Clark, McAnally & Osborne To Perform for Susan G. Komen

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imgresHit singer-songwriters Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne will perform at the “Come Over” for Komen concert and auction presented by Black River Publishing on Friday, May 30 at 7:00 pm.
The event will be held at an elegant private residence in the Green Hills area. The in-the-round concert will spotlight the top hits written by all three performers for themselves and/or many of today’s top country artists. Tickets can be purchased by visiting come-over-for-komen.chirrpy.com.
Complimentary valet parking will be offered as well as a cocktail reception, catering by Zoës Kitchen and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit Komen Greater Nashville. Additional sponsors include Affiliated Creditors, Inc., Atmosphere 360 Studio, Delta Airlines, First Tennesse Bank, The Gray Umbrella, Nothing Bundt Cakes, OnPoint Organizing, PMC Parking, Regions Bank, Sea Gayle Music and Stage Farm Agent, and Ed Underwood.

Little Big Town Returns To Host 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock'

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Little Big Town. Photo: Kristin Barlowe

Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town will return for a second year to host ABC’s CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock, which is set to air Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. ET.

“We could not be more excited to be coming back as hosts for CMA Music Fest,” Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet says. “Last year was incredible and we can’t wait to be back in LP Field surrounded by 50,000 screaming fans!”
The show will be executive-produced by Robert Deaton.
Additionally, the CMA Music Festival has added Sara Evans, Travis Tritt and Charlie Daniels Band to the sold-out nightly concerts at LP Field.

DISClaimer: Enduring Stars and Charming Newcomers

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back at mamas111With the CMA Music Fest right around the corner, it’s no surprise that this week’s stack of country releases is packed with star power.
Despite the presence of so many marquee names, there are really only two selections here that make headlines. One of them belongs to the enduringly fine Tim McGraw, with a vocal assist from his better half, Faith Hill. The other is more of a surprise, a maybe-smash charmer from left field by up-and-comer Jana Kramer. These two share the Disc of the Day award.
There’s only one newcomer here, so by default, Sarah Davidson takes home a DisCovery Award.
SARAH DAVIDSON/Drink You Up
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Gordie Sampson/Steve McEwan; Producer: Brian Kolb/Dino Paredes; Publisher: none listed; Suretone
-Since she was on the Private Lives of Nashville Wives reality TV show, I was prepared to loathe this. But the mid-tempo outing is actually pretty well done. Catchy and romantic.
THOMPSON SQUARE/Testing The Water
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
-Funk rhythm, wah-wah guitar and spoken-word passages are not things we generally associate with these two. So this definitely perks up the ears. A nice and nifty change of pace.

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Sarah Davidson


TIM McGRAW & FAITH HILL/Meanwhile Back at Mama’s
Writers: Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Tim McGraw and Byron Gallimore; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (ERG)
-Rippling acoustic guitars set the stage, then Tim comes in with a beautifully nuanced delivery of this lovely paean to passing pastoral pleasures. Faith’s harmony vocals on the choruses shadow him note for note. A gorgeous little single.
ZAC BROWN BAND/All Alright
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Southern Ground
-Stately and majestic. It’s a heartache song, but the heavenly chorale harmonies make it sound almost celebratory. Blue-eyed soul is the overall vibe here. Still in this fan club.
BREELAN ANGEL/Double Standards
Writers: Breelan Angel/Lacy Green; Producer: Ray Barnette; Publishers: Breelan Angel/Lacy Green, BMI; MisBhavin’
-Her pert, girlish voice hardly sounds old enough to drink, fight and cuss, never mind complain about double standards for women that tell them not to. Still, it sounds sprightly and is well written.
BRANTLEY GILBERT/Small Town Throwdown
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/WB/Get a Load of This/EMI Blackwood, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music
-Featuring vocal contributions from Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett, this rocker is otherwise a routine bro-country thang. You know the drill: keg of beer, babes in cutoffs, tailgates, party in the country, blah blah blah.
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Jana Kramer


JANA KRAMER/Love
Writers: Catt Gravitt/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Ink Pen Mama/Tunes of R and T Direct/Extraordinary Alien, SESAC/ASCAP; Elektra
-This superbly written single has “hit” engraved on it. In fact, this could be her career record. Beautifully constructed, perfectly produced and sung with intense, sunny believability.
KEITH URBAN/Somewhere In My Car
Writers: J.T. Harding/Keith Urban; Producers: Dann Huff/Keith Urban; Publishers: SONGS/Mighty Seven/Songs of SMP/Heavy Metal Disco/Songs of Universal/Mary Rose, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-It’s a pulse-quickening, toe-tapping, upbeat sound. But all of his singles sorta sound the same, don’t they?
LADY ANTEBELLUM/Bartender
Writers: Dave Haywood/Charles Kelley/Hillary Scott/Rodney Clawson; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Lady Antebellum; Publishers: Beards and Bullets/3OA Getaway/Hobbs Hill/Kobalt/Big Red Toe/Big Loud Bucks, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-She wants to get lost in the booze and the noise and the lights so she can get over him. But don’t get any ideas, boys, ‘cause this is a night to dance with the gal pals. Rousing, if not quite up to the standards of their greatest works.
J.T. Hodges/Already High
Writers: J.T. Hodges/Kevin Griffin; Producer: Kevin Griffin; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Adeline 29/Sing Station/Boomer Sooie, BMI; Show Dog-Universal
-Cool and thumping, with plenty of beats and boom. He name-drops brands of drinks and smokes to get to the point: He doesn’t need any outside stimulation, because he’s already stoned on love. Very, very listenable. I remain a big fan.

Slate Creek Records Signs Angaleena Presley

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Angaleena Presley


Singer, songwriter Angaleena Presley is set to release her first full-length solo album on Slate Creek Records later this year. The Beauty, Ky. native is also known for her role in the trio Pistol Annies, alongside Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe.
In addition to co-writing songs on Pistol Annies’ two projects, Annie Up and Hell on Heels, Presley also co-wrote Lambert’s 2011 single, “Fastest Girl in Town” and Ashton Shepherd‘s “Look It Up,” among other songs.
“Part of what I loved about Garth Fundis and Jim Burnett at Slate Creek is that they understood where I wanted to go creatively,” Presley says. “Producing this album was important to me because of its content – I’ve lived every word of it and knew exactly how I wanted it to sound.”
“We could not be happier about Angaleena joining our Slate Creek team and giving us the opportunity to release her remarkable solo debut,” Slate Creek’s President & Creative Director Garth Fundis comments. “From the first listen, we knew we wanted to be a part of this and can hardly wait for others to hear what she has created. Angaleena is both poet and artist in the truest sense of those words.”
Slate Creek Records is also home to singer, songwriter and entertainer Brandy Clark. An album title, release date and track listing for Presley’s debut project on the label are forthcoming.

16th Annual SunTrust Hot Dog Day Slated for June 5

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Screen shot 2014-05-27 at 3.33.11 PM11The 16th Annual SunTrust Hot Dog Day, co-hosted by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, will take place Thursday, June 5, 2014 at the SunTrust Music Row location.

The free event, which will be held from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature entertainment provided by Big Yellow Dog Music.
SunTrust Music Row is located at 1026 17th Ave. S.

Artist Photos (5/27/14)

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Brantley Gilbert completed his “Athens to Arlington” journey on Monday, May 26. Gilbert traveled nearly 3,000 miles on a six-day motorcycle ride last week in support of the launch of his studio album Just As I Am. The ride departed Athens, Ga., on May 21 and stopped in 11 cities. Along the way, Gilbert honored members of the armed forces, concluding at Arlington National Cemetery just outside of Washington, D.C.

Photo: The Valory Music Co.

Brantley Gilbert concludes his journey on Memorial Day (May 26) at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, DC. Joined by Folds of Honor scholarship recipient Sarah White, Brantley had the honor of laying a wreath on the sacred Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photo: The Valory Music Co.

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BMI recently highlighted several promising indie artists at the 2014 Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Ala. For all three days of the festival, the BMI stage featured acts from all genres including: Empires, Bronze Radio Return, Wild Cub, Desert Noises, Shakey Graves, The Lonely Biscuits, Wild Belle, Dugas, Ethan Tucker, The Wans, and Alabama’s own St. Paul & the Broken Bones.

Nashville’s The Lonely Biscuits join BMI's Mark Mason backstage at the 2014 Hangout Music Festival.

Nashville’s The Lonely Biscuits join BMI’s Mark Mason backstage at the 2014 Hangout Music Festival.

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Chelsea Bain performed at the Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, and hung out with several drivers qualifying for this weekend’s Coca Cola 600 NASCAR Spring Cup Race.

Chelsea Bain and Jeff Gordon.

Chelsea Bain and Jeff Gordon.

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Joshua Scott Jones visited with Elaina Doré Smith and Shawn Parr at Nash Nights Live while making the media rounds in support of his new album, The Healing, which releases June 3.

Pictured (L-R): Joshua Scott Jones, Elaina Doré Smith & Shawn Parr from Nash Nights Live

Pictured (L-R): Joshua Scott Jones, Elaina Doré Smith & Shawn Parr from Nash Nights Live

CMT Awards Announce More Performers

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cmtThe 2014 CMT Music Awards will boast more live performances than in previous years, with the addition of Brantley Gilbert, Dierks Bentley, Hunter Hayes, Jake Owen, Jennifer Nettles, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Lee Ann Womack and Little Big Town to the performer lineup.
Previously announced entertainers during the awards show include Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, and Miranda Lambert.  This year on the Nationwide Insurance Stage, performances will include songs from Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay, Danielle Bradbery, David Nail, Thomas Rhett and Tyler Farr. 
The CMT Music Awards are decided by fans via voting at CMT.com and on mobile devices at CMT Mobile now through June 1 to determine the winners. Lambert is this year’s leading nominee with six nominations. Bryan and Florida Georgia Line follow with five nominations each. Taylor Swift and Urban are tied with four each, while Hayes and Shelton each pulled in three nominations.

Artist Signings (5/27/14)

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Republic Nashville has signed A Thousand Horses to its artist roster, which includes Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band and Cassadee Pope. The Nashville-based band combines blues, southern Rock and Country, and is comprised of lead singer Michael Hobby, bassist Graham DeLoach and guitarists Bill Satcher and Zach Brown.
“I can not tell you how excited I am about signing A Thousand Horses. From the moment Scott McGhee played me the music over Christmas break I was hooked. Big things on the way!” said Jimmy Harnen, Republic Nashville President/Big Machine Label Group EVP.
A Thousand Horses is managed by McGhee Entertainment and is signed to CAA.

Pictured (L-R): Front Row – A Thousand Horses’ Graham DeLoach, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Zach Brown; Back Row – Big Machine Label Group SVP A&R Allison Jones, Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta, Republic Nashville Ape, Big Machine Label Group EVP & Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen and Republic Nashville VP of Promotion Matthew Hargis Photo Credit: Seth Hellman for Republic Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Front Row – A Thousand Horses’ Graham DeLoach, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Zach Brown; Back Row – Big Machine Label Group SVP A&R Allison Jones, Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta, Republic Nashville Ape, Big Machine Label Group EVP & Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen and Republic Nashville VP of Promotion Matthew Hargis. Photo Credit: Seth Hellman for Republic Nashville

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Richlyn Marketing has added The Doobie Brothers to its artist roster. The company will coordinate the marketing and public relations for the upcoming release of The Doobie Brothers’ project on Sony Music Nashville, as well as handle all tour press. The project features Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith and others, and is helmed by Doobie Brothers’ manager Bruce Cohn and record producer David Huff.
Katharine Richardson, partner of Richlyn Marketing, adds, “We could not be more excited to be a part of this landmark project. I am personally a longtime fan, so it is a dream come true to be working with this brilliant band. We are honored to join their team.”

Pictured (L-R): Producer - David Lyndon Huff, Richlyn Marketing Publicist - Nicole Cochran, Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons, Richlyn Marketing Founder - Kate Richardson, Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston, and John McFee. Photo Credit: Jeff White

Pictured (L-R): Producer – David Lyndon Huff, Richlyn Marketing Publicist – Nicole Cochran, Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons, Richlyn Marketing Founder – Kate Richardson, Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston, and John McFee. Photo Credit: Jeff White

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Nettwerk One Music/Revelry Music Group, along with a newly formed partnership with Neil Mason‘s Lake Gloria Music, has signed Nashville-based songwriter-artist Austin Jenckes to its roster. The Duvall, Wash. native moved to Nashville in 2012, where he released the independent EP An American Story. In 2013, He was a top 10 finalist during Season 5 of NBC’s The Voice.

Jenckes joins Neil Mason (The Cadillac Three), Jessie Jo Dillon, Mike Fiorentino and Archertown on the Nettwerk One Music/Revelry Music Group roster.

Pictured (L-R) Aaron Kinssies (Dennis Ent.), Greg Beeckman (Revelry), John Strohm (Loeb & Loeb), Austin Jenckes, Evyn Mustoe (ASCAP), Neil Mason (Lake Gloria Music)and AJ Burton (Nettwerk/Revelry).

Pictured (L-R): Aaron Kinssies (Dennis Ent.), Greg Beeckman (Revelry), John Strohm (Loeb & Loeb), Austin Jenckes, Evyn Mustoe (ASCAP), Neil Mason (Lake Gloria Music)
and AJ Burton (Nettwerk/Revelry).

A2IM Taps Scott Robinson, Garry West For Leadership Roles

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a2imA2IM, the American Association of Independent Music, has announced the results of its 2014 Board of Directors elections as voted by the A2IM label membership. The new board’s term will begin on July 4, 2014.
Newly elected A2IM Board of Directors:
Craig Balsam (President, Razor & Tie)
Dave Hansen (General Manager, Epitaph/Anti-)
Louis Posen (Owner, Hopeless Records)
Scott Robinson (CEO/Co-Founder, Dualtone Music Group)
Thomas Silverman (Owner/CEO, Tommy Boy)
A2IM also welcomes three representatives to the President’s Advisory Committee, appointed by President Rich Bengloff, with board approval:
Josh Berman (US Label Manager, Warp Records)
Denny Stilwell (President, Mack Avenue Records)
Garry West (Co-Founder, Compass Records Group)
The remainder of the organization’s board (all in the midst of three-year terms) is:
Glenn Barros, A2IM Treasurer (President, Concord Records)
Richard James Burgess (Director of Marketing & Sales, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings)
Cathy Bauer (Secretly Group Head of Domestic Sales and Marketing)
Portia Sabin, A2IM President (President, Kill Rock Stars)
Chris Scully (General Manager, Glassnote Records)
Jim Selby, A2IM Secretary (SVP Digital, ole).

Taylor Swift Cancels Thailand Concert Amid Political Unrest

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Taylor Swift


Taylor Swift‘s concert in Bangkok, Thailand, slated for Monday, June 9, has been canceled “due to recent events in Thailand.” Concert promoter BEC-Tero stated on its website that Swift would no longer be performing. According to the statement, “This has been a difficult decision for all parties. Taylor, AEG, BEC-Tero and 13 Management all express regret and sincere apologies to the fans in Thailand.”
Swift also expressed her regret over the concert cancelation via Twitter, saying, “I’m sending my love to the fans in Thailand. I’m so sad about the concert being cancelled.”
Last week, Thailand’s army took power of the country after months of political turmoil.