Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge and More Set for 16th Annual Best Cellars Dinner

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Best Cellars DinnerDierks Bentley, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Big Kenny, Mat Kearney, Jana Kramer, members of Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Peter Frampton and Tommy Shaw (of Styx) are joining forces with celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman during the 16th annual Best Cellars Dinner on April 27 at City Winery.

Co-chairs for the evening’s event include WMN’s John Esposito, Capitol CMG’s Bill Hearn, and Tom Black.

The exclusive annual food-and-wine event pairs some of country music’s “Best Sellers” (2015 Grammy Award nominees and a CMA New Artist of the Year winner among this year’s featured artists) with “Best Cellars” (wine from some of the U.S. top collectors) to help the T.J. Martell Foundation fund research for leukemia, cancer and AIDS at the Frances Williams Preston Labs at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

“The Best Cellars Dinner is one of the best events that we feature in the Nashville market,” said Laura Heatherly, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. “We always have great food, world class wine, wonderful celebrities and fun! We owe so much to Billy Ray Hearn, a wonderful friend to the Foundation and wine connoisseur who started the event years ago.”

Hearn, a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a forefather of modern-day Christian music labels, passed away on April 15 of this year. He will be recognized at this year’s dinner for his invaluable contributions to the TJ Martell and the Best Cellars Dinner. The dinner has raised more than $3 million since Hearn founded the event in 1999.

Credited with bringing his California sensibilities to New York, Waxman introduced the practices of using seasonal foods and local ingredients in a gourmet setting. He recently helped found Kings of Leon’s Nashville Music & Wine Festival and opened Nashville restaurant Adele’s.

The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7:15 p.m. Attire is black tie.

Limited seating is available, and tickets are $1,200. To purchase, visit tjmartell.org.

Weekly Register: Reba’s Back With No. 1 Debut

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reba with her ACM 2015

Reba had plenty of visibility during release week, including winning an ACM Milestone Award.

Reba’s first new studio album in five years sailed to the top of the country charts; Love Somebody debuted at No. 1 with sales of 58K/total activity of 62K. The Nash Icon artist had momentum from lead single “Going Out Like That,” which has already sold more than 100K downloads. She also scored with a sassy performance on Sunday night’s (April 19) ACM Awards, blending the single with her modern-classic hits “Fancy,” “Is There Life Out There,” and “The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia.”

Also scoring a solid debut is Dwight Yoakam’s Second Hand Heart (WBR) coming in at No. 2 country with sales of 21K. These debuts helped give country album sales a 33 percent bump week-over-week.

Rounding out the top five country albums are No. 3 Sam Hunt (18K), No. 4 Florida Georgia Line (13K) and No. 5 Now That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years (12K).

Little Big Town gave a stellar performance of “Girl Crush” on the ACM Awards, reeling in 97K downloads and landing at No. 1 on the country tracks this week, pushing the song past the gold goalposts with 522K RTD. This is the best one-week sales tally for a country track in 2015.

Interestingly, Meghan Linsey’s cover of the same song from The Voice is this week’s top country debut, coming in at No. 3 with 44K. George Strait, who also had a notable ACM performance, debuts single “Let It Go” at No. 9 country, selling 27K. Hanging in the top 5 are: Sam Hunt “Take Your Time” (58K), Zac Brown Band “Homegrown” (39K) and Florida Georgia Line “Sippin’ On Fire” (35K).

Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” has the best one week sales for a country track

“Girl Crush” earned the best one-week sales tally for a country track in 2015.

Kaleidoscope Media Relocates, Hires Two

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Pictured (L-R): Robert Hamm, Scott Adkins.

Pictured (L-R): Robert Hamm, Scott Adkins.

Kaleidoscope Media, a PR/publicity/events company representing Bonnaroo among other clients, has hired additional leadership and relocated its headquarters to a 6,500-square-foot space in Nashville’s Charlotte Corridor (3808 Park Avenue).

Scott Adkins has joined the firm as Director of Publicity/PR after working more than 10 years in television broadcasting, most recently as an Anchor/Reporter at the NBC affiliate in Louisville, Ky.

Robert Hamm will lead Kaleidoscope’s new business and events division as Director of Operations & Events. Hamm previously ran his own events management and production firm.

“Scott and Robert bring a wealth of experience, energy and knowledge to Kaleidoscope Media,” said Angie Gore, founder of the firm, which she established in 1997. “Their dedication to clients, vision for the future and enthusiasm for their work is contagious. I’m confident they’ll lead our firm to new ventures and opportunities, and I’m proud to work alongside both of them.

“Our new location is part of our commitment to Nashville and the revitalization of the Charlotte corridor. We’re thrilled to be part of the fabric of this neighborhood and intend to be active initiators and supporters of the creative and healthy growth of our new community.”

The facility–originally constructed and occupied by the Salvation Army in 1972–includes a commercial kitchen, several offices, community space, an outdoor green space, and event space–perfect for yoga or artist showcases.

Kaleidoscope Media’s phone number remains the same, 615-321-3211.

Kaleidoscope Media's new 3808 Park Avenue headquarters.

Kaleidoscope Media’s new 3808 Park Avenue headquarters.

Guy Clark Documentary Surpasses Kickstarter Goal

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guy clark

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Robert Earl Keen, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Guy Clark and Maude the dog. Pictured (Back row, L-R): Steve Earle, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Joe Ely and Terry Allen.

A Kickstarter campaign to make a documentary about singer-songwriter Guy Clark has surpassed its goal of $75,000 in only three days. Music Industry veteran Tamara Saviano headed up the campaign to make the documentary, which will coincide with Clark’s biography Without Getting Killed or Caught.
The Kickstarter campaign runs until May 20 and they have now set a “stretch-goal” that they hope to reach by that date. The funds will be used for licensing music, photos and footage, insurance, accounting, and more.

As of today, more than 700 people have donated to the campaign.

“I’m thrilled that we have another 29 days to build this campaign,” says Saviano. “But instead of setting a goal for a dollar amount, I’d like our stretch goal to be for more people. So let’s make that our goal. If you’re with me, let’s keep spreading the word about this campaign, but instead of trying to reach the next tier of financial support, let’s grow this 706 people to 5000 people.”

Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark traces the life of music pioneer Clark, who, with his wife Susanna, shaped the contemporary folk and American roots music scene. The film follows Guy’s journey as he moves from Texas to Los Angeles to Nashville to become one of the most revered songwriters in American music and an influential folk hero of the 20th century.

To donate to Guy Clark’s Kickstarter campaign, click here.

Industry Ink: Michael Deputato, Sammy Kershaw, Bev Moser, ASCAP

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Pictured: Michael Deputato with wife and daughter

Pictured: Michael Deputato with wife Milenka and their daughter.

GoFundMe Campaign Launched For Former UMGN Exec Deputato

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for industry executive Michael Deputato, who is fighting brain cancer. Deputato has beaten brain cancer once, but after spending the last decade in remission, the brain cancer has returned.

Deputato worked at UMGN for eight years, before moving to New York in 2012.

To donate, visit gofundme.com.

 

Sammy Kershaw Lands New Record Deal

Sammy KershawSammy Kershaw, known for hits including “Cadillac Style,” “Love of My Life,” and “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” has signed with Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records.

The singer-songwriter is set to release his new album I Won’t Back Down on June 9.

“Sammy Kershaw is one of those voices that you know the moment you hear it. We at Cleopatra are excited to work with an artist of Sammy’s caliber,” says Cleopatra Records President Tim Yasui.

 

Bev Moser Named To Nossi College of Art’s Photography Advisory Board

Bev Moser

Bev Moser

Industry photographer Bev Moser of Moments By Moser Photography has been invited to serve and participate on the Nossi College of Art’s Photography Advisory Board. Board members offer advice and suggestions on the school’s curriculum and give a real-world business perspective in discussions on classes in photography, videography, graphic design, and illustration, as well as the processes of hiring photographers, and more.

Nossi College of Art is based in Madison, Tenn.

 

Newcomer Bailey James Aligns with ASCAP

Pennsylvania singer-songwriter Bailey James signed with ASCAP recently while in Nashville. James has co-written with Jeanie McQuinn, Steve O’Brien and other Nashville writers. She is also working with Jeff Teague of Artist & Repertoire, LLC, as well as DareDevil Productions.

Pictured (L-R): Bailey James with ASCAP's Mike Sistad.

Pictured (L-R): Bailey James with ASCAP’s Mike Sistad.

Kathy Best’s BDBest Events To Represent George Jones Museum

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George Jones

George Jones

BDBest Events, helmed by music industry veteran and event planner Kathy Best, has been selected as the official event planning agency to represent the George Jones Museum.

“I am thrilled about having Kathy join our team as we launch The George Jones Museum,” says Nancy Jones. “Her expertise and knowledge of event planning and 20+ years in the music industry is unparalleled in Nashville and we have many exciting things ahead of us.”

“It is an honor to be working with the George Jones Museum,” says Best. “Nancy Jones and her staff have put together a great tribute to one of Country Music’s most defining performers. Just as impressive is the beautifully designed state of the art event spaces. It’s gorgeous and we are already booking weddings and events before opening. I’m looking forward to spreading the word about the George Jones Museum.” The Museum includes a restaurant, a 7,800 sq. foot event center, a roof top event space and bar overlooking Nashville’s Riverfront Park.

As an event planner and venue owner, Best has planned over 350 weddings including the 2011 wedding for Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert as well as Thomas Rhett, Tom Gossin (Gloriana), Sarah Darling, as well as Brantley Gilbert’s upcoming nuptials. Prior to that, she helmed Front Page Publicity, where she represented artists including Lambert, Martina McBride, the Dixie Chicks and Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait.

Best can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected]

The George Jones Museum is located at 128 Second Avenue North in Nashville.

Norway To Become First Country To Eliminate FM Radio Band

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RadioTowerNorway has revealed that it will become the first country to turn off its FM radio band, beginning Jan. 11, 2017. It plans to stop transmission of the last FM signal in the country’s northern regions by Dec. 13, 2017.

According to a statement by the Norwegian government, the decision aims to save approximately $25 million (US) per year, and aid in facilitating a switch to digital radio.

The Norwegian government stated that the cost of using the FM network is eight times higher than using Digital Broadcasting (DAB) System, which is a standard of digital radio technology used throughout Europe.

“This is an important day for everyone who loves radio,” said Thor Gjermund Eriksen, head of public broadcasting network NRK, in a statement. “The minister’s decision allows us to concentrate our resources even more upon what is most important, namely to create high-quality and diverse radio content to our listeners.”

“Listeners will have access to more diverse and pluralistic radio content, and enjoy better sound quality and new functionality. Digitization will also greatly improve the emergency preparedness system, facilitate increased competition and offer new opportunities for innovation and development,” Minister of Culter Thorhild Widvey added. “Whereas the FM system only had space for five national channels, DAB already offers 22, and there is capacity for almost 20 more.”

Norway’s DAB system offers 22 national channels, compared to five on the FM band. Though Norway is the first to shut off its FM band, other countries in Europe and Southeast Asia are in the process of transitioning to DAB.

March 2015 Tallies From RIAA

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unnamedIn March 2015, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded certifications for 55 Digital Single Awards and 12 Album Awards.

Among those with Nashville ties are Hunter Hayes (“I Want Crazy”) at 2x Platinum, Taylor Swift (“22,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”) at 3x and 6x Platinum, respectively. Jana Kramer’s “Why Ya Wanna” hit Platinum as did Swift’s “Style.”

Nashville Notable Gold Singles
Lee Brice – “Drinking Class”
Brett Eldredge – “Mean To Me”
Hunter Hayes – “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me”
Hunter Hayes – “Invisible”
Sam Hunt – “Take Your Time”
Blake Shelton feat. Ashley Monroe – “Lonely Tonight”
Cole Swindell – “You Ain’t Worth The Whiskey”

Nashville Notable Gold Albums
Chris Tomlin – How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection
Meghan Trainor – Title

VH1 Save The Music Foundation To Blend Music, Cuisine in Nashville

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Musically Mastered MenuVH1 Save The Music Foundation is bringing its new ‘Musically Mastered Menu’ series to Nashville. The series pairs celebrated chefs and musicians for an intimate evening aimed at raising funds to restore music programs in public schools across the country. The three-city series will kick-off in Nashville on April 27, followed by Chicago on Aug. 1 and New York on Nov. 11.

“The VH1 Save the Music Foundation always seeks out new and creative opportunities to spread the word about the importance of music education,” said Paul Cothran, Foundation Vice President and Executive Director. “As advocates of all forms of artistic expression, and fans of great food, we saw a natural pairing in music and food. We are excited to see the magic that can happen when we set the masters of music and cuisine, to pursue their passion!”

The first dinner of the series, held on April 27, is hosted by Chef Trevor Moran of Nashville restaurant The Catbird Seat. The evening will also include an acoustic performance from ‘Ex’s & Oh’s’ singer Elle King. Sponsors for the event include Avnet and William Hill Estate Winery.

VH1 Save the Music has partnered with Metro Nashville Public Schools since 1999, raising $1.23 million for new musical instruments so that students in over 40 schools could gain the tools and confidence to excel in academics as well as pursue their passion.

Musically Mastered Menu tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

Willie and Merle Say, ‘It’s All Going To Pot’

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willie nelson merle haggard 2015

Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard have teamed for Django and Jimmie, a new studio album coming June 2 from Legacy Recordings. They’ve released the first video, “It’s All Going To Pot” (embedded below).

The title track is about their influences, jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and country music’s “singing brakeman” Jimmie Rodgers. Production was helmed by Nelson’s longtime collaborator and friend Buddy Cannon.

In 1983, Nelson and Haggard released Pancho & Lefty, a critically-acclaimed top-selling project which opened the doors for a number of successful follow-up projects together.

Also coming up, Nelson, 81, is releasing his memoir, It’s A Long Story: My Life. In the book, debuting May 5, he discusses growing up during the Great Depression, singing in dance halls at age 13, women in his life, tax troubles, founding Farm Aid, Nashville in the ’60s, his history with alcohol abuse, and marijuana advocacy.

Django and Jimmie track list
1. Django and Jimmie – written by Jimmy Melton and Jeff Prince
2. It’s All Going To Pot – written by Buddy Cannon, Jamey Johnson and Larry Shell
3. Unfair Weather Friend – written by Marla Cannon-Goodman and Ward Davis
4. Missing Ol’ Johnny Cash (guest vocals from Bobby Bare)- written by Merle Haggard
5. Live This Long – written by Shawn Camp and Marv Green
6. Alice In Hulaland – written by Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon
7. Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright – written by Bob Dylan
8. Family Bible – written by Walter M. Breeland, Paul F. Buskirk, and Claude Gray
9. It’s Only Money – written by Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon
10. Swinging Doors – written by Merle Haggard
11. Where Dreams Come To Die – written by Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon
12. Somewhere Between – written by Merle Haggard
13. Driving The Herd – written by Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon
14. The Only Man Wilder Than Me – written by Merle Haggard