ASCAP, Logan’s Partner To Support Emerging Artists With Nationwide Tour

Logan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese, Jerrod Niemann and ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams.

Logan’s Roadhouse and ASCAP are teaming for the Music City Live! tour, kicking off in early summer 2016 as a way to boost emerging singer-songwriters. Sea Gayle Music/Arista Nashville recording artist and ASCAP member Jerrod Niemann will be the official spokesperson and mentor to artists on the tour. He performed at today’s press event at Logan’s in Nashville, where the tour was announced by ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams and Logan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese.

The Music City Live! tour will visit Logan’s locations nationwide and is part of a larger collaboration between the restaurant company and ASCAP to promote the careers of aspiring songwriter-artists, support music education and more.

On Oct. 1, the Logan’s Roadhouse Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn. will host the restaurant’s first live music showcase featuring emerging artist Chris Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh and Sarahbeth Taite also performed at today’s event.

The yet-to-be-announced performers on the upcoming tour will board three Logan’s Roadhouse/ASCAP-branded tour buses and travel to numerous Logan’s Roadhouse locations. Customers will have the opportunity to interact with artists through meet-and-greets, philanthropic events and more. Niemann will appear at select Logan’s Roadhouses to meet fans and participate in local programs that support music education in schools. The emerging artists featured on the tour will be added to ASCAP-curated playlists at all 230 Logan’s Roadhouse locations in October.

Williams and Borgese noted that it will create income for emerging artists while allowing them to practice their crafts in a friendly environment. “You learn by doing…. In those ‘gulp’ moments before you get on stage,” said Williams. They also saluted ASCAP’s licensing department for coming up with the idea.

“ASCAP’s mission is to make it possible for our members’ music to reach as many music lovers as it can,” said Williams. “To do that we need partners who are as passionate about music as we are. That’s why we are thrilled to join forces with Logan’s Roadhouse to promote some of Nashville’s emerging and most gifted songwriters.”

Niemann said, “I grew up playing in places like Logan’s Roadhouse and there’s not a better place to get the right start. All any artist can ask for is a fair chance to have their music heard.” In fact, when the singer first met his wife, she was working at the Logan’s where today’s event was held. In her honor he performed “What Do You Want?” and followed up with current single “Blue Bandana.”

Borgese said, “We believe that great music comes from emerging artists. We feel they should have a venue that helps support them so that they can continue to tell the stories of life through their music. This tour will give these artists exposure and connect with the Logan’s Roadhouse customers all over America from small towns to big cities.”

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin, Chris Cavanaugh, Logan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams, Sarahbeth Taite and Jerrod Niemann.

Jerrod Niemann