She has received the Executive Award from the National Women Executives, the Founders Award from Music Row Industry Summit, the Women of Influence Award from Southern Living magazine, and was honored at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Sixth Annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum.
RWOTRCity National Bank is the Presenting Sponsor for the event for the third year.
Click here for more information.
Click here to read more about the honorees.

10th Annual 'Stars For Second Harvest' Benefit Coming To Ryman

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second harvest111O’Charley’s and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee will celebrate the 10th annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 7:30 p.m. at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
Hosted by founder of Big Loud Shirt Industries and hit songwriter Craig Wiseman, the show will feature unplugged acoustic style performances by some of country music’s most acclaimed songwriters and performers. Last year’s benefit concert and live auction held at the Ryman raised $100,000, providing 400,000 meals to the hungry in Middle Tennessee through Second Harvest Food Bank. Over the last decade the show has raised $611,032.
“Stars for Second Harvest is one of my favorite events each year,” said Wiseman. “I am honored to be part of such a tremendous benefit in helping to raise awareness for the hungry in Middle Tennessee. We are proud to welcome O’Charley’s as our presenter for the 10th straight year. Their significant contributions and support have not only made this event possible, but have also provided a million meals to local families in the process. My hope this year is to reach $250,000 in sales for our 10th anniversary.”
“We are excited to reach our 10th anniversary milestone for Stars for Second Harvest,” said Jaynee Day, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. “We are beyond grateful for the awareness and support this show has brought to hungry people in need.”
Concert tickets are on-sale beginning today for $35.00 plus applicable service charges and are available via Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, Ryman box office, Ryman.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. For preferred VIP seating of $50.00, please contact Second Harvest Food Bank at 615-329-3491.
Proceeds from the concert benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger.

Writer's Den Signs Fuller

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Pictured (seated, L-R): John Rolfe, Writer's Den attorney; Melissa Fuller;Bobby Rymer, Writer's Den partner. (standing, L-R) - Writer's Den writers Ben Cooper and Thom Schuyler.

Pictured (seated, L-R): John Rolfe, Writer’s Den attorney; Melissa Fuller; Bobby Rymer, Writer’s Den partner. (standing, L-R) – Writer’s Den writers Ben Cooper and Thom Schuyler.


The Writer’s Den Music Group has signed singer/songwriter Melissa Fuller to her first worldwide publishing agreement.
“I’m so excited to be working with Melissa,” said company partner Bobby Rymer. “She’s an incredibly talented songwriter with a strong work ethic. I love that combination and look forward to trying to keep up with her!”
Fuller, a Wyoming native, released her Crazy Dream EP in 2012 and is working on a new album for release this spring. She was chosen by the Recording Academy and Hitlab as an Emerging Artist Competition Finalist during the 55th Grammy Awards week early last year.
“Bobby Rymer is my mentor, sage, publisher and truly one of the most incredible people I’ve met after eight years in Nashville,” said Fuller. “I’m absolutely honored to be working with him and the other songwriters in our office, including Ben Cooper and Thom Schuyler.”
Writer’s Den was formed in 2007 by Rymer and entrepreneur Gaylen Rust. Songwriters Ben Cooper and Thom Schuyler are signed to Writer’s Den. The company also represents the catalogs of Bonnie Bishop, Tami Hinesh, Trent Jeffcoat and Adam Wright.