CMA Music Fest’s Fan Fair X Gets Title Sponsor, Reveals Artist of The Day

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Fan Fair X ATTAT&T will return for the fourth time to the CMA Music Festival, this year as title sponsor of Fan Fair X. The technology company will also install special network equipment in and around the Music City Center, Lower Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, and LP Field for better connectivity to its network.

The AT&T U-Verse Fan Fair X will offer 353,000 square feet of artist booths, a marketplace, interactive experiences, lifestyle exhibits, activities for children, an auction, and three stages (outlined below) for activities Thursday through Sunday, June 11-14 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Venue doors open at 9:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday, June 12-14; 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 11.

Each morning, a different Artist of the Day is planned to take to the CMA Close Up Stage (outlined below). They will autograph an item that will be immediately auctioned from the stage to benefit the CMA Foundation.

AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X is free to all CMA Music Festival LP Field ticket holders. Individual tickets are $10 per day. Cost is $25 for a four-day pass, or $35 for a four-day pass including one general admission into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for 2015 is available at CMAfest.com. The latter is available at countrymusichalloffame.org/cmafest2015.

Artist of the Day
Thursday (June 11) – Little Big Town, ribbon cutting at 9:15 a.m. and Q&A at 10:15 a.m.
Friday (June 12) – Hunter Hayes
Saturday (June 13)– Chris Young
Sunday (June 14) – Darius Rucker

CMA Close Up Stage (superstar panels and more; growing from 600 to more than 800 seats this year; Between programming, fans will be treated to the CMA Prize Wheel offering opportunities to win Ultimate Fan Experiences)

A complete list of panels and performances is available at CMAfest.com, but in addition to the Artist of the Day programs each morning some of the highlights include:

  • A panel with the 2015 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Jim Ed Brown and The Oak Ridge Boys
  • CMA Songwriters Series featuring Sara Evans
  • Kristian Bush and Friends
  • American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks
  • Q&A with Kellie Pickler
  • Jim Halsey Starmaker Panel: starring Roy Clark and special guests
  • Singer and star of ABC’s Nashville, Charles Esten
  • SESAC Songwriters
  • A discussion with stars of the Grand Ole Opry
  • Celebrating female songwriters, the Song Suffragettes with special guest Jamie O’Neal

AT&T U-verse Showcase Stage (acoustic performances by rising talent and established stars)
Lauren Alaina, Katie Armiger, Craig Campbell, Amber Carrington, Kristy Lee Cook, Joel Crouse, Jessie James Decker, Travis Denning, Eric Dodd, Cale Dodds, Elizabeth Huett, Savannah Keyes, Ryan Kinder, Love and Theft, Rachele Lynae, Dustin Lynch, MamaDear, Kristen Merlin, Katie Ohh, Angaleena Presley, Rainey Qualley, Ray Scott, Sister C, The Railers, and Aaron Watson

Durango Music Spot (performances programmed by storied powerhouse radio station WSM-AM)
Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Rex Allen, Jr., Bill Anderson, Lynn Anderson, Baillie & The Boys, David Ball, Moe Bandy, Bobby Bare, Mandy Barnett, Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Savannah Berry, Jim Ed Brown, T Graham Brown, Paulette Carlson, Helen Cornelius, Sarah Darling, Narvel Felts, Janie Fricke, David Frizzell, Steve & Rudy Gatlin, Mickey Gilley, Teea Goans, Marty Haggard, Wade Hayes, Ken Mellons, Kelly Lang, Ronnie McDowell, Moore & Moore, Lee Roy Parnell, Eddy Raven, Charlie Rich, Jr., Sammy Sadler, Sarah Dunn Band, Jeannie Seely, Ashton Shepherd, TG Sheppard, Daryle Singletary, Doug Stone, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, The Auctioneers, The Roys, Leroy Van Dyke, Leona Williams, Mark Wills, and Billy Yates

Industry Ink: Renee Bell, Dave Fowler, Ali Harnell

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Renee Bell Opens Dog Boutique in Green Hills

renee-crop-2

Renee Bell

Former Sony executive Renee Bell is following her passion for animals with her newly-opened dog boutique, Winston Dog. The dog boutique carries dog clothes, dog beds, collars, carriers, organic treats, and more. Winston Dog will also offer Nashville’s first “fluff out” bar for dogs.

The boutique is nestled in the Hill Center in Green Hills, located at 4017 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 310 in Nashville.

For more information, visit winstondog.net.

Dave Fowler Joins Graham Artist Management

Musician and industry exec Dave Fowler has joined Graham Artist Management to handle day-to-day duties for duo Trick Pony.

Dave Fowler

Dave Fowler

Fowler has previously done extensive touring and studio work as a bassist for Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, Lorrie Morgan, and others.

Graham Artist Management also represents Sweetwater Rain, Heartland, Abby Graham, and Brian Milson.

Ali Harnell To Be Honored by T.J. Martell Foundation

The T.J. Martell Foundation will celebrate the career achievements of Ali Harnell, Sr. VP at AEG Live/The Messina Group with a “toast & roast” at its Ambassador of the Year event. The celebration will be held at Zanies on May 11 at 6 p.m.

Ali Harnell

Ali Harnell

The T.J. Martell Foundation’s “Ambassador of the Year” event recognizes an individual who has risen to the top of their field.

Harnell manages the southeast region for AEG from its Nashville headquarters, and oversees booking and operations as well as national touring activity for Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town, and others.

Tables and individual tickets are on sale at tjmartell.org. Sponsorships are available by contacting Tinti Moffatt at the T.J. Martell Foundation at 615-256-2002.

Songwriters Hall of Fame To Honor John LoFrumento

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John LoFrumento

John LoFrumento

John LoFrumento, ASCAP’s recently retired Chief Executive Officer, will be awarded the Visionary Leadership Award at the 46th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner in New York City. The event is slated for Thursday, June 18 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

The Visionary Leadership Award acknowledges a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Board of Directors who has made a significant contribution in furthering the ongoing mission of the organization and in elevating the Songwriters Hall of Fame to a level of prominence and distinction. The award has been presented twice before, to SHOF Chairman Emeritus, Hal David and to former BMI leader Del Bryant.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2015 class includes Nashville’s own Bobby Braddock, Toby Keith, Willie Dixon, Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia, Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry. Van Morrison will be honored with the Johnny Mercer Award, Lady Gaga will be presented with the first-ever Contemporary Icon Award and fun.’s Nate Ruess will receive the Hal David Starlight Award.

Tickets for the event begin at $1,250 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events, 914-579-1000. Net proceeds will go toward the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.

Combustion Music, Atlas Music Welcome Mickey Jack Cones To Roster

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MJC Combustion Atlas Signing

Pictured (L-R): Chris Farren, Mickey Jack Cones, Chris Van Belkom.

Producer, musician, and songwriter Mickey Jack Cones has produced songs including Joe Nichols‘ “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah,” and Dustin Lynch‘s “Where It’s At (Yep Yep).” He’s also worked with Trace Adkins, Jeff Bates, Thompson Square, and more.

The multi-talented Cones has now joined Combustion Music, along with partner Atlas Music Publishing, under a long-term publishing agreement.

Combustion Music’s President, Chris Farren, says, “I have been a big fan of Mickey’s for some time. He is a triple threat as a musician, songwriter and producer, and is one of the hottest producers in Nashville. What the rest of the town may not know is that he is an equally good songwriter, and we plan on helping him grow that facet of his career. We couldn’t be more fired up.”

Cones will work with Combustion’s creative team (Chris van Belkom and Kenley Flynn) to seek out new opportunities, manage his calendar and pitch his songs.

In addition to his work as a musician, songwriter and producer, Cones owns Westwood Studios, a retreat-like recording studio in Nashville’s Berry Hill area.

Cones says, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining such a force of a team with Combustion and Atlas. They are, irrefutably, among the heaviest of hitters in the music publishing industry. Their proven hit making track record speaks for itself. Not to mention, it doesn’t get any better than this caliber of people. Creatively and personally, I couldn’t ask for a better partnership.”

2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards Reveals First Round of Performers

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k love awards

The first round of performers has been announced for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards, which will take place on May 31, 2015 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Colton Dixon, For KING & COUNTRY, Francesca Battistelli, Hawk Nelson, Lauren Daigle, Third Day and TobyMac are among those who will bring their talents to the K-Love Fan Awards stage this year.

The K-LOVE Fan Awards is part of the K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, held at The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville on May 29-31.

FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron will host the fan-generated awards show that honors artists, authors and athletes who impact popular culture in a positive and encouraging way.

For more information, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

DISClaimer: Janson’s “Boat” Is Sailing High

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ChrisJansonThere’s a new sheriff in town.

Actually, he’s been around awhile, performing often at the Grand Ole Opry, writing songs beaucoup, issuing records on an independent label and earning a reputation as a highly entertaining stage performer. Now Chris Janson not only has a major-label shot, but has the most delightful new song of the season. Give that man a Disc of the Day award.

Also lend your ears to the singles by The Cadillac Three, Jason Michael Carroll, Lee Brice and Steven Ybarra. Not to mention The Bigsbys. I know next-to-nothing about these guys, except that their raw oomph won them my DisCovery Award. Judging by their touring schedule, I’d say they are Texans.

CHRIS JANSON/Buy Me A Boat
Writers: Chris Janson/Chris DuBois; Producers: Chris DuBois/Brent Anderson/Chris Janson; Publishers: Red Vinyl/Buckkilla/House of Sea Gayle, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Where do I begin? The shuddering-twang guitar work; the hillbilly-accented delivery; the wildly inventive lyric; the hook-filled melody; the blue-collar message. It’s all here, and then some. In a word, brilliant. The rest of you gathered here today for my listening enjoyment might as well pack your bags.

NATASHA BORZILOVA/Wilder Days
Writer: Natasha Borzilova; Producers: Natasha Borzilova/John Caldwell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley, ASCAP; Hadley Music
-The title tune of this former Bering Strait frontwoman’s fourth solo outing is kissed with mandolin twinkles and crunchy guitar chops. It takes a good while to get to the hook. But the getting-there sure is listenable.

THE CADILLAC THREE/White Lightning
Writer: Jaren Johnston; Producers: Dann Huff/Justin Niebank; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Texa Rae, ASCAP; Big Machine
-Not to be confused with the George Jones/Sawyer Brown chestnut, this is a love song where emotion hits him with the force of a thunderstorm. Well written, produced with panache and performed with intense believability. Groovy in the extreme. This trio has so far issued nothing but excellent records. It is high time you played them.

RANDY ROGERS & WADE BOWEN/In The Next Life
Writers: Wade Bowen/Randy Rogers; Producer: Lloyd Maines; Publishers: Theycallmepaul/Warner-Tamerlane/Trouble Songs, ASCAP/BMI; Lil’ Buddy Toons
-These two longtime buddies have teamed up on a CD titled Hold My Beer Vol. 1. It kicks off with this autobiographical thumpy jangler. Their brotherhood/friendship glows in every note. And, boy, is this country, country, country. My kinda music. In case you’re wondering: What happens “in the next life,” is “we’re gonna be ourselves again.”

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL & THE TIME JUMPERS/Faded Love
Writers: Bob Wills/John Wills; Producers: Ray Benson/Sam Seifert; Publishers: none listed; Bismeaux (track)
-Asleep at the Wheel’s latest Bob Wills tribute CD is called Still the King. You’ll find Lyle Lovett, Brad Paisley, Merle Haggard, Old Crow Medicine Show, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson and more on its 22 tracks. The most poignant one is this — the all-time western-swing classic performed by the two bands on earth that understand this music best, highlighted by a soul-piercing vocal by Dawn Sears. The Jumpers’ singer died last December, so this is her fitting epitaph.

The Bigsbys

The Bigsbys

THE BIGSBYS/Keep You Waiting
Writers: Alex Smith/Jonathan Tyler; Producer: Jonathan Tyler; Publisher: Swanson Hill, no performance rights listed; Shiner
-This four-piece combo lets fly with a robust, muscular, country-rocking sound. The single features a deep, deep bass rhythm track and three-part harmony choruses. There is a scrappy energy here that I find enormously endearing. Recommended.

LEE BRICE/That Don’t Sound Like You
Writers: Lee Brice/Rhett Akins/Ashley Gorley; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb (track)
– Admittedly, following “I Don’t Dance” and “Drinking Class” is daunting. For any other artist, this would be a perfectly good single. But by comparison with its predecessors, the song is ordinary.

SCOTT DEAN/In My Arms
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; SDC (track)
-This guy works the Texas market. To go further, I’d recommend a more imaginative production approach.

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL/God Only Knows
Writers: J.M. Carroll/P. Good/A.J. Babcock; Producer: J.M. Carroll; Publishers: none listed; For the Loney/Malaco (track)
-Not to be confused with The Beach Boys classic with the same title, this is a country rocker about a no-good man who loses his gal because of his carousing. The track bristles with energy, and his singing has never sounded stronger. Well done.

STEVEN YBARRA/What I Really Want To Say
Writers: Steven Ybarra/Diane Waters; Producers: Steven Ybarra, Chris Rodriguez, Dran Michael & Chad Jeffers; Publishers: none listed; Pacific (track)
-The title tune of this fellow’s CD kicks off the collection with some ear-opening, thunderous, stark drum pounding. But by the time he swings into the chorus, it’s sunny fiddling, soaring guitars and tenor vocal gliding all the way. Polished, promising and highly professional.

2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Rules In Favor Of Pandora

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pandora-logoThe 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the March 19, 2014 rulings in performing rights organization ASCAP’s case against Pandora, rejecting efforts by ASCAP and music publishers that would force the internet radio company to pay higher royalties and have access to fewer songs.

The appeals court rejected ASCAP’s effort to increase the rate that Pandora must pay to license its music from 2013 to 2015, thus upholding two rulings from U.S. District Judge Denise Cote (Manhattan). The first ruling required Pandora to pay ASCAP a royalty rate of 1.85 percent of revenue for use of its songs from 2011-2015. ASCAP has proposed an escalating rate that capped at three percent.

The second ruling rejected efforts by Vivendi SA’s Universal Music Publishing, as well as Sony/ATV Music Publishing and EMI Music Publishing, to withdraw their new media licensing rights from ASCAP.

ASCAP WE CREATE MUSIC1“This ruling reaffirms what we already know – that the ASCAP Consent Decree and the rules that govern music licensing are outdated and completely out of step with the way people listen to music today,” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews of the ruling. “We are encouraged that the Department of Justice is reviewing the ASCAP Consent Decree and by the growing chorus of voices in support of our efforts to modernize music licensing – from the Copyright Office to Congressional sponsors of the Songwriter Equity Act. Powerful corporate interests, like Pandora, are determined to stand in the way of meaningful music licensing reform so that they may continue to shortchange songwriters. This is a wake up call for creators to stand together, get involved and fight for their right to be paid a fair market rate for the use of their works.”

Show Dog Nashville Adds Suzanne Durham To Team

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Suzanne Durham and Toby Keith

Suzanne Durham and Toby Keith

Show Dog Nashville has added Suzanne Durham as National, Promotion and Social Media. Durham rejoins the Show Dog team after serving as a radio liaison and social media manager for Toby Keith since 2011. Prior to her work directly with Keith, Durham served as Northeast Promotion and Marketing Director at Show Dog-Universal.

“Suzanne has been both an innovative promoter and a social media force, that we are excited to have her rejoin the team in this new capacity,” says Rick Moxley, Vice President, Promotion. “Her experience, direction, organization and drive will greatly benefit our team.”

“My favorite thing has always been the brainstorming and passion that begins as a conversation with a radio friend,” Durham says. “I’m excited to be at it again, from the front line. As Toby’s radio liaison/social media rep these last four years I was fortunate to be able to work with and learn from Toby, Show Dog, TKO Artist Management, the Toby touring team, country radio, and Team Leg Hair Don’t Care (#noshavenovember). I’ll still be doing what I’ve been doing, there’s just a little more to it now. Oh, wait a minute…ha, I look forward to re-joining Show Dog Nashville and working with Rick Moxley and George Nunes and the entire Show Dog team…again.”

Durham will be based out of the Show Dog office in Nashville. She can be reached at 615-828-9493 or at [email protected]

HSN, Inc. Partners To Offer Margaritaville-Inspired Products

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margaritavilleMargaritaville Enterprises has partnered with HSN, Inc. to offer culinary, home, electronics, beauty, and apparel products to HSN and HSNi’s Cornerstone division brands, Frontgate and TravelSmith. All items will be in inspired by the Margaritaville brand.

“We’re thrilled to launch this new partnership with HSNi and provide millions of new consumers the opportunity to experience the Margaritaville way of life, wherever their current latitude,” said John Cohlan, CEO, Margaritaville Enterprises. “From our island-inspired home decor and entertaining products to our frozen concoction makers and apparel, each item in the collection embodies escapism, relaxation, paradise and the Margaritaville state of mind.”

The partnership officially launches today (Wed. May 6, 2015) with 142 home products on the Frontgate website. HSN will offer Margaritaville-branded merchandise starting July 3. HSN will also host a month-long celebration for its 38th Birthday with “5 O’clock Somewhere” shows each Friday on their TV, online, mobile and social platforms.

SOURCE Awards Honorees Revealed for 2015

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sourceThe honorees for the 2015 SOURCE Awards, slated for Sept. 29 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at the Historic Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, have been announced.

Recipients include Phyllis Deen Hill (Sun Records), Gayle Holcomb (WME), Cindy Mabe (UMG), Mary Del Scobey (Almo/Irving Music), Nancy Shapiro (Recording Academy), Sally Williams (Ryman Auditorium), and a posthumous award to Terrell Tye (Forerunner Music).

Founded in 1991, SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting women executives and professionals who work in all facets of the Nashville music industry. In 2003, the annual SOURCE Awards were established to pay respect to and honor the women who helped develop and build upon the foundation of the music industry in Nashville. SOURCE also pays tribute to women who presently make major contributions with their work in the industry.