IEBA Adds Seven New Board Members

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Newly-elected IEBA Board Directors Scott Pang (ICM Partners), Adam Kornfeld (Artist Group International), Eric Bresler (AEG Facilities), and Brad Garrett (Police Productions).

Newly-elected IEBA Board Directors Scott Pang (ICM Partners), Adam Kornfeld (Artist Group International), Eric Bresler (AEG Facilities), and Brad Garrett (Police Productions).

Members of International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) have elected seven new Board Directors for 2016. Each director will serve up to two three-year terms.

New IEBA Board Directors:

Eric Bresler, VP Event Booking & Development, AEG Facilities
Brad Garrett, Managing Partner, Police Productions
Adam Kornfeld, President Touring North America, Artist Group International
Angela Miles-Powell, Regional Vice President, Ticketmaster
Scott Pang, Agent, ICM Partners
Megan Wilson, VP Tour Marketing, Red Light Management
John Zarling, SVP Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy, Big Machine Label Group

A full list of IEBA’s Board of Directors is below:

Officers:
Immediate Past Chairman – Nicole More, VP of Sales/Entertainment Producer, Neste Event Marketing
Chairman – Kell Houston, Owner, Houston Productions
President – Jon Petrunak, Director of Business Development, Live Nation Arenas
Vice President – Ali Harnell, Senior Vice President, AEG Live / Messina Touring Group
Secretary – Todd Boltin, Entertainment Consultant/Concert Producer, Variety Attractions

Directors:
Wade Asher, General Manager, Chippewa Valley Music Festivals
Bob Babisch, VP of Entertainment, Milwaukee Summerfest
Chris Baldizan, SVP of Entertainment, MGM Resorts International
Tim Beeding, Agent, CAA
John Bolton, Vice President, SMG Entertainment
Lori Bowman, Talent Buyer/Producer, Integrity Events
Eric Bresler, VP Event Booking & Development, AEG Facilities
Charlie Davis, Senior Casino Agent, Paradise Artists
Jeff Epstein, Co-Owner/Agent, Universal Attractions Agency
Andrew Farwell, Concert Promoter, Outback Concerts
Brad Garrett, Managing Partner, Police Productions
Greg Janese, Agent, Paradigm Talent Agency
Barry Jeffrey, Vice President, WME
Brock Jones, VP Booking, SpectraPresents
Adam Kornfeld, President Touring North America, Artist Group International
Darin Lashinsky, CEO, NS2
Roger LeBlanc, Talent Buyer, Madison Entertainment
Hugh Lombardi, SVP & GM, TD Garden
Kevin Meyer, Co-Founder & President, Meridian Entertainment Group
Angela Miles-Powell, Regional Vice President, Ticketmaster
Kevin Neal, Partner/Agent, WME
Lori Otelsberg, President, Signature Entertainment
Scott Pang, Agent, ICM Partners
Lance Roberts, VP Nashville, United Talent Agency
Michelle Romeo, Agent, Romeo Entertainment Group
Ron Sakamoto, President, Gold & Gold Productions
Gary Smith, COO, Pollstar
Amy Tall Chief, Director of Entertainment & Events, Osage Casinos
Ed Warm, Co-Owner, Joe’s Bar
Frank Wing, Vice President, APA
Megan Wilson, VP Tour Marketing, Red Light Management
John Zarling, SVP Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy, Big Machine Label Group

IEBA’s 46th Annual Conference will be held Oct. 9-11, 2016 at the Omni Nashville. Registration is open. The deadline to purchase registration at the early bird rate of $549 is March 31. For more information and to register, visit www.ieba.org.

Dega Jam Country Festival Canceled

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DegaJamNew country festival Dega Jam, which was slated to launch July 1-3, 2016 at the Talladega Superspeedway, has been canceled. Dega Jam was spearheaded by AEG Live, in conjunction with Festival Productions, Inc. CEO and New Orleans Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis.

“We sincerely apologize to everyone impacted by this difficult decision—fans, artists, industry partners, corporate partners, and everyone at Talladega Superspeedway,” read a statement on the Dega Jam official website.

The country festival was slated to include performers Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, and Kid Rock.

Ticket purchasers will automatically receive full refunds, including all service charges, beginning Tuesday (Feb. 23).

Dega Jam is the latest country festival to be canceled, following the halting of the Big Barrel festival (AEG Live’s Goldenvoice Division) in Dover, Delaware, as well as Live Nation’s Farmborough (New York) and Delaware Junction in Harrington, Delaware.

In Pictures: Phil Vassar, Sarah Darling, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton

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Phil Vassar Welcomes Sarah Darling For “Songs From The Cellar” Episode

Phil Vassar welcomed singer/songwriter Sarah Darling for an all-new episode of “Songs from the Cellar,” where Vassar opens the doors to his personal cellar to showcase wine and spirits, share stories and collaborate with special guests.

In the first of a two-part episode, Vassar sampled Darling’s homemade macaroons, paired with a 2011 St Urban-Hof Splatise Riesling before they collaborated on her new tune titled, “Cowboy Ride,” featured on Darling’s upcoming album. The second part will be released in the coming weeks.

Phil Vassar and Sarah Darling

Phil Vassar and Sarah Darling

 

Rascal Flatts Launches Second Las Vegas Residency

ACM Vocal Group Of The Year nominees Rascal Flatts began their second Vegas Residency: Rascal Flatts Rhythm & Roots last Wednesday (Feb. 17). The group returned to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino after a successful debut residency there last year. During a performance this past weekend, the trio also welcomed guest Brian McKnight to the stage for renditions of “Back At One” and “One Last Cry.”

Photo courtesy of Maverick

Photo courtesy of Maverick

 

Blake Shelton Makes Radio Visit During Tour Launch

Blake Shelton visited with radio station WUBE during the first night of the Blake Shelton Presented By Gildan Tour in Cincinnati on Thursday, Feb. 18.

Pictured (L-R): Ron James (WUBE), Lou Ramirez (WMN), Grover Collins (WUBE), BS, Kristen Williams (WMN).

Pictured (L-R): Ron James (WUBE), Lou Ramirez (WMN), Grover Collins (WUBE), Blake Shelton, Kristen Williams (WMN).

Thomas Rhett Celebrates Chart Success With Double No. 1 Party

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Photo Caption (L-R): Producer Dann Huff, “Die A Happy Man” Songwriter Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man” Songwriter Joe London, Producer/”Crash And Burn” Songwriter Jesse Frasure. Photo: Erika Goldring

Photo Caption (L-R): Producer Dann Huff, “Die A Happy Man” Songwriter Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man” Songwriter Joe London, Producer/”Crash And Burn” Songwriter Jesse Frasure. Photo: Erika Goldring

The Valory Music Co. artist Thomas Rhett and his fellow songwriters had plenty to celebrate Monday (Feb. 22) as music industry members gathered to honor Rhett’s two latest No. 1 singles (bringing his total as an artist to five consecutive No. 1 songs) with a BMI-hosted shindig at Nashville’s BarTaco, a favorite dining spot for Rhett and his wife Lauren.

“Die A Happy Man” spent six weeks atop the country songs rankings, the first song since 2008 to manage that feat. BMI’s Leslie Roberts noted that the song went from being written to topping the country chart within one year. The song followed Rhett’s previous No. 1 “Crash and Burn,” penned by Jesse Frasure and Chris Stapleton.

Though Rhett was celebrating his third No. 1 song as a songwriter (“Die A Happy Man”), the party was a first for many of his fellow songwriters.

Though songwriter, producer, and Major Bob Music VP of A&R Frasure penned his first No. 1 song with Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze,” his attendance at the party for “Crash and Burn” marked his first time being honored as a songwriter during a No. 1 party. BMI gave Frasure a BMI guitar to commemorate his first No. 1 song.

The multi-talented Frasure has written for FGL, Meghan Trainor, and Kenny Chesney, produced for TobyMac, and also serves as VP of A&R for Major Bob Music and remains an in-demand DJ for artists like Nicki Minaj and Cee Lo Green.

Jesse Frasure thanked his co-writer Stapleton, who could not attend. “Me and Chris are the ultimate odd couple. I’m so proud of him. It’s been wild to watch this ride, and I’m honored to call him a friend and a co-writer. I don’t ever quite feel justified to be in the same room with him. We have this motto that says, ‘Sad Songs For Dance Floors,’ that’s what we write.”

The party was also a first for Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man” co-writers Joe London and Sean Douglas, who are based in Los Angeles and had never attended a Nashville-style No. 1 party.

London, a producer and songwriter, has had hits including Pitbull’s “Pitbull” and “Day Drinking,” as well as Fifth Harmony’s “BO$$” and Jason Derulo’s “Wiggle.” Meanwhile, Douglas has penned “Heart Attack” for Demi Lovato, and Derulo’s “Wiggle” and “Talk Dirty.” Douglas is also the son of actor Michael Keaton.

“This is one of the most special songs I’ve been a part of,” said Rhett. “I feel like I found myself on this record process, and in my life right now, just in rooms of people that don’t make any sense and should never have a chance of working.” The writers each thanked their wives for inspiring the R&B-influenced song.

(L-R): Back Row – Producer Dann Huff, EMI Blackwood’s Troy Tomlinson, BMI’s Jody Williams, Warner Chappell’s Marc Wilson, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner Front Row – Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson, “Die A Happy Man” songwriter Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man” songwriter Joe London, Big Deal Music’s Casey Robinson, Producer/”Crash And Burn” songwriter Jesse Frasure

(L-R): Back Row – Producer Dann Huff, EMI Blackwood’s Troy Tomlinson, BMI’s Jody Williams, Warner Chappell’s Marc Wilson, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner
Front Row – Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson, “Die A Happy Man” songwriter Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man” songwriter Joe London, Big Deal Music’s Casey Robinson, Producer/”Crash And Burn” songwriter Jesse Frasure

Meanwhile, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson welcomed Rhett’s wife Lauren to the stage and thanked her for providing Rhett’s inspiration for “Die A Happy Man.” He also presented Lauren with a gift from Tiffany & Co.

Among those celebrating Rhett’s two chart-toppers were Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Marc Wilson, CMA’s Brandi Simms, Country Radio Broadcasters’ Ashley Silver and Charlie Cook, producer Dann Huff, Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson, and Valory Music Company’s George Briner.

Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox announced the bank would make two donations on behalf of the writers of both songs to 147 Million Orphans, a charity supported by Thomas Rhett and Lauren.

Thomas Rhett is aiming to add to his chart-topper total with his latest single, “T-Shirt,” a song he has been eager to include on an album for several years.

“I really wanted to cut it on the first album. So this song has been with me for a long time. It was one of my wife’s favorite songs that I put on hold that I didn’t write. It’s just fun and if there was ever a time to put out a song that I always wanted to put out, why not do it after that one? I think it’s a great song to lead into the summertime, and we love playing it live. We’ve been playing it live for like three years, so for it to finally get the recognition that I’ve wanted it to for a long time, this was our shot so we went for it,” he said.

Though Rhett says his team is likely to follow “T-Shirt” with another single from Tangled Up, he is already thinking ahead to the next album.

“[Tangled Up] came out in September, and by the time ‘Die A Happy Man’ had gone Number One, the album had been out for like three months. As an artist I think you feel like you have to turn things around so fast,” he said. “You really do have time to be creative. If you don’t take that time to be creative, then you are going to put something out that’s not worth anybody’s time, in my opinion, at least for myself. I’ve already been out on the road writing a ton and I’m not even writing for me, I’m just writing songs to figure out what direction my brain wants to go, what kind of songs I want to write, where I’m at in my life right now, what kind of content I want to write, so it’s just really fun to get back in and be creative again and start that process again.”

CMHoF Reveals Easter Brunch, Free Spring Break Admission for Local K-12

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McCrary Sisters

McCrary Sisters

Spring break at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHoF) will include two Easter Brunch seatings (March 27) in addition to a slew of family fun (March 19-April 3), including free admission for K-12 Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson Counties (with school ID or apparel). Accompanying adults will receive $10 off.

The McCrary Sisters—Alfreda, Ann, Deborah and Regina—will headline the museum’s inaugural Easter Brunch with two family-style seatings, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the museum’s upstairs Event Hall. Included in the $60 price for adults ($25 for kids 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under) are a performance, Easter Bunny, museum admission and meal prepared by museum executive chef Bobby Hammock. Brunch will feature waffles and scrambled eggs made to order, apple-cider-brined pork, braised Swiss steaks, mushroom-and-herb-stuffed chicken breast, shrimp and lobster Newburg and much more.

“In the same spirit as our holiday Deck the Hall concert series, we wanted to create an annual spring event to bring Nashville friends and families together,” said Sharon Brawner, Sr. VP of sales and marketing for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “This Easter Sunday, we are excited to share the museum galleries, engaging programming and the unmatched views from our Event Hall with the local community. What better place to enjoy soul-stirring gospel music and good Southern cooking than at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.”

Museum event spaces such as the Taylor Swift Education Center will feature hands-on music-making, songwriting, and art programs, including:

Saturday, March 19
10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Preschool Program—Song and Story Time: Bluegrass
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Songwriter Session: Gretchen Peters
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Family Program—Songwriting 101: In the Style of Dierks Bentley

Sunday, March 20
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Creative Zone: Honky-Tonk Hankies
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Bluegrass Demonstration: Belmont Bluegrass Ensemble

Thursday, March 24
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Spring Break Creative Zone: Make a Medallion

Friday, March 25
10:00 a.m.–Noon Family Program: Group Guitar Lesson
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Spring Break Creative Zone: Make a Medallion

Saturday, March 26
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Songwriter Session: Steve Dean and Bill Whyte
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Family Program: Beginner Mandolin Workshop

Sunday, March 27
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Creative Zone: Honky-Tonk Hankies
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Western Swing Fiddle Demonstration: Megan B. Lynch
Chowning and Tyler Andal

Thursday, March 31
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Spring Break Creative Zone: Make a Medallion

Friday, April 1
10:00 a.m.–Noon Family Program: Group Banjo Lesson
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Spring Break Creative Zone: Make a Medallion

Saturday, April 2
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Spring Break Creative Zone: Make a Medallion
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Songwriter Session: Erin Enderlin and Alex Kline
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Family Program: Perk Up Your Pictures

Sunday, April 3
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Creative Zone: Design Your Record Label
Noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Family Programs: Make Letterpress Art with Hatch Show Print
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Western Swing Demonstration: John England

Industry Ink: CMA Awards, Music Biz, T.J. Martell Foundation, Johnstone Entertainment

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CMA Highlights 50 Years Of Memorable CMA Awards Moments

CMA Awards 50 LogoThe Country Music Association is celebrating 50 years of the CMA Awards, with a 50-part video series showcasing some of the awards show’s most memorable moments from five decades of honoring country music’s brightest stars.

The series is titled “CMA Awards 50/50,” and debuts today (Feb. 23) on the CMA’s social platform. The episodes will be released weekly until later this summer, when CMA will release two each week leading up to the broadcast of the 50th Annual CMA Awards in November.

“We have such a rich history and legacy,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The anniversary of our Awards is the perfect opportunity to share that content with our fans as we gear up for Country Music’s Biggest Night in November.”

The series’ videos highlight an array of performances, collaborations, fashion from the past five decades, memorable host moments, and more.

The “CMA Awards 50/50” series is produced by Wilder Media.

“These are the moments from the Awards over the past five decades that resonate with our artists and fans,” Trahern said. “The CMA Awards reflect a moment in history and popular culture. Many of the artists we talked to for the series watched the show growing up. And now, going back and reflecting on some of those acceptance speeches and performances, evokes some great memories.”

Watch the first installment below.

 

T.J. Martell Foundation To Be Honored By Music Business Association

MBA.side_.final_.REV2_

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will present its Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award to the T.J. Martell Foundation in recognition of its four decades of peerless charitable and philanthropic contributions to leukemia, cancer, and AIDS research, among many other accomplishments.

The award presentation will take place during the Music Biz 2016 Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 18, at the Renaissance Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville. It will be accepted by T.J. Martell Foundation CEO Laura Heatherly and feature a video message from Founder and Chairman Tony Martell.

“The T.J. Martell Foundation has been a guiding light in the music industry for more than 40 years, providing a strong and highly successful model for other music-based charitable efforts to follow,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “From major industry events such as the annual Honors Gala to local fundraising efforts throughout the U.S., the T.J. Martell Foundation has generated more than $270 million in donations toward leukemia, cancer, and AIDS research. Their efforts embody the charitable spirit of our award namesake Harry Chapin, and we are pleased to honor them with this award.”

 

Shenandoah Signs With Johnstone Entertainment

Shenandoah

Shenandoah

Grammy Award-winning group Shenandoah has signed with Johnstone Entertainment for management. The band will be represented by Cole Johnstone.

“The confidence that you place in a person should be based on the true understanding you have of their integrity, wisdom and vision,” says Shenandoah original lead singer Marty Raybon. “We feel we made the right decision with Cole Johnstone as our manager as we set our sights on the future.”

Reach Johnstone at [email protected].

BMI Announces Showcases At SXSW

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bmi-logo1111featuredBMI has announced their showcases at South by Southwest. Featuring six events over four days, BMI’s offerings cover a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, Latin, indie and country.

Tuesday, March 15, BMI’s SXSW festivities begin with the Howdy Texas party, held at Stubb’s BBQ. The party features performances by the Peterson Brothers and Dale Watson.

The BMI and SAG-AFTRA present Iggy Pop at ACL Live at the Moody Theatre show will take place Wednesday, March 16. Iggy Pop has recently collaborated with Queen of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme and this show will be one of the first times the pair showcases their collaboration live.

Thursday, March 17, from 12 to 6 p.m., Lamberts Downtown Barbeque will host a Day Party featuring electro-pop artist Mobley, dance band CAPYAC, dream pop group Twin Limb, Ohio-based rock and rollers Welshley Arms, alternative duo Armstrong Leigh, surf psych/Thai funk band Khraungbin and progressive indie performers Young Tongue.

The indie rock showcase, also Thursday, March 17, at Trinity Hall, will feature six acts in the alternative rock world: Electo-pop group Secret Weapons, Cleveland, rock and roll group Welshly Arms, indie hip-hop duo The Blancos, Chicago crooner Janelle Kroll, pop singer Fletcher and LA-based rockers Weathers. Past Indie rock showcase performers include breakout pop star Halsey and bluesy rockers All Them Witches. Prior to the showcase, BMI will host a happy hour, with music by Khruangbin.

Friday, March 18, the Acoustic Brunch, presented in partnership with SunTrust Bank, will highlight singer-songwriter Hailey Knox, synth-rocker Tor Miller, soulful pop singer Shawn Hook, L.A.-based pop-rockers Transviolet, Michigan’s alt-folk group The Accidentals, indie-soul performer JMR and country garage-rocker Aubrie Sellers.

BMI presents Acoustic Latin Sounds at Departure Lounge will take place Friday evening highlighting top songwriters in Latin genres such as reggaeton, traditional Mexican, pop and more. Alternative Mexican singer/songwriter/producer Mitre, reggaeton/hip-hop performer Joyce Santana, singer/songwriter Vanessa Zamora and alternative pop stars Pedrina y Rio will perform from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. The showcase was one of BMI’s biggest hits last year, featuring Raquel Sofia, Anna Sophia and more.

With more than 25 performers, the BMI events at South by Southwest will highlight the best of the up-and-coming songwriters, along with a few seasoned veterans, in genres including Latin, indie, rock and pop. Complete schedules will soon be available on bmi.com.

ACM Announces Nominees For Industry Awards, Studio Recording Awards

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2015_acm_award_logo_tunein_cmyk_type_041415The Academy of Country Music has announced the Industry Award and Studio Recording Award nominees for the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards.

Although these trophies will not be presented during the ACM Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, the Industry Award and Studio Recording Award honorees will be formally recognized at the 10th Annual ACM Honors event at the Ryman Auditorium this fall.

INDUSTRY AWARD NOMINEES:

NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR
• Boondocks – Springfield, Illinois
• Bub City – Chicago, Illinois
• The Bluestone – Columbus, Ohio
• The Pageant – St. Louis, Missouri
• 8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis, Indiana

CASINO OF THE YEAR – SMALL CAPACITY
• Beau Rivage Resort & Casino – Biloxi, Mississippi
• Inn of The Mountain Gods –Mescalero, New Mexico
• Riverwind Casino – Norman, Oklahoma
• Turning Stone Showroom – Verona, New York
• Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, Connecticut

CASINO OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM CAPACITY
• Casino Rama – Rama, Ontario, Canada
• Choctaw Casino Event Center – Durant, Oklahoma
• Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, Connecticut
• The Colosseum at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, Nevada
• The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada

VENUE OF THE YEAR – SMALL CAPACITY
• Georgia Theatre – Athens, Georgia
• House of Blues – Anaheim, California
• House of Blues – Boston, Massachusetts
• Terminal 5 – New York, New York
• The Rave/Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

VENUE OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM CAPACITY
• Ascend Amphitheatre – Nashville, Tennessee
• Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook – Gilford, New Hampshire
• Denny Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Huntington Center – Toledo, Ohio
• Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie – Grand Prairie, Texas

VENUE OF THE YEAR – LARGE CAPACITY
• Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
• Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion – Bangor, Maine
• Gorge Amphitheatre – Quincy, Washington
• Klipsch Music Center – Noblesville, Indiana
• Xfinity Center – Mansfield, Massachusetts

FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
• Boots and Hearts Music Festival – Toronto, Canada
• Faster Horses – Brooklyn, Michigan
• Stagecoach – Indio, California
• Watershed – Quincy, Washington
• Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, Illinois

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
• Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
• Gil Cunningham – Neste Event Marketing
• Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
• John Valentino – AEG Live
• Stacey Vee – Goldenvoice

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
• Brent Fedrizzi –AEG Live
• Darin Lashinsky – National Shows 2
• Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
• Jason Wright – Live Nation
• Michael Yerke – House of Blues

STUDIO RECORDING AWARD NOMINEES:

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Mark Hill
• Tully Kennedy
• Tony Lucido
• Michael Rhodes
• Jimmie Lee Sloas

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
• Chad Cromwell
• Fred Eltringham
• Shannon Forrest
• Chris McHugh
• Nir Zidkyahu

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• JT Corenflos
• Kenny Greenberg
• Jerry McPherson
• Danny Rader
• Derek Wells

PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Jim ‘Moose’ Brown
• Charlie Judge
• Gordon Mote
• Steve Nathan
• Matt Rollings

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Dan Dugmore
• Glen Duncan
• Larry Franklin
• Aubrey Haney
• Danny Rader

STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Steve Fishell
• Paul Franklin
• Steve Hinson
• Mike Johnson
• Russ Pahl

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
• Derek Bason
• Steve Marcantonio
• Justin Niebank
• Vance Powell
• Reid Shippen

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
• Nathan Chapman
• Dave Cobb
• Ross Copperman
• Dann Huff
• Michael Knox

Chris Young and Cassadee Pope Provide In-flight Entertainment on Southwest

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RCA Records’ Chris Young along with duet partner, Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope, give surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.

RCA Records’ Chris Young along with duet partner, Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope, give surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.

RCA Records’ Chris Young along with duet partner, Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope, took to the skies yesterday (Feb. 22) to give a surprise performance to a packed ‘house’ on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One–a Boeing 737-700, emblazoned with an artist’s rendition of the Tennessee State Flag.

Celebrating being in the state of Tennessee for 30 years, Southwest hosted a reception before the flight where guests enjoyed an acoustic performance by Columbia Recording Artist Maren Morris. Guests were then led outside for an unveiling of the airline’s newest specialty aircraft with Republic Nashville’s A Thousand Horses performing in front of the airliner. Nashville mayor Megan Barry was also on hand for the celebration offering a proclamation from the city.

Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope and RCA Records’ Chris Young in front of Southwest Airlines’ Tennessee One.

Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope and RCA Records’ Chris Young in front of Southwest Airlines’ Tennessee One.

Once in the air, Young entertained the Southwest employees, customers and community leaders in a surprise Live at 35® inflight performance by singing his latest No. 1 hit, “I’m Comin’ Over.” Pope, who is currently touring with Young, joined him for an acoustic version of their duet single, “Think Of You.”

During the flight, Young told MusicRow, “You are up 35,000 feet in the air and performing. Not a lot of people get to check that off a bucket list. It’s an experience unlike anything else.”

“I was so excited to be invited,” added Pope. “There’s always that joke when you carry your guitar on the plane about whether you’re going to play, and today– we finally did!”

The flight arrived in Memphis with a water arch salute and fanfare before heading back to Music City.

RCA Records’ Chris Young gives surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.

RCA Records’ Chris Young gives surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.

RCA Records’ Chris Young gives surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.

RCA Records’ Chris Young gives surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.

Carnival Music Adds Marla Cannon-Goodman To Roster

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Marla Cannon-Goodman

Marla Cannon-Goodman

Carnival Music has signed Marla Cannon-Goodman to its roster of talented songwriters.

While still working as a nurse in the 1990s, she penned “The Fool,” which Lee Ann Womack recorded in 1997. The song topped the country charts, becoming the first No. 1 single for both writer and performer. Cannon-Goodman followed the hit with additional chart-toppers including “Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo” (Tracy Byrd), and “Cleaning This Gun” (Rodney Atkins), as well as songs that have been recorded by Eddy Arnold, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Billy Currington, Sammy Kershaw, Blake Shelton, George Strait, and more.

She recently penned several songs with newcomer Tucker Beathard, including his current single “Rock On,” while Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson recorded the Cannon-Goodman composition “Unfair Weather Friend” for their acclaimed Django and Jimmie duets album.

“‘The Fool’ was the first Marla song I heard,” Carnival Music’s Frank Liddell said. “It helped her launch her career, and it helped me land a wife. I went from the fool to the hero. I’ve admired Marla’s songwriting from across town for quite some time. It’s only natural that she’s now part of our family. She’s getting ready for a great run.”

“Signing a deal with Carnival has been a long time coming for me,” Cannon-Goodman said. “I love those guys. I’m looking forward to the ride.”