Artist Updates: Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt, Travis Tritt, Haley & Michaels

Jason Aldean Wraps Tour With $615,000 Donation

Pictured (L-R): Jason Aldean, Jennifer Martinez and Donna Wolfson. (Photo by Todd Owyoung)

Pictured (L-R): Jason Aldean, Jennifer Martinez and Donna Wolfson. (Photo by Todd Owyoung)

Jason Aldean donated $615,000 to breast cancer research during his show at the Coral Sky Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Sat., Oct. 24. As part of the 10th annual “Concert for the Cure,” his donation will benefit Susan G. Komen South Florida.  The concert marked the conclusion of his 2015 Burn It Down Tour.

“I know firsthand how important it is to find a cure for breast cancer,” said Aldean. “So, looking out from stage Saturday night at a sea of pink was a pretty cool way to end the tour. For ten years now the fans have been helping us support Komen and I know we’re going to keep it up until nobody has to fight the disease anymore. 

Sam Hunt street partySam Hunt’s Street Party Moves to Wednesday Due to Weather

Sam Hunt’s street party in downtown Nashville will now take place on Wed., Oct. 28.

The outdoor event was postponed by a day due to incoming weather conditions.

The free concert, presented by Bose, will take place at 6 p.m. The stage will be on 5th Ave. South between Demonbreun St. and Korean Veterans Blvd.

Travis Tritt Uncovers His Cabin’s Scary Secrets

Travis Tritt is scheduled to appear on the Lifetime Movie Network’s The Haunting Of… on Thurs., Oct. 29. The one-hour episode will feature Tritt discussing strange occurrences he’s encountered at his lakeside cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In the episode, world-renowned psychic-medium Kim Russo visits the house and uncovers the dark history of the secluded residence.

Travis Tritt on The Haunting Of

Travis Tritt and Kim Russo

Haley & Michaels Step Into the Circle

New duo Haley & Michaels made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Sat., Oct. 24. They performed “The Price I Pay,” the first song they ever wrote together. They also sang their current single, “Giving It All (To You).” The single reached No. 11 on SiriusXM’s “The Highway” Hot 45 Countdown. NBC’s Today co-host Hoda Kotb also invited the married duo to perform that song on the show last month.

Haley & Michaels

Haley & Michaels

Shaffer Named National Director of Promotion at Wheelhouse Records

Jennifer Shaffer

Jennifer Shaffer

BBR Music Group has promoted Jennifer Shaffer to National Director of Promotion for Wheelhouse Records, the label group’s newest imprint.

Shaffer initially joined Wheelhouse Records in August as Director of Southwest/Midwest Promotion when she reunited with the label’s VP of Promotion Teddi Bonadies, with whom she previously worked at Streamsound, Rodeowave and Columbia Records.

A graduate of James Madison University, Shaffer’s career includes stops at Atlantic, Warner Bros Nashville, MCA Nashville, Lyric Street, Columbia, WAR Nashville, Rodeowave, Sidewalk and Streamsound Records.

“I have known and worked along Jennifer’s side for years. Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious! I am very proud to have her on the Wheelhouse team,” says Bonadies.

“I am honored and grateful to Benny Brown, Jon Loba, Carson James and Teddi for giving me this opportunity,” says Shaffer. “I love the all-for-one atmosphere within the BBR Music Group family, and I am thrilled to be able to work alongside Teddi to help lead the team in making Wheelhouse Records a name in the country music world. ”

Shaffer’s new position is effective immediately. She can be reached at 904-386-5050 and jennifer@wheelhousebbrmg.com

Industry Ink: Music Choice, Radio Disney, Carrie Underwood, CMA EDU

Music Choice Adds Santos To Lead Pop, Country, and Kids Formats

Nadine Santos

Nadine Santos

Nadine Santos has been hired to lead Music Choice’s programming team for its pop, country and kids formats. Santos will report to Mic Fox, Director of Programming & Strategy at Music Choice.

Santos worked at Music Choice from 2011-2013 as lead programmer for Music Choice Play linear network. She most recently served as Assistant Program Director/Music Director at 92.3 AMP Radio in New York City where she was responsible for strategic artist initiatives. She started her career out in radio at Power 105.1 in NY during the inaugural launch at the station and also worked at Atlantic Records.

Current rock programmer Gabby Canella, indie programmer Perry Schwartz and new country programmer Evan Levy will report directly to Santos. Santos can be reached at nsantos@musicchoice.com.

 

Radio Disney Country To Launch Nov. 4

Radio-Disney-Country-LogoRadio Disney Country, a country music-focused destination for families, will launch on Wednesday, Nov. 4 on the Radio Disney App.

The broadcast will originate from the 49th Annual CMA Awards. The Radio Disney Country launch will be hosted by its new on-air personality Betsy Spina (Sirius XM’s “The Highway”).

Among the artists to be featured during the Radio Disney Country launch are Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Hunter Hayes, Maddie & Tae, RaeLynn, The Band Perry, and more.

 

Carrie Underwood Celebrates Album Launch

Carrie Underwood celebrated the release of her Storyteller album in New York on Friday morning with a Citi Concert Series performance in Rockefeller Plaza on NBC’s Today. Her interview and performance are available on the Today website here.

Pictured (L-R): Today’s Carson Daly, Tamron Hall, and Savannah Guthrie; Carrie Underwood; and Today’s Al Roker. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Citi.

Pictured (L-R): Today’s Carson Daly, Tamron Hall, and Savannah Guthrie; Carrie Underwood; and Today’s Al Roker. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Citi.

 

Corey Smith Offers Career Wisdom To Students Via CMA EDU

Corey Smith and students at the University of Georgia.

Corey Smith and students at the University of Georgia.

Corey Smith spoke to students at the University of Alabama as part of CMA EDU. The University of Alabama chapter of CMA EDU has more than 30 students interested in pursuing a career in music. Smith spoke of his experience as an artist, life on the road, and took part in a Q&A with students. Before he became a full-time musician, Smith was a high school teacher in Augusta, Ga.

Shawna Bray, President of CMA EDU at the University of Alabama said, “As a chapter, our main goal is to educate students on the various facets of the music industry. We invite industry professionals to speak about their experiences and expose students to new opportunities. We are excited to host Corey Smith, because as both an educator and an artist, he is relatable to students and has a unique perspective we know will be invaluable to our members.”

Smith said, “As a former educator, I always enjoy opportunities to talk about my experience in the music industry in an academic environment. I support the mission of programs like CMA EDU wholeheartedly, and am honored they have invited me to spend some time with students at the University of Alabama.”

Shania Twain’s Personal Tour Bus Headed To Auction

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Shania Twain on her tour bus.

When Shania Twain finishes her final farewell tour “Rock This Country” on Oct. 27 in British Columbia, Canada, the superstar’s luxurious Canadian-built Marathon Entertainer model Prevost tour bus will be offered for sale at auction. The bus will be included in the annual Toronto Classic Car Auction (Oct. 30-Nov. 1) at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The bus will be auctioned on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The tour bus was built at a cost of more than $1 million in 1999. It includes separate front and rear living quarters, with personalized features including a full-size granite walled bath, extra large kitchen and living quarters, full parameter security system and a special area for audio recording.

Twain has sold more than 75 million records to date.

Hosted by Ontario-based CCP Auctions, the Toronto auction attracts thousands of motoring enthusiasts and collectors from across Canada and the United States. For information on the Prevost tour bus and other featured vehicles visit: ccpauctions.com.

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Talladega Superspeedway Festival Reveals 2016 Lineup

DegaJamPreviously announced Talladega Superspeedway country festival, Dega Jam, has announced its lineup for Fourth of July weekend (July 1-3, 2016).

Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Hank Williams, Jr., Billy Currington, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lee Brice, Martina McBride, Gary Allan, Kip Moore, Tyler Farr and dozens more will partake in the first-ever country festival at the country’s largest NASCAR track. Taking place in the infield, three stages will entertain crowds day and night.

Additional artists include Chase Rice, Chris Janson, Dwight Yoakam, Frankie Ballard, Jamey Johnson, Easton Corbin, Jerrod Niemann, Sara Evans, The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill, Kenny Sears and Ranger Doug Green, Montgomery Gentry, Marty Stuart, Eli Young Band, Colt Ford, Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Clare Dunn, John Anderson, Kristian Bush, The Cadillac Three, Aaron Lewis, Pat Green, Josh Thompson, RaeLynn, Mac Powell, Rodney Atkins, Cassadee Pope, Shooter Jennings The Swon Brothers, Mo Pitney, Frank Foster, Whiskey Myers, and Ruthie Collins.

“Being the biggest race track in NASCAR and having nearly 3,000 acres of unlimited camping opportunities, Dega Jam is uniquely positioned to become one of the – if not the – biggest country music festival in the country,” said Grant Lynch, Chairman of Talladega Superspeedway. “More than 70 percent of our NASCAR customers come from outside of the state, generating more than $380 million annually for Alabama tourism, and we expect Dega Jam to add significantly to this economic impact.”

On sale now are general admission 3-day passes (early bird, $179), VIP packages (VIP pit pass, $599, Crew Chief VIP Experience, $999) and travel packages are all on sale now. Camping opportunities for the infield are available.

AEG Live along with Festival Productions, Inc. – New Orleans are partnering with the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) to produce the Dega Jam.

Weekly Register: Luke Bryan Reclaims Country Albums Chart

luke bryan album 2015
In its 11th week, Luke Bryan’s Kill the Lights returns to No. 1 on the country album chart, with weekly sales of 15K copies. That’s just ahead of Thomas Rhett’s Tangled Up (13K), George Strait’s Cold Beer Conversation (12K) and Don Henley’s Cass County (12K).

Sam Hunt’s Montevallo lands at No. 5 with 10K sold. With these figures, the debut project sails past the 800,000 sales mark.

sam hunt montevallo

Chart debuts this week include LeAnn RimesToday Is Christmas, Stoney LaRue’s Us Time, a self-titled EP from The Voice contestant Jake Worthington, and SupersuckersHoldin’ the Bag.

This week’s top country track is Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man,” with 61K digital singles sold. In second place, Kane Brown (a 2013 contestant on The X Factor) debuts with 37.5K tracks of “Used to Love You Sober.” Bryan’s “Strip It Down” (36K), Cam’s “Burning House” (32K) and Hunt’s “Break Up in a Small Town” (31K) round out the Top 5.

Pentatonix album cover

Meanwhile, Pentatonix’s self-titled release on RCA enters at No. 1 on the overall chart with 98K units (88K album only).

Info according to Nielsen Soundscan

Branding Agency To Relocate To Nashville’s SoBro Area

Bethany Newman

Bethany Newman

Branding agency ST8MNT, which has counted several entertainment industry artists and organizations such as Taylor Swift and the CMA among its clients, is slated to move into new offices in Nashville’s SoBro area, according to the Nashville Business Journal.

The agency’s co-founder and president Bethany Newman and her husband, Josh, paid $1.1 million for the new .47-acre site at 822 Third Ave. S. in June. The 8,900-square-foot space is now undergoing a $400,000 renovation. The new site’s square footage is nearly seven times the space ST8MT occupies in its current Brentwood location at 1585 Mallory Lane, Ste. 201.

ST8MNT has also done marketing, digital and branding work for Starstruck Entertainment, Live Nation, American Idol, Tim McGraw, Warner Music Nashville, CMT Music Awards, So You Think You Can Dance, Cassadee Pope and Gloriana, as well as non-entertainment companies such as Goo Goo Clusters, MissionPoint Health Partners, Tenn South Distillery, racer Shelby Blackstock, and dance competition company ShowStopper.

For more information, visit st8mnt.com.

Johnny Cash Live Albums To Hit Retail in 2015-16

Johnny-Cash-LiveColumbia/Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, has announced the upcoming release of two essential live albums from Johnny Cash, one from Denmark (1971) and another from Czechoslavakia (1978).

Johnny Cash’s Man In Black: Live in Denmark 1971 will be released as a CD and digital audio release on Friday, December 4, 2015 and is available for pre-order now. Previously commercially available only as a DVD (released in 2006), the audio will also be available in a special 2-LP set, pressed on red and white vinyl (the colors of the flag of Denmark), exclusively at independent record retailers in celebration of Record Store Day Black Friday 2015 (November 27, 2015). Cash was at a career highpoint and in the middle of 1971 when he was asked to star in his own concert special for Danish television. Lensed before a live audience on a Danish TV sound stage, Man In Black: Live in Denmark 1971 showcases his touring companions—the Tennessee Three (his backup band) June Carter Cash, the Carter Family, Carl Perkins, and the Statler Brothers—in addition to his own setlist of hits and duets (track listing below).

Johnny Cash’s historic Koncert v Praze (In Prague-Live) was recorded on-stage in Czechoslovakia on April 11, 1978, documenting the first time any music artist performing behind the Iron Curtain. This will be available worldwide as a stand-alone CD on Friday, February 5, 2016.

The taping was recorded at the Sportovní hala in Prague, where Cash was invited to perform by the Czechoslovakian government, who acted as agents, promoters and managers for the four shows. Johnny Cash and his entourage of 19 secured work permits and set off from Berlin in a small “school bus,” provided by the Czech government, to test how audiences inside the Soviet bloc would respond to American music. The result, according to the United States ambassador, did more for U.S.-Czech relations in four concerts (playing to a total of 40,000) than he could have accomplished in four years. Those historic performances (which sold out in two days) helped provide a turning point in the thawing of the Cold War. Koncert v Praze (In Prague-Live) was first released on vinyl in Czechoslovakia in 1983, pressed on the local classical label Supraphon then issued in the U.S. as part of the deluxe box set Johnny Cash: The Complete Columbia Album Collection in 2012. While a limited edition 12″ LP edition was pressed on 180 gram red translucent vinyl for Record Store Day 2015, Koncert v Praze (In Prague-Live) is being released worldwide for the first time as a stand-alone CD featuring backing from the Tennessee Three and the Carter Family on 11 songs (track listing below).

Johnny Cash Man in Black: Live in Denmark 1971 Track Listing:
“A Boy Named Sue”
“Sunday Morning Coming Down”
“I Walk the Line”
“Blue Suede Shoes” – Carl Perkins
“Matchbox” – Carl Perkins
“Me and Bobby McGee”
“Guess Things Happen That Way”
“Bed of Roses” – The Statler Brothers
“Flowers on the Wall” – The Statler Brothers
“Folsom Prison Blues”
“Darlin’ Companion” – with June Carter Cash
“If I Were a Carpenter” – with June Carter Cash
“Help Me Make It Through the Night “– with June Carter Cash
“Man in Black”
Introduction to The Carter Family
“A Song to Mama” – The Carter Family
“No Need to Worry” – with The Carter Family & The Statler Brothers
“Rock of Ages” – with The Carter Family & The Statler Brothers
“Children, Go Where I Send Thee” – with  Carl Perkins, The Carter Family & The Statler Brothers

Johnny Cash Koncert v Praze (In Prague-Live) Track Listing:
“Ring Of Fire”
“Folsom Prison Blues”
“I Still Miss Someone”
“Big River”
Cowboy Medley: “I Ride an Old Paint” / “Streets Of Laredo”
“Sunday Morning Coming Down”
“I Walk the Line”
“Last Date”
“City of New Orleans”
Railroad Medley: “Hey Porter” / “Wreck Of the Old ’97” / “Casey Jones” / “Orange Blossom Special”
“Wabash Cannonball”

Nashville Preps Traffic Adjustments For CMA Awards

CMAslider

In preparation for the CMA Awards, there will be traffic adjustments to accommodate for production setup. The CMA Awards will take place Wed., Nov. 4, airing on ABC from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. ET live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Traffic Pattern Changes In Preparation for the CMA Awards

Monday, Oct. 26 to Friday, Oct. 30 and Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8, from 6:00 AM– 6:00 PM/CT, Fifth Avenue will close from Demonbreun Street to the Hilton driveway.

From 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM/CT Monday, Oct. 26, the Demonbreun Street westbound curb lane, next to Walk of Fame Park, will close between Fourth and Fifth Avenues.

From 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday, Oct. 31, Fifth Avenue will close between Demonbreun Street and Broadway.

From 6:00 AM/CT Sunday, Nov. 1 to 6:00 AM/CT Thursday, Nov. 5, no parking will be allowed on the eastbound lane of Broadway from Fourth to Eighth Avenues.

From 6:00 AM/CT Sunday, Nov. 1 to 5:00 PM/CT Thursday, Nov. 5, Sixth Avenue South will close between Demonbreun Street and Broadway.

From 6:00 AM/CT Sunday, Nov. 1 to 4:00 AM/CT Thursday, Nov. 5, the westbound lanes of Demonbreun Street will close from Fifth to Sixth Avenues.

From 6:00 AM/CT Sunday, Nov. 1 to 6:00 AM/CT Thursday, Nov. 5, Fifth Avenue will be closed from Broadway to Demonbreun Street.

From 9:00 PM/CT Monday, Nov. 2 to 2:00 AM/CT Tuesday, Nov. 3, both eastbound lanes of Broadway will close from Fourth to Seventh Avenues.

From 9:00 AM/CT Tuesday, Nov. 3 to 2:00 AM/CT Thursday, Nov. 5, the westbound lanes of Demonbreun Street will close from Fourth to Fifth Avenues.

From 6:00 AM/CT Wednesday, Nov. 4 to 2:00 AM/CT Thursday, Nov. 5, the following streets will close:

Sixth Avenue South will be closed between Korean Veterans Blvd. and Demonbreun Street. (No through traffic – MCC parking, entrance and exit only.)
Fifth Avenue South between Korean Veterans Blvd. and Demonbreun Street.
Demonbreun Street will close between Fourth and Eighth Avenues South.
Seventh Avenue South will close between Demonbreun Street and Broadway.
McGavock Pike will close between Seventh and Eighth Avenues South.
From 6:00 AM/CT Wednesday, Nov. 4 to 2:00 AM/CT Thursday, Nov. 5, the Fourth Avenue westbound curb lane will close between Broadway and Demonbreun Street.

From 6:00 AM/CT Wednesday, Nov. 4 to 6:00 AM/CT Saturday, Nov. 7, the sidewalks on the westbound lanes of Demonbreun Street will close from Fourth to Sixth Avenues.

Artist Updates: Sam Hunt, Scotty McCreery, RaeLynn, Christy McDonald

Sam Hunt Plans Nashville Street Party

Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt

MCA Nashville artist Sam Hunt will host a street party in downtown Nashville Tuesday, Oct. 27. The party will be presented by Bose.

Hunt is nominated for three CMA Awards, including New Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, and Song of the Year, as well as three American Music Awards, including New Artist of the Year, Favorite Male Artist-Country, and Favorite Album-Country.

 

Scotty McCreery Earns 2016 Patrick D. Kenan Award for Vocal Health and Wellness

Scotty McCreery

Scotty McCreery

Scotty McCreery will be honored with the 2016 Patrick D. Kenan Award for Vocal Health and Wellness at Duke Voice Care Center’s 10th Annual World Voice Day celebration, slated for March 29.

The event will be held at the Cary Arts Center in Cary, N.C.

To keep up his demanding touring schedule, McCreery says he is careful to practice good vocal care.

“My voice is my livelihood, so taking care of it is essential,” said McCreery. “I make sure to stay as healthy as I can and not put any strain on my voice…well, unless I’m at an NC State sporting event! I also consult with my doctors regularly to make sure my vocal cords remain in great condition.” McCreery will offer an acoustic performance and share more secrets for keeping voices healthy at the event

“Voices are the foundation of who we are. Our voices serve to inspire us, contributing to our beliefs and values, influencing the collective history of the human race. We honor our voices on World Voice Day and the unique contribution of everyone’s voice signature,” says Duke Voice Care Center Director David Witsell, MD, MHS.

 

RaeLynn To Perform For Songs For Sound

Raelynn

RaeLynn will perform at the Great Georgia Air Show in Peachtree, Ga., on Oct. 31 as part of Songs for Sound, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of people suffering from hearing loss.

A screening vehicle will be at the event on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 to offer free auditory screenings, equipment demos and other information and giveaways to help raise hearing health awareness and offer support for veterans and their families.

RaeLynn’s debut single, “God Made Girls,” has sold over a half a million copies. Her follow-up, “For A Boy,” is now available on iTunes along with her EP release, aptly titled ME.

RaeLynn will also appear at the Songs for Sound mobile center on Oct. 31 for private meet-and-greets. Passes are available for a donation to benefit Songs for Sound at www.songsforsound.com.

 

Singer-songwriter Christy McDonald Releases “Here Comes The Night”

Screen Shot 2015-10-23 at 2.18.30 PMChristy McDonald has released the single “Here Comes The Night.” In conjunction with breast cancer awareness month, a portion of the proceeds from the song will be donated to the T.J. Martell Foundation for cancer research.

The track features former Iron Maiden member Alf Batz on guitar, as well as three-time Grammy nominee Shaun Murphy on background vocals. The track was produced by McDonald, AJ Masters and Grady Walker. Masters died of cancer in 2015, inspiring McDonald to use the song as a vehicle to give back.