In Pictures: Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, T Bone Burnett

Brad Paisley surprised concertgoers recently at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. After playing a few seconds of an 80’s country classic by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, “Houston (Means I’m Only One Day Closer to You),” Paisley announced Brothers Larry and Rudy were actually at the show and invited the two to join him onstage.

Brad Paisley with The Gatlin Brothers. Photo: Ben Enos

Brad Paisley with The Gatlin Brothers. Photo: Ben Enos

 

CMA Award winners Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally visited with CMA Foundation beneficiary students at the Doris Miller Auditorium in Austin, Texas prior to their CMA Songwriters Series performance at SXSW. The pair spoke to students about the songwriting process, gave insight into different careers in the music industry, and performed several acoustic songs for the group.

Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves perform for local children on behalf of the CMA Foundation at the Doris Miller Auditorium Saturday in Austin. Photo: Mario Villeda / CMA

Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves perform in Austin, Texas. Photo: Mario Villeda/CMA

 

On the last night of his Blake Shelton 2016 Tour Presented by Gildan, Shelton posed with WMN President & CEO, John Esposito and label/tourmate Chris Janson.

Pictured (L-R): Blake Shelton, John Esposito, Chris Janson.

Pictured (L-R): Blake Shelton, John Esposito, Chris Janson.

 

Berklee College of Music presented American Master Awards to record producer, songwriter and recording artist T Bone Burnett, and acclaimed roots duo Gillian Welch and David Rawlings – both Berklee alumni – at a special Tuesday night (March 8) edition of Music City Roots from the Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.

Welch and Rawlings took the stage after accepting their awards and performed songs including “The Way it Goes,” and “Look at Miss Ohio.” Burnett joined them for “Everything is Free.” Berklee alumnae Sierra Hull, Liz Longley, and Maureen Murphy also performed at the event, hosted by Jim Lauderdale.

The American Master Award is presented by Berklee to industry leaders whose openness, generosity and deep commitment to music education have made a positive impact on the lives of young musicians, providing them opportunities to grow as artists and leaders.

Pictured (L-R): Berklee songwriting professor Pat Pattison, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, T Bone Burnett, and Berklee President Roger Brown.

Pictured (L-R): Berklee songwriting professor Pat Pattison, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, T Bone Burnett, and Berklee President Roger Brown.

 

I Am Second Run Set For Downtown Nashville

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The I Am Second Run Series will come to downtown Nashville for its inaugural Music City event on Saturday, April 2 at Public Square Park, 10 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201. Other participating cities include Dallas, San Antonio, Birmingham, Evansville, Orange County and more.

I Am Second is a movement helping people through real stories from actors, athletes, musicians, former addicts and everyday people that provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday life. These stories give hope to the hopeless and a sense of purpose to the unfulfilled. I Am Second features stories from Scott Hamilton, Mike FisherBrian Welch, Josh Turner, and Jeff Fisher.

The 5K/10K/ Fun Run in Nashville is open to all ages and fitness levels, from serious lifelong runners to joggers or walkers. The Fun Run starts and 8:00 a.m. and the 5K / 10K run will begin at 8:30 a.m. All timed 5K and 10K runners will receive a medal at the finish line with the award ceremony to follow for the top finishers. 5K runners will receive a long sleeve participant shirt and 10K earners will get a short sleeve tech shirt. Entry fees range from $20 – $50 depending on participant’s age and category of run.

For early registration go to iamsecondrun.com.

Dolly Parton and Katy Perry To Duet During ACM Awards

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton and Katy Perry have been added to the line-up of performers taking the stage at the ACM Awards, airing  Sunday, April 3 at 8:00 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS. The two superstars will duet, marking their first-ever live performance together.

Additionally, Parton will be honored with the ACM’s Tex Ritter Award for her television movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors. The movie aired on NBC in 2015 and was watched by more than 16 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV movies of all time. Past recipients of the Tex Ritter Award include Country Strong, Crazy Heart, O Brother, Where Art Thou and Walk the Line, among others.

Parton and Perry join previously announced performers, including Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Cam, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Chris Young with Cassadee Pope and Florida Georgia Line. Additional acts and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 51st Academy Of Country Music Awards, co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

American Country Countdown Awards To Feature Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett

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Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett are set to perform on the American Country Countdown Awards, airing Sunday, May 1 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, from the Forum in Inglewood, California.

The two-hour event is the first country music awards show to air live from Los Angeles in more than 10 years. The awards show is based on 43-year radio countdown show, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors artists based on album sales and radio airplay.

This year’s host, additional performers and award finalists will be announced in coming weeks.

The 2014 inaugural American Country Countdown Awards featured performances by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Hank Williams, Jr.

Tickets for the American Country Countdown Awards at the Forum go on sale to the general public Tuesday, March 22, at 10 a.m. PT at ticketmaster.com.

CMA Announces International Award Recipients

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Kacey Musgraves and Bob Harris receive CMA International Awards during the recent C2C London event. (L-R): Mark Hagen, Executive Producer, BBC; Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award recipient Bob Harris, host of “Bob Harris Country” on BBC Radio 2; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; International Artist Achievement Award recipient Kacey Musgraves; Jason Owen, Sandbox Entertainment President/CEO and CMA Board member. Photo: Anthony D’Angio/CMA

The Country Music Association announced today (March 21) the 2016 recipients of the organization’s International Awards.

The timing of the announcement coincided with the recent C2C London event, where more than 60,000 fans attended a weekend of live performances from the biggest names in country music, alongside emerging artists from the U.K. and Europe. CMA-sponsored activities included the sold-out CMA Songwriters Series featuring Charles Esten, Lori McKenna, Ashley Monroe, Charlie Worsham, and host Shane McAnally, with a surprise appearance by Miranda Lambert.

The CMA Talks series included “Live with Charles Esten” and “Nashville Heavy Hitters” with Susan Bank, Mike Dungan, Ali Harnell, and Randy Goodman.

During the event, Kacey Musgraves was presented the International Artist Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 personality Bob Harris. The singer then surprised the respected broadcaster with the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award. Harris has more than four decades of experience covering music, and is currently on BBC Radio 2. He has been the recipient of three CMA International Awards.

International superstar Reba congratulated Musgraves and Harris, and notified fellow award recipients Gord Bamford and Paul McGuire of Canada via personalized email video messages. Watch Reba’s announcement.

Bamford is winning the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award. Bamford is a 22-time Canadian Country Music Award winner. His seventh studio album will be released on Sony Music Canada this month.

McGuire, host of multiple CMT radio and television shows in Canada, receives the International Country Broadcaster Award.

Jeff Walker posthumously receives the Jo Walker-Meador International Award. Walker was a CMA Board member who worked tirelessly to advance country music in foreign markets, including developing international events during CMA Music Festival. He served on the boards of prominent International Country Music associations in Canada and Australia.

CMA International Awards are voted on by CMA International Membership as well as a panel of domestic U.S.-based industry.

In Pictures: BMI @ SXSW

Performing rights organization BMI showcased several artists in a variety of music genres during South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. BMI hosted events including BMI’s Howdy Texas Party, Acoustic Brunch, Indie Rock showcase, and the Acoustic Latin showcase.

BMI's Mark Mason and Jody Williams pose for a photo with artist Aubrie Seller at BMI's Acustic Brunch during SXSW on March 18, 2016, in Austin, TX. (Erika Goldring Photo)

BMI’s Mark Mason and Jody Williams pose for a photo with artist Aubrie Sellers at BMI’s Acoustic Brunch. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

The Peterson Brothers perform during BMI's Howdy Texas Party during SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

The Peterson Brothers perform during BMI’s Howdy Texas Party during SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Hailey Knox performs at BMI's Acustic Brunch during SXSW on March 18, 2016, in Austin, TX. (Erika Goldring Photo)

Hailey Knox performs at BMI’s Acoustic Brunch during SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Dean Fertita, SAG-AFTRA's Josh Reese, musicians Josh Homme, Troy Leeuwen and Iggy Pop, BMI's Lauren Branson and SAG_AFTRA's Stefanie Taub gather for a photo backstage during SXSW at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater on March 16, 2016, in Austin, TX. (Erika Goldring Photo)

Pictured (L-R): Dean Fertita, SAG-AFTRA’s Josh Reese, musicians Josh Homme, Troy Leeuwen and Iggy Pop, BMI’s Lauren Branson and SAG-AFTRA’s Stefanie Taub during SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Dale Watson performs during BMI's Howdy Texas Party during SXSW at Stubb's on March 15, 2016, in Austin, TX. (Erika Goldring Photo)

Dale Watson performs during BMI’s Howdy Texas Party. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

BMI's Mark Mason gathers for a photo with Welshly Arms at BMI's Indie Rock Showcase during SXSW at Trinity Hall at Old School on March 17, 2016, in Austin, TX. (Erika Goldring Photo)

BMI’s Mark Mason gathers for a photo with Welshly Arms at BMI’s Indie Rock Showcase during SXSW at Trinity Hall at Old School. Photo: Erika Goldring Photo

Industry Ink: Cor Entertainment, SOLID, WMBA, Heartland Records

Cor Entertainment Signs Duo Walker McGuire

Photo: Johnny McGuire, Mickey Jack Cones, Jordan Walker

Pictured: Johnny McGuire, Mickey Jack Cones, Jordan Walker

Cor Entertainment has signed emerging country duo Walker McGuire to an exclusive management contract. Recently, Cor’s publishing arm signed a co-venture with Combustion/Atlas that will represent the two singer/songwriters. Cor Entertainment was founded by the duo’s producer, Mickey Jack Cones.

“In addition to their writing, playing, singing and entertaining abilities, these are two of the hardest working guys I know. They have a long career ahead of them and I am so proud that Cor Entertainment gets to play a part in their success,” Cones said of his clients, Jordan Walker and Johnny McGuire.

 

SOLID Hosts Employment Panel

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Nolan (SOLID University Outreach Co-Chair/ For the Record Entertainment), Tim Gray (SOLID University Outreach Chair/ Grayscale Entertainment Marketing), Faithe Parker (Marbaloo), Chitquita McCarthur (SONY), Hannah Clark (Ryman Hospitality Properties) and Halie Hampton (Maverick Management)

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Nolan, SOLID University Outreach Co-Chair/ For the Record Entertainment; Tim Gray, SOLID University Outreach Chair/ Grayscale Entertainment Marketing; Faithe Parker, Marbaloo; Chitquita McCarthur, SONY; Hannah Clark, Ryman Hospitality Properties; Halie Hampton, Maverick Management.

SOLID recently hosted a panel for music industry newcomers on March 16 titled “An Insider’s Guide on How to Get Your First Job in the Music Industry.” The panel, held at Belmont University and led by SOLID’s University Outreach committee, was the second in the SOLID SPEAK series and consisted of hiring executives, selected to share tips on obtaining a job in Music City.

Tim Gray, University Outreach chair, Lisa Nolan, University Outreach co-chair and Halie Hampton, University Outreach leader with help from the rest of the committee recruited panelists that included: Marbaloo’s Founder and Managing Partner, Faithe Parker; Sony Music Nashville’s HR Manager, Chitiquita McCarthur and Ryman Hospitality Properties’ HR Manager, Hannah Clark.

 

WMBA Presents Sponsorships, Branding Panel

Top row (L-R): Kristen England, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair Meredith Bunch, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair Julia Grimoldi, WMBA Secretary Dana Lalevee, WMBA President Bottom row (L-R): Stacy Scism, WMBA Vice President Holly Lane, Director, Brand Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters Tim Gray, President and CEO of Grayscale Entertainment Tiffany Kerns, Community Outreach Manager at CMA Michelle Jacobs, Agent - Brand Partnerships at WME

Top row (L-R): Kristen England, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair; Meredith Bunch, WMBA Events and Education Co-Chair; Julia Grimoldi, WMBA Secretary; Dana Lalevee, WMBA President. Bottom row (L-R): Stacy Scism, WMBA Vice President; Holly Lane, Country Radio Broadcasters; Tim Gray, Grayscale Entertainment; Tiffany Kerns, CMA; Michelle Jacobs, WME.

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) welcomed Holly Lane (CRS), Tim Gray (Grayscale Entertainment), Tiffany Kerns (CMA) and Michelle Jacobs (WME) to the organization’s monthly membership meeting about Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships held at NSAI on Tuesday, March 15.

Grayscale Entertainment has worked with artists such as Papa Roach, Shooter Jennings, Katy Perry, Joe Diffie, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj.  Lane developed and managed corporate partnerships for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, matching global brands such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, Gibson, Southwest Airlines, and Comcast XFINITY.

Prior to joining WME and CMA, Jacobs served as Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe where she developed local partnerships for special events, managed philanthropic event activation, and oversaw the venue’s digital presence. Kerns has a background with with non-profits, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where she worked with corporate community partners and large community groups to help achieve the development goals of the CFF Board of Directors.

 

Heartland Records Adds VP, A&R

Screen Shot 2016-03-21 at 2.40.58 PMHeartland Records Nashville has added Corey Lee Barker as VP, A&R Nashville. Since moving to Nashville 18 years ago, Barker has had over 400 cuts and television placements for his music. He also penned the book Hit Happens to support aspiring songwriters.

“I am more than excited to join the staff here at Heartland Records and I look forward to great things in 2016 and beyond,” Barker said.

Barker can be reached at corey@heartlandrecords.net.

Old Crow To Perform Dylan’s ‘Blonde On Blonde’ In Entirety

old crow medicine show 2016

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s classic album Blonde on Blonde, the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum will host Grammy-winning Old Crow Medicine Show performing the album in its entirety. The concerts will take place on back to back nights at 8 p.m. May 12 and 13, in the museum’s CMA Theater. The event is in support of the exhibit Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City, presented by Citi.

Museum CEO Kyle Young says, “Fifty years ago, Bob Dylan came to Music City to work with Nashville’s unmatched session players, the Nashville Cats. The result was Blonde on Blonde. This pivotal album opened the floodgates to Music City, and artists such as Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney and Neil Young came here to record. Blonde on Blonde was the impetus for a major shift in both who and what was recorded in Nashville. Dylan’s master work left a new sensibility in its wake and gave rise to a magical time we explore in our major exhibition, Dylan, Cash and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City.

Tickets are $34 and $39 and will go on sale April 1 at 10 a.m. CDT. To purchase tickets, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

Top Nashville Female Music Execs To Speak At Music Biz 2016

MusicBiz logoThe Music Business Association (Music Biz) will host “Finding Your Voice: Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out” on Monday, May 16, from 3:45 p.m. – 6 p.m. during the Music Biz 2016 convention at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville.

The event will feature influential female music executives, as well as Supremes co-founder and vocalist Mary Wilson, as well as songwriting trio the Love Junkies (Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose). The trio penned “Girl Crush” for Little Big Town, who are set to receive the Music Biz 2016 Artist of the Year Award.

Additionally the event will include keynote speaker Vivien Lewit, Director of Content Partnerships and Global Head of Artist Relations for YouTube and Google Play, conducted by music industry veteran Cindy Charles.

Music Biz Board of Directors members, including Candace Berry of Universal Music Group, Kelly Rich of Big Machine Label Group, Christina Calio of Microsoft, Amy Dietz of INgrooves Music Group, and Dilyn Radakovitz of Dimple Records, will then discuss their journey through the music business and how it affects their everyday lives with moderator Debbie Newman.

Finally, entertainment attorney and musician Judy Tint speak with Wilson and the Love Junkies to discuss how female creators navigate their way through the business.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate some formidable women in the music industry and help to inspire those looking to break into the biz with a forum to share ideas and discuss ways to overcome and eliminate inequality,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “It is amazing to see more and more women rising to positions of power and being recognized. We hope this event will play a part in encouraging even more young women to make their mark in this business.”

Admission to “Finding Your Voice: Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out” is included with a full Music Biz 2016 badge, which Music Biz members can purchase at eventbrite.com. Passes for the “Leading Ladies” event only can be purchased via Eventbrite.

Music Biz 2016, which will return to Nashville from May 16-18. For more information or to sign up for the conference, visit www.musicbiz2016.com.

MV2 Entertainment Signs Nora Collins

Nora has self-released four albums of her original songs. Her most recent album My Radio includes seven tracks, all written or co-penned by Nora. The music video for the album’s title-track gained national attention airing on ZUUS TV.  Nora is a hard working performer playing over 200 shows annually for the last five years. She has opened for artists such as American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, Kelsea Ballerini, Jana Kramer, Ronnie Milsap, Ashley Monroe, David Nail, Sixpence None the Richer, Paul Thorn, Josh Turner, The Turnpike Troubadours, Phil Vassar, and many, many more.   Nora, who hails from Wisconsin, has received eight Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award nominations winning three

Standing (L-R):  James Archer, CEO, MV2 Entertainment; attorneys Linda Edell Howard and Amy Everhart; Kendra Poling, MV2; Seated (L-R):  Tony Harrell, GM, MV2; Nora Collins; Clay Myers, Creative Dir. MV2

MV2 Entertainment has signed singer-songwriter Nora Collins. The Wisconsin native has self-released four albums, including most recent title My Radio, featuring seven tracks she wrote or co-wrote.

Collins has been touring for five years, playing over 200 shows annually and opening for artists such as American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley Monroe, David Nail, and Josh Turner. She has won three Wisconsin Area Music Industry awards.

“I am honored to be joining the MV2 Entertainment family,” says Collins. “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with and to learn from such well respected industry professionals like Clay Myers and Tony Harrell. It’s exciting to be a part of a team that is passionate about helping their writers and artists achieve success through values based on faith and integrity.”

Myers, MV2 Creative Director, shares, “I have been following Nora’s growth as an artist and a writer for over a year. She truly has the right stuff to succeed in this very competitive industry. Many great opportunities are coming to this extremely talented young lady.”

“I’m so thrilled to have Nora at MV2. She is a talented and driven artist with a compelling voice,” said Harrell, MV2 General Manager.

Nora Collins