Industry Ink: Sandbox Entertainment, The Mastercasters, BBR Music Group

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Sandbox Entertainment Moves To New Location

SandboxManagement company Sandbox Entertainment has moved to a new location at 3810 Bedford Ave., Ste. 200 in Nashville. The company’s number will stay the same at 615-915-5454.

Sandbox Entertainment represents artists including Shania Twain, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, and Dan+Shay.

 

Pitch Group The Mastercasters Work with Ronnie Dunn

Pictured (L-R): Round Hill's Mark Brown, ATM's Alex Torrez, Nash Icon's Ronnie Dunn, AAM/TLM's Leslie T. DiPiero, Disney’s Patrick Clifford. (Not pictured): Ole's John Ozier.

Pictured (L-R): Round Hill’s Mark Brown, ATM’s Alex Torrez, Nash Icon’s Ronnie Dunn, AAM/TLM’s Leslie T. DiPiero, Disney’s Patrick Clifford. (Not pictured): Ole’s John Ozier.

Recently formed pitch group The Mastercasters recently met with Nash Icon artist Ronnie Dunn to pitch songs for his upcoming album.  The Mastercasters target pitch songs from catalogs including songs from writers such as Craig Wiseman, Bob DiPiero, Angaleena Presley, Marv Green, Rodney Clawson, Tyler Farr, and others.

BBR Music Group’s Red Bow Records Adds Promotion Coordinator

Bill Snickers Red Bow Records

Red Bow Records Promotion staffers

BBR Music Group’s Red Bow Records has added Bill Snickers as Promotion Coordinator. Snickers will assist with promotion duties and will report to Red Bow VP, Promotion Renee Leymon.

“It’s such an incredible opportunity to work for Red Bow Records and BBR Music Group,” said Snickers. “We have an amazing roster of artists and I’m really excited to be a part of the team.”

Leymon added, “The RED BOW girls are excited to finally have some testosterone on the team!”

Snickers can be reached at [email protected] and at 615-610-2127.

 

Catch This Music Promotes Allen to Head Engineer

Zach Allen

Zach Allen

Catch This Music has promoted Zach Allen as the new Head Engineer of their recording studio, which is located on Music Row.

“It is a huge honor to be a part of such a well versed musical family,” Allen said. “Clients and I have been blown away by the quality of the recordings we are getting from the CTM studios, as well as the warm feeling you receive the moment you enter the building. I’m really excited about continuing to implement my recording philosophies into our company.”

 

 

SESAC Names Seth Mosley as 2015 Christian Songwriter of the Year

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Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Steve Rice of CentricSongs, Seth Mosley and SESAC’s John Mullins.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Steve Rice of CentricSongs, Seth Mosley and SESAC’s John Mullins.

Songwriter Seth Mosley was among those honored last night (March 3) as performing rights organization SESAC feted songwriters and publishers behind some of Contemporary Christian Music’s top songs in 2014. Mosley was named the 2015 Christian Songwriter of the Year. Mosley, who is signed to 2 Hour Songs/CentricSongs, was the songwriter behind several of the evening’s honored songs, including “Fight Song,” recorded by The Almost, “Fix My Eyes” (For King & Country), “He Knows My Name” (Francesca Battistelli), “Let It Be Love” (Family Force 5), “Start A Fire” (Unspoken), “You Won’t Let Go” (Michael W. Smith), and  “A Million Miles Away” (Hawk Nelson). He took home 12 performance awards for songs including “All Things Possible” (Mikeschair), “Fighter” (Manafest) and “Outta My Mind” (Anthem Light) among others.

CentricSongs was named the 2015 Christian Publisher of the Year.

Performers included Francesca Battistelli, Unspoken, and Seventh Time Down.

More than 30 songs were acknowledged at the awards dinner which was hosted by SESAC’s Tim Fink and John Mullins. Songs honored during the evening include:

“A Million Miles Away” recorded by Hawk Nelson
Written by Seth Mosley, Aaron Rice, Jonathan Steingard
Published by 2 Hour Songs, Atlantis Underwater Music, CentricSongs, Fairtrade Tunes, Songs of Essbearre, Songs of Third Base, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson

“All Eyes On You” recorded by OBB
Written by Justin Ebach, Jacob Oswald, Nich Oswald, Zach Oswald, Nate Sallie
Published by Bella Muerte, Cup of Dirt Publishing, Curb Congregation Songs, How Do You Like My Publishing, Wordspring Music

“As Winter Stays” recorded by llia
Written by Susana Martinez
Published by llia LLC

“Break The World” recorded by Nine Lashes
Written by Jeremy Dunn, Jared Lankford, Adam Jefferson, Jon Jeffferson, Noah Terrell
Published by Jared Lankford Publishing, JDE, Jeremy Michael Publishing, Moms like Us Too, Nine Lashes Music Group, Thomas Terrell Publishing

“Closer To Your Heart” recorded by Natalie Grant
Written by Natalie Grant
Published by SeeSeeBubba Songs

“Commodity” recorded by Remedy Drive
Written by David Zach, Philip Zach
Published by Clive Staples, The Grid Publishing

“Do Life Big” recorded by Jamie Grace
Written by Jamie Grace
Published by Songs of Third Base, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson

“Don’t Deserve You” recorded by Plumb
Written by Tiffany Arbuckle Lee
Published by Curb Congregation Songs, ShoeCrazy Publishing

“Easy Way Out” recorded by Southbound Fearing
Written by Brady Leonard
Published by Original RCR Music Group

“Faithful” recorded by Hawk Nelson
Written by Jonathan Steingard, Sam Tinnesz
Published by Atlantis Underwater Music, Fairtrade Tunes, Shivel Songs

“Fight Song” recorded by The Almost
Written by Seth Mosley
Published 2 Hour Songs, CentricSongs

“Fireblazin’” recorded by Capital Kings
Written by Ben Thompson, Cole Walowac, Jonathan White
Published by Capitol CMG Amplifier, Songs of Third Base, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson

“Fix My Eyes” recorded by For King & Country
Written by Seth Mosley
Published by 2 Hour Songs, CentricSongs

“He Knows My Name” recorded by Francesca Battistelli
Written by Seth Mosley
Published by 2 Hour Songs, CentricSongs

“Here For A Reason” recorded by Ashes Remain
Written by Justin Ebach
Published by Wordspring Music

“Hope Can Change Everything” recorded by Bart Millard, Francesca Battistelli, Jamie Grace, Jeremy Camp, Matt Maher & Sidewalk Prophets
Written by Justin Ebach
Published by Wordspring Music

“How Can It Be” recorded by Lauren Daigle
Written by Jason Ingram, Paul Mabury
Published by Flychild Publishing, Open Hands Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing

“King Of My Heart” recorded by Love & The Outcome
Written by Jeff Pardo
Published by Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears Music, Meaux Jeaux Music

“Lay It Down” recorded by Sanctus Real
Written by Matt Hammitt, Peter Kipley, Chris Rohman
Published by Bluehouse, East Front Music, Meaux Jeaux Music, Songs from the Indigo Room, Stonebrook Music

“Let It Be Love” recorded by Family Force 5
Written by Seth Mosley
Published by 2 Hour Songs, CentricSongs

“Lord I’m Ready Now” recorded by Plumb
Written by Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, Luke Sheets
Published by Curb Congregation Songs, ShoeCrazy Publishing, Tunes of Parallel

“Making Me New” recorded by Royal Tailor
Written by Jeff Pardo
Published by Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears Music, Meaux Jeaux Music

“Memory” recorded by Decyfer Down
Written by Chris Clonts, Brandon Mills
Published by chrisclontspublishing, Sobx Music `

“My Heart Is Yours” recorded by Passion feat. Kristian Stanfill
Written by Jason Ingram
Published by Open Hands Music, Sony/ATV Publishing

“Never Back Down” recorded by Nine Lashes
Written by Jeremy Dunn, Jared Lankford, Adam Jefferson, Jon Jefferson, Noah Terrell
Published by Jared Lankford Publishing, JDE, Jeremy Michael Publishing, Moms Like Us Too, Nine Lashes Music Group, Thomas Terrell Publishing

“Never Too Late” recorded by Kutless
Written by Ian Eskelin
Published by Designer Music, Honest and Popular Songs

“Open Up The Heavens” recorded by Meredith Andrews
Written by Stu Garrard, Jason Ingram
Published by Open Hands Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing, Stugio Music Publishing

“People Like Me” recorded by Mikeschair
Written by Michael Grayson, Jeff Pardo
Published by Curb Congregation Songs, Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears Music, Meaux Jeaux Music, Strength to Shout Publishing

“Pushing Back The Dark” recorded by Josh Wilson
Written by Josh Wilson
Published by Meaux Jeaux Music, Rock and a Harding Place

“Radical” recorded by Disciple
Written by Kevin Young
Published by Disciple Rocks Publishing

“Ready Set Go” recorded by Royal Tailor feat. Capital Kings
Written by Jeff Pardo, Cole Walowac
Published by Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears Music, Meaux Jeaux Music, Songs of Third Base, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson

“Satisfied” recorded by About A Mile
Written by Casey Brown, Jonathan Smith
Published by Not Just Another Song Publishing, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing

“Say Amen” recorded by Finding Favour
Written by Michael Farren
Published by Farren Love and War Publishing, Wordspring Music

“Sovereign Over Us” recorded by Michael W. Smith
Written by Jack Mooring
Published by Meaux Jeaux Music

“Start A Fire” recorded by Unspoken
Written by Seth Mosley
Published by 2 Hour Songs, CentricSongs

“The Broken Beautiful” recorded by Ellie Holcomb
Written by Matt Armstrong
Published by FOTS Music, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson, Countless Wonder Publishing

“The One I’m Running To” recorded by 7eventh Time Down
Written by Cliff Williams, Ian Eskelin, Mikey Howard
Published by Aevinesaint Music, Early Service Music, Love Journey Music, Moms Like Us Too, Wordspring Music

“The River” recorded by Decyfer Down
Written by Chris Clonts, Brandon Mills, Joshua Oliver
Published by chrisclontspublishing, Rythmic Publishing, Sobx Music

“Today Is Beautiful” recorded by David Dunn
Written by Sam Tinnesz
Published by Shivel Songs

“Unashamed Of You” recorded by Chris August
Written by Ian Eskelin
Published by Early Service Music, Wordspring Music

“VIP” recorded by Manic Drive feat. Manwell
Written by Michael Cavallo, Shawn Cavallo
Published by Cavallo Publishing, L4M3 Publishing

“We Are The Brave” recorded by Veridia
Written by Brandon Brown, Ian Eskelin, Deena Jakoub
Published by Early Service Music, Wordspring Music

“Where You Belong” recorded by Deep Space Network
Written by Tyler Northrup, Aaron Rayford, Brandon Weadon, Tim Wirtala
Published by MAG Family Publishing

“Who Is Like Our God” recorded by Laura Story
Written by Jason Ingram
Published by Open Hands Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing

“With Every Act Of Love” recorded by Jason Gray
Written by Jason Ingram
Published by Open Hands Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing

“You Carry Me” recorded Moriah Peters
Written by Jeff Pardo
Published by Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears Music, Meaux Jeaux Music

“You Won’t Let Go” recorded by Michael W. Smith
Written by Seth Mosley
Published by 2 Hour Songs, CentricSongs

‘InCharge’ Applications Now Being Accepted

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InCharge2015_Post2MusicRow has started production of its annual InCharge issue, the valuable directory of Nashville music business leaders. Applications for inclusion will be accepted through Wednesday, March 11, 2015. Unless you receive an update email this afternoon, you will need to reapply.

Since 1987, MusicRow has curated the definitive list of “Nashville’s Music Industry Decision Makers”—the top executives responsible for the successful careers of today’s biggest artists. The InCharge list is comprised of professionals who buy or sell significant quantities of goods and services, and who are crucial in building entertainment careers.

This reference guide is the go-to resource for established veterans as well as those just entering the music business. InCharge contains a wealth of information about key individuals in Nashville’s music industry and highlights the faces and careers of those whose combined achievements reshape the future of our city’s renowned music enterprise. Each person listed in the directory represents many others who serve vital roles supporting our industry and helping it thrive.

Now in its 28th year, the InCharge publication is the April/May issue of MusicRow magazine and is slated for a late-April release.

For advertising opportunities, email [email protected] or contact Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson at (615) 499-5418.

Songwriter Equity Act To Get Second Introduction in Washington, D.C.

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NSAI Legislative Co-Chair, songwriter Roger Brown and Senator Orrin Hatch (UT).

NSAI Legislative Co-Chair, songwriter Roger Brown and Senator Orrin Hatch (UT).

The Songwriter Equity Act (SEA), legislation that aims to change the process that sets royalty rates for American songwriters, will be re-introduced this afternoon (March 4) in Washington, D.C.

“This is important legislation that addresses the evidence that the Copyright Royalty Board and ASCAP and BMI’s Rate Court judges can consider when setting royalty payments for songwriters,” said Nashville Songwriters Association President (NSAI) Lee Thomas Miller.

SEA will be re-introduced today after a new session of Congress convened last month. NSAI will be in Washington, D.C., today for introduction of the bill in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Doug Collins (GA) and Hakeem Jeffries (NY). A number of Senators and House Members are co-sponsors of the legislation including Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker of Tennessee and House members Marsha Blackburn, Steve Cohen, Jim Cooper and Phil Roe.

“Rate-setting procedures that govern songwriter royalties were adopted by the Federal government in 1909 and 1941,” said NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. “Antiquated processes that are more than a century old cannot possibly compensate songwriters fairly in today’s digital music environment. We want to thank all of the supporters of this important bill as we strive to bring fair marketplace compensation to songwriters and composers.”

Songwriter Roger Cook, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander.

Songwriter Roger Cook, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander.

Weekly Register: Beachin’ With Luke Bryan

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Bryan is beachin.' His spring break concerts are next week in Panama City, to coincide with the release of his final spring break album.

Bryan is beachin.’ His spring break concerts are next week in Panama City, to coincide with the release of his final spring break album.

Luke Bryan is bringing spring fever to the country tracks chart. His latest songs “Games” (30K) and “Spring Breakdown” (17K) debuted at No. 3 and 14, respectively. They are from his March 10 Spring Break…Checkin’ Out album, the final release in his spring break series. The project offers five new songs and six tracks from last year’s EP. To celebrate release day, Bryan will play two free concerts at Spinnaker Beach Club in Panama City, Fla., on March 11 and 12. Over 230,000 fans came out for last year’s shows.

Elsewhere on the country tracks chart, the Pete Scobell Band’s “Hearts I Leave Behind,” is at No. 5 with sales of 25K. The song honors Chief Petty Officer Christopher Kyle, the U.S. Navy SEAL commemorated in the award-winning film American Sniper. Scobell is also a former Navy SEAL and is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from the recording to the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. The song was written by Travis Meadows and features Wynonna Judd.

And The Voice contestant Sawyer Fredericks made a splash with his version of “I’m A Man of Constant Sorrow” (23K).

Top 5 Country Tracks TW
Sam Hunt “Take Your Time” 57K
Little Big Town “Girl Crush” 30K
Luke Bryan “Games” 30K
Zac Brown Band “Homegrown” 27K
Pete Scobell Band f/ Wynonna “Hearts I Leave Behind” 25K

Top 5 Country Albums TW
Sam Hunt, 15K
Aaron Watson, 9K
Jason Aldean, 8.6K
Florida Georgia Line, 7K
Carrie Underwood, 6.6K

Indie Aaron Watson stays in the top 5 in his album’s second week of release. He slips to No. 2, selling 9K copies.

Debuting at No. 1 and 2 on the Top 200 albums chart are Big Sean (173K total activity) and Kid Rock (146K total activity). On the tracks chart, Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk” has a tight grip on the No. 1 spot, selling 240K TW and 4.3 million RTD.

ASCAP Appoints Brian Roberts As New EVP & COO

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BrianRoberts

Brian Roberts

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers, has appointed music industry veteran Brian Roberts as the organization’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, reporting to ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.

Roberts was most recently Executive VP, Corporate Strategy & Operations at Warner Music Group. In his new post at ASCAP, Roberts will be responsible for the royalty payment system and will oversee ASCAP’s worldwide infrastructure. Roberts will assume his new position on March 30.

Matthews says, “ASCAP is embarking upon a new era of technology and transformation in order to continue to provide first in class services at the lowest possible cost to all of our members and licensing partners. Brian’s extensive experience in the music sector and his impressive accomplishments in leading innovative infrastructure changes to support new strategic initiatives make him the perfect candidate to run ASCAP’s operations today. Brian also shares my passion for music and the need to protect the value of the creative works of our members. We look forward to having his expertise as part of ASCAP’s new executive management team.”

Roberts joined the Warner Music Group family in 2007 as Senior VP & CFO of Warner/Chappell Music with prior stints at BMG Music Publishing, Zomba Music Publishing, EMI Publishing and Ernst & Young.

Roberts adds,“I am excited to join Beth and her team at ASCAP. I believe that ASCAP is at the center of driving core change in the music industry which will benefit songwriters, composers, music publishers, licensees and music fans alike.”

Shania Twain Announces “Last Tour,” Includes Nashville Date

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shania twain rock this country tour 2015Shania Twain surely both excited and saddened fans with this morning’s announcement on Good Morning America. First, she announced that after finishing her two-year Las Vegas residency, that she will embark on a 48-city Rock This Country Tour, which will trek across the United States and Canada. Twain noted that her show in Las Vegas had been designed specifically for that venue, and promised the new tour production will be custom-made.

She also called the run her “last tour.”

“This is going to be a big tour for me because it’s going to be my last. This is my last tour. I’m going to make the most of it. Let’s put it that way,” the singer-songwriter told Good Morning America‘s Robin Roberts. “I feel like I’m ready to hang my hat up in that regard. I just really want to go out with a bang.”

Twain’s Rock This Country Tour will begin in June in Seattle.

A Nashville date is slated for Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on July 31.

Other shows includes stops in New York City, Atlanta, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles, San Diego, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Boston, and more. The trek will also hit Canadian cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Montreal. The tour wraps Aug. 23 in Fresno, Calif.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets through Front Of The Line for the Canadian shows only before the general public beginning Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. through Thursday, March 12 at 10 p.m. local time, with the public on-sale for most North American shows beginning Friday, March 13 at 10 a.m. local on axs.com. ShaniaTwain.com presale begins Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. local time through Thursday, March 12 at 10 p.m. local time.

For a full list of tour dates, visit shaniatwain.com.

 

CMA Music Festival’s 2015 LP Field Lineup Announced

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CMA Music Festival 2015The 2015 CMA Music Festival’s main stage lineup for LP Field was announced this morning (March 4) via the Country Music Association’s social media outlets. This year’s list of artists slated to perform include:

Jason Aldean
Eric Church
Sam Hunt
Little Big Town
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
Keith Urban
Dierks Bentley
Brett Eldredge
Alan Jackson
Neal McCoy
Rascal Flatts
Cole Swindell
Wynonna & The Big Noise
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Lady Antebellum
Oak Ridge Boys
Thomas Rhett
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

The CMA Music Fest, which is sold out, will be held June 11-14. Additional information regarding performance days, etc., will be announced soon.

Brandy Clark, Vince Gill, Brandon Heath Slated for Tin Pan South

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tin pan south logo revisedThe Nashville Songwriters Association International’s 23rd Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is shaping up to be one of its most star-studded lineups to date. Brandy Clark, Vince Gill, CCM artist Brandon Heath, Third Day lead singer/country singer Mac Powell, Will Hoge, Nashville star Sam Palladio, Chris Janson, James Otto, RaeLynn, and Charlie Worsham are just a few of the artists slated to showcase their song talents for attendees when Tin Pan South descends on Nashville March 24-28.

For many, it’s a chance to hear stripped down versions of hit songs, and a place where songcrafters tell the stories behind the creation of many of their hit songs. Some listeners just might hear an unreleased, future hit song or two. For songwriters, it’s a chance for unique performance collaborations with fellow artists and writers.

Tin Pan South lists more than 350 hit songwriters that will perform in numerous venues around Music City. A sampling of those writers includes Hillary Scott, Craig Campbell, Rodney Clawson, Joel Crouse, Chris DeStefano, Josh Dorr, Tom Douglas, Ben Glover, Ashley Gorley, JT Harding, Natalie Hemby, Brett James, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Georgia Middleman, Lee Thomas Miller, Jon Nite, Josh Osborne, Angaleena Presley, Jimmy Robbins, Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw, Caitlyn Smith, and more.

The event’s popularity continues to grow, with all fast access club passes are already sold out. Tin Pan South may still attend shows individually and pay at the door. Without a Fast Access Pass, festival admission is on a show-by-show, cash-at-the-door basis.

The first Tin Pan South was hosted by the Nashville Songwriters Association International in 1992. NSAI formed in October 1967, when 42 songwriters gathered to form the organization to be an advocate for fellow songwriters.

This year’s Tin Pan South is presented by Regions Bank.

Kix Brooks Honored with Inaugural CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award

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Reba (l) presents Kix Brooks with the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award Monday at City Winery in Nashville. Photo Credit: Donn Jones / CMA

Reba (l) presents Kix Brooks with the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award Monday at City Winery in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA

Kix Brooks is esteemed by country fans for his years of energetic live shows, both as part of the duo Brooks & Dunn, and as a solo entertainer and songwriter.

Monday evening (Feb. 2), Brooks was honored by the Country Music Association for the hard work he does behind the scenes, to help scores of charitable organizations. During an elegant dinner at Nashville’s City Winery, the CMA Foundation honored Brooks with its inaugural Humanitarian Award.

Pictured (L-R): Reba, Kix Brooks, Sarah Trahern

Pictured (L-R): Reba, Kix Brooks, Sarah Trahern

CMA Board of Directors member Brian O’Connell noted that after Brooks joined the CMA Board of Directors in 1998, he was instrumental in helping to form the CMA Music Foundation. He also presided as President of the Board in 2004, and Chairman in 2005.

“He joined the CMA Board, not for the prestige, but to represent the artist community, which was underrepresented at the time,” said O’Connell. “He wanted to know how CMA worked, and especially at the time, how Fan Fair worked. The artists were not getting paid to perform. He was asking questions and calling bullshit when it needed to be called, having an honest dialogue with the board and committees. As a direct result of his involvement was the formation of the CMA Music Foundation, funded through the proceeds of CMA Music Festival. It’s because of Kix’s vision that every student in Metro Nashville public schools should have access to play a musical instrument.”

The Country Music Association Foundation has also donated more than $11 million to music programs across the United States.

Kix Brooks is honored at City Winery by the Country Music Association.

Kix Brooks is honored at City Winery with the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award.

Brooks also saw a need to develop affordable health insurance options for CMA members, advocating for the creation of the CMA Instrumental Health Care.

In attendance were several representatives of charitable organizations that Kix has helped over the years, including Operation Finally Home, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the Monroe Harding Children’s Home, Louisiana Tech, and the CMA Foundation.

Kix Brooks

Kix Brooks 

Video tributes came from Jody Williams, Joe Galante, Clarence Spalding, Rob Beckham, Scott Borchetta, Becky Brenner, Charlie Morgan, Ebie McFarland, Frank Bumstead, Jeff Walker, John Esposito, Little Big Town, Gary Overton, John Huie, Michael Knox, Mike Dungan, Mike Vaden, Don and Stacey Schlitz, Tony Conway, Troy Tomlinson, Victoria Shaw and more.

The evening’s closing tribute came from fellow superstar (and soon to be Vegas concert partner) Reba McEntire, who has now known and worked with Brooks for more than 20 years. “I’ve got a few stories on Kix,” quipped Reba. “Some people are in your life for a reason, for a season, or for forever. I’m hoping from 1994 to forever, we will always be friends, and always get to go hang out together. That’s how everyone in this room feels about you. We’ve seen how much you’ve given and contributed, but the biggest thing about you is that you have the biggest heart in the world.”

Kix Brooks is honored at City Winery by the Country Music Association.

Kix Brooks is honored at City Winery with the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award.

“I finally got my head around it this week,” Brooks said. “I thought, what a great idea to just have dinner…then we can celebrate and the CMA has come up with a way for us to enjoy being together and enjoy giving to our community. It is a good thing to give to others, then this is a good thing we are doing tonight. Then all of a sudden, this feels right, not because this is about me, but it is about us.

“I can tell you what it means, not to get this award, but to hear all the things I’ve heard tonight, to be here and supported, it makes your heart feel so big. Things that matter in this world really do matter.”

The CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award was created by the CMA Awards, to honor individuals who have been involved with humanitarian initiatives through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism, and advocacy.