‘Nashville Scene’ Editor Jim Ridley Dies At 50

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Jim Ridley

Jim Ridley

Nashville Scene editor Jim Ridley, who began his career at the alternative weekly in 1989, died Friday (April 8) at age 50.

According to an obituary on the weekly’s website, Ridley suffered a cardiac event on March 28, and never regained consciousness.

Ridley’s journalism career began at age 13, when he contributed book reviews to The Tennessean. In 1989, he joined Nashville Scene as a film review contributor and in 2009, he took the helm of the Scene as editor, when SouthComm purchased the paper from Village Voice Media.

Ridley’s talent earned first place honors in arts criticism from the Association for Alternative Newsmedia in 2006 and 2010. Under his leadership, the Nashville Scene won 40 AAN awards.

For a full obit and remembrance, visit nashvillescene.com.

Services were held Saturday, April 16, at Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro. A GoFundMe account was set up to cover medical expenses, funeral expenses and to support his family.

Tin Pan South 2016: Night 4

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Marti Frederickson at The Country. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography

Marti Frederickson at The Country. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography

Some of Nashville’s top songwriters serenaded sold-out crowds at Tin Pan South shows at 10 different venues across Nashville on Friday night (April 8).

The “One Stop Shop for Nashville Pop” show at the Blue Bar featured Sammy Arriaga, Tyler Filmore, Sebastian Garcia and Steve Means. Kip Moore, Brett James, Caitlyn Smith and Justin Weaver delighted a packed Bluebird Café late show, and the same could be said for the late show at The Country with Kim McLean, Alyssa Micaela, Liz Rose and Emily Shackelton.

The line to see Naima Adedapo, Cassidy Lynn Alexander, Whitney Duncan, Clay Mills, Anthony Smith and special guests at the Commodore Grille early show was cut off before showtime due to an overflow crowd. Ella Mae Bowen, Marcus Hummon, Autumn McEntire, Chris Roberts and Scott Stevens packed the Douglas Corner early show, as did Tommy Lee James, Ryan Lafferty, Jon Randall and others at the Station Inn late show.

Meanwhile, the lineup at 3rd & Lindsley included Bobby Bones, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Travis Meadows, Lee Thomas Miller and Angaleena Presley, among others.

Pictured: Bobby Bones (red hat) leads the late round at 3rd & Lindsley with Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStephano and Lee Thomas Miller Photo Credit: Jason Delkou Photography

Pictured: Bobby Bones (red hat) leads the late round at 3rd & Lindsley with Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano and Lee Thomas Miller
Photo Credit: Jason Delkou Photography

Chris DeStefano. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography

Chris DeStefano. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography

Travis Meadows. Photo: Libby Oellerich

Travis Meadows. Photo: Libby Oellerich

Angaleena Presley. Photo: Libby Oellerich

Angaleena Presley. Photo: Libby Oellerich

Carrie Underwood To Join Keith Urban On Tour In Australia

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Pictured: Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood

Pictured: Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood

While most artists will be winding down their tours in December, Carrie Underwood will ramp up with six newly-added tour dates in Australia. Underwood will join Keith Urban on the Australian leg of his Ripcord World Tour 2016.

The trek will be Underwood’s third trip Down Under, following an album promotional tour in 2011, and in 2012, when she brought her Blown Away Tour to Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney.

This time, Underwood and Urban will visit Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and wrap with two shows in Brisbane.

Underwood is touring throughout 2016 on The Storyteller Tour—Stories In The Round, which will wrap its U.S. dates on Nov. 28 in West Valley City, Utah.

Ripcord World Tour 2016 Australia Tour Dates:
Tues., Dec. 6, Adelaide – Entertainment Centre
Thurs., Dec. 8, Melbourne – Rod Laver Arena
Sat., Dec. 10, Canberra – GIO Stadium
Mon., Dec. 12, Sydney – Allphones Arena
Fri., Dec. 16, Brisbane – Entertainment Centre
Sat., Dec. 17, Brisbane – Entertainment Centre

Sam Hunt Leads Country Finalists For Billboard Music Awards

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Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt

Several Nashville artists are nominated for honors at the upcoming 2016 Billboard Music Awards, set to take place in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, and air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Sam Hunt has four nominations, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Album (for Montevallo), and two entries in the Top Country Song category, with “Take Your Time” and “Break Up In A Small Town.”

The Top Country Artist and Top Country Album categories mirror each other this year, with Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood earning the nominations in both categories.

Additional finalists for the Top Country Song category include Little Big Town‘s “Girl Crush,” Thomas Rhett‘s “Die A Happy Man” and Chris Young‘s “I’m Comin’ Over.”

The Top Christian Artist finalists include Casting Crowns, Lauren Daigle, Hillsong United, MercyMe, and Chris Tomlin, while Top Gospel Artist finalists include Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Tasha Cobbs, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene and Marvin Sapp.

Country duo Joey+Rory‘s Hymns That Are Important To Us was also nominated in the Top Christian Album category.

The Weeknd has the biggest showing among the finalists, with 19 nominations in 16 categories. Justin Bieber follows with 12 nominations in 11 categories. Drake and Fetty Wap are both finalists 11 times, in 10 categories. Taylor Swift and Adele are both finalists for eight awards.

2016 Billboard Music Awards Nominations:

Top Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Top New Artist:
Fetty Wap
OMI
Charlie Puth
​Silentó
Bryson Tiller

Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Ed Sheeran
The Weeknd

Top Female Artist:
Adele
Selena Gomez
​Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group:
Maroon 5
One Direction
twenty one pilots
The Rolling Stones
U2

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Top Hot 100 Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
The Weeknd

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
Ellie Goulding
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Top Streaming Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
​Silentó
The Weeknd

Top Social Media Artist:
Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez
​Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift

Top Touring Artist:
Madonna
One Direction
The Rolling Stones
Taylor Swift
U2

Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
​Jeremih
Rihanna
Bryson Tiller
The Weeknd

Top Rap Artist:
Drake
Fetty Wap
Future
Wiz Khalifa
Silentó

Top Country Artist:
Zac Brown Band
Luke Bryan
Sam Hunt
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood

Top Rock Artist:
Fall Out Boy
Elle King
twenty one pilots
Walk the Moon
X Ambassadors

Top Latin Artist:
Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga
Juan Gabriel
Nicky Jam
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho
Romeo Santos

Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
David Guetta
Major Lazer
​Zedd

Top Christian Artist:
Casting Crowns
Lauren Daigle
​Hillsong United
MercyMe
Chris Tomlin

Top Gospel Artist:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy
Tasha Cobbs
Kirk Franklin
Travis Greene
Marvin Sapp

Top Billboard 200 Album:
Adele, 25
Justin Bieber, Purpose
Ed Sheeran, x
Taylor Swift, 1989
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness

Top Soundtrack:
Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
Fifty Shades of Grey
Furious 7
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
Pitch Perfect 2

Top R&B Album:
Chris Brown, Royalty
Rihanna, Anti
Bryson Tiller, T R A P S O U L
​Tyrese, Black Rose
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness

Top Rap Album:
Drake, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Drake & Future, What A Time To Be Alive
Dr. Dre, Compton
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly
Meek Mill, Dreams Worth More Than Money

Top Country Album:
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Luke Bryan, Kill The Lights
Sam Hunt, Montevallo
Zac Brown Band, Jekyll + Hyde
Carrie Underwood, Storyteller

Top Rock Album:
Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color
David Bowie, Blackstar
Coldplay, A Head Full Of Dreams
Mumford & Sons, Wilder Mind
twenty one pilots, Blurryface

Top Latin Album:
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Juan Gabriel, Mis Número 1…40 Aniversario
​Mana, Cama Incendiada
Gerardo Ortiz, Hoy Más Fuerte
Romeo Santos, Formula, Vol. 2

Top Dance/Electronic Album:
David Guetta, Listen
Major Lazer, Peace Is The Mission
​ODESZA, In Return
​Skrillex & Diplo, Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü
​Zedd, True Colors

Top Christian Album:
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
​Hillsong UNITED, Empires
Joey + Rory, Hymns That Are Important To Us
​TobyMac, This Is Not A Test
Chris Tomlin, Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship

Top Gospel Album:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Everyday Jesus
Tasha Cobbs, One Place Live
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion
Jonathan McReynolds, Life Music: Stage Two
Marvin Sapp, You Shall Live

Top Hot 100 Song:
Adele, “Hello”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”

Top Selling Song:
Adele, “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
OMI, “Cheerleader”
Rachel Platten, “Fight Song”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”

Top Radio Song:
Adele “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”

Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Justin Bieber, “Sorry”
Justin Bieber, “What Do You Mean”
​Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Drake, “Hotline Bling”

Top Streaming Song (Video):
​Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
​Silentó, “Watch Me”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”

Top R&B Song:
Alessia Cara “Here”
​Omarion Featuring Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko, “Post To Be”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”

Top Rap Song:
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
​Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
​Fetty Wap, “679” feat. Remy Boyz
​Silentó, “Watch Me”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”

Top Country Song:
Sam Hunt, “Break Up In A Small Town”
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time”
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man”
Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over”

Top Rock Song:
Fall Out Boy, “Uma Thurman”
Elle King, “Ex’s & Oh’s”
twenty one pilots, “Stressed Out”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”
X Ambassadors, “Renegades”

Top Latin Song:
J Balvin “Ginza”
Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, “Te Metiste”
Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdon”
​Maluma, “Borro Cassette”
Romeo Santos, “Propuesta Indecente”

Top Dance/Electronic Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring ROZES, “Roses”
DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge, “You Know You Like It”
David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack, “Hey Mama”
Major Lazer & DJ Snake Featuring MØ, “Lean On”
Skrillex & Diplo, “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber

Top Christian Song:
​Hillsong UNITED, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
​Hillsong UNITED, “Touch The Sky”
​MercyMe, “Flawless”
NEEDTOBREATHE Featuring Gavin DeGraw, “Brother”
Chris Tomlin, “Good Good Father”

Top Gospel Song:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy, “Worth”
Erica Campbell feat. Big Shizz, “I Luh God”
Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy?”
Travis Greene, “Intentional”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “Worth Fighting For”

Capitol CMG Signs Hip Hop Duo Social Club Misfits

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Social Club Misfits

Social Club Misfits

Nashville-based label Capitol CMG has signed hip hop duo Social Club Misfits to its roster. The duo will release The Misfit Generation EP on May 6.

“We are honored to welcome Social Club Misfits to the Capitol CMG family of artists,” shares President of Capitol Christian Music Group Peter York. “They bring a unique energy, purpose and creative offering to our valued roster. They are effectively reaching their audience and making an impact in lives across the country with great music, a compelling show and a message of hope. I’m grateful to work with them and for what they represent in the world of hip hop.”

Social Club Misfits includes South Florida natives Martin (“Marty”) and Fernando (Fern”), and is working with producers Elvin “Wit” Shanhbazian, Chris Batson and Raymond Castro.

“We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Capitol CMG,” says Social Club Misfits. “It’s an honor to get to work with such a great team who strongly supports our music and overall vision. Our new EP The Misfit Generation will maintain the Social Club [Misfits] sound while also broadening our scope to engage the culture at large.”

LifeNotes: Country Producer Brien Fisher Dies At 82

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Brien Fisher

Brien Fisher

Country record producer Brien Fisher has died at age 82.

Among his best-known productions is “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away” by The Kendalls. It was named the CMA Single of the Year in 1978 and earned the father-daughter duo a Grammy Award.

The producer was born Frank O’Brien Fisher in 1933 in Kyles Ford, Tennessee. He was a Marine Corps veteran who served in Southeast Asia. Fisher was awarded a National Defense Service medal, a Korea Service medal, a China Service medal and the United Nations Medal. He received Sharpshooter Sniper status.

He was also a guitarist and a singer. After his discharge, Brien Fisher gained record label and producing experience in Ohio and Illinois, before heading to Music City.

In 1976, he was made the head of the country division of the Illinois-based independent label Ovation Records. The Kendalls’ debut LP for the company came out in 1977.

A disc jockey in Paducah, Kentucky, began playing “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away” as an album track and called to say he was getting tremendous audience response to it. Fisher put it out as a single, and Ovation record promoter Joe Sun turned it into a chart-topping hit.

In 1978, Fisher produced promo man Sun singing “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.” It also became a hit on Ovation. Further Fisher productions for The Kendalls in 1978-80 included “It Don’t Feel Like Sinnin’ to Me,” “Pittsburgh Stealers,” “Sweet Desire,” “You’d Make an Angel Want to Cheat,” “I’m Already Blue” and “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.”

Vern Gosdin signed with Ovation in 1981. Fisher produced such Gosdin hits as “Dream of Me” and “Too Long Gone” for the company. Other Ovation artists produced by Fisher included Max D. Barnes (“Cowboys Are Common as Sin”), The Cates (“Make Love to Me”), Jim Rushing (“I’ve Loved Enough to Know”) and Sheila Andrews (“Too Fast for Rapid City”).

Fisher continued to produce both Gosdin and The Kendalls after they left Ovation for other labels. Among the records were Gosdin’s “Today My World Slipped Away” and The Kendalls’ “Two Heart Harmony.”

He formed Brien Fisher Productions in Hendersonville in 1983. Later artists produced by him included DeAnna Cox, Glen Bonham, Ben Wasson and Jeannie Kendall as a solo artist.

In 1998, he produced the album Old Dogs, starring Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, Mel Tillis and Jerry Reed singing songs written by Shel Silverstein. The good-natured collection was well received by both fans and critics.

During his career, Fisher produced more than 20 Top 10 hit records. His productions resulted in some five million in sales. His works appeared on A.M.I.,Warner Bros., Mercury, Atlantic, Rustic and several other labels, in addition to Ovation.

In addition to record production, Fisher worked as the European TV music director for Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr., Ray Stevens, Emmylou Harris, B.J. Thomas, Jeannie C. Riley and Larry Gatlin.

The producer’s death was reported by The R.O.P.E. Reporter last week. Brien Fisher passed away on March 11, and his memorial service took place on March 19. Burial was in Nashville’s National Cemetery.

He is survived by his sons Kevin, Rufus and Dwayne Fisher, by brother Jack Fisher and by six grandchildren.

MusicRowPics: Rising Women On The Row 2016

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MusicRow honored five music industry superstars today (April 8) during its fifth annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast, held at the Omni Nashville.

The event saluted Sony/ATV’s Creative Director of A&R Abbey Adams, Maverick Nashville’s head of marketing and digital strategy Amanda Cates, Warner Music Nashville’s VP of A&R Cris Lacy, BMI’s executive director of writer/publisher relations Leslie Roberts, and WME’s first female partner in Nashville Risha Rodgers.

The morning also included an interview with AEG Live Sr. VP executive Ali Harnell, and a performance by Capitol Records Nashville rising artist Mickey Guyton.

City National Bank was again this year’s presenting sponsor. Supporting sponsors included Applauze, BMI, CAA, Dickinson Wright, IEBA, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency, Martin Allbee & Associates, Maverick, Monarch Publicity, Nashville School of the Arts, The Recording Academy & MusiCares, Sony/ATV, Song Suffragettes: Let the Girls Play, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Nashville and WME.

Read all about it in Bobby Karl’s recap.

Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, Amanda Cates, Leslie Roberts, Cris Lacy, Abbey Adams, Risha Rodgers, Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, City National Bank’s Diane Pearson and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured: Ali Harnell and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured: Ali Harnell. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Abbey Adams and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Amanda Cates and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Cris Lacy and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Leslie Roberts and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Risha Rodgers and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured: Mickey Guyton. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured: Mickey Guyton. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured: Sherod Robertson and Ali Harnell. Photo: Moments By Moser

Pictured (L – R): Risha Rodgers and Lou Taylor. Photo: Molly Hannula

Pictured (L – R): Troy Stephenson, Robert K. Oermann and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Pictured (L – R): Erika Wollam Nichols, Leslie Fram and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Pictured: Sherod Robertson and Alicia Warwick. Photo: Molly Hannula

Pictured (L – R): Elizabeth Motley, Mickey Guyton and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

Pictured: Sherod Robertson and Whitney Daane. Photo: Molly Hannula

Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Tracy Gershon and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula

 

APA Nashville Office Adds Three

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Pictured (L-R):

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Hill, Jim Butler, Miles Hayes

APA has added three new agents to its Nashville office, including Jeff Hill, Jim Butler and Miles Hayes. The announcement was made today by Steve Lassiter, SVP/Partner and Head of Concerts at APA Nashville.

“I’m very excited to welcome Jeff, Jim and Miles to our team,” said Lassiter. “Each of them bring their own specific talents and expertise to the table, which will be a great asset to our company as we continue to expand our real estate and influence in Music City.”

A 21-year music industry veteran, Hill previously worked for CAA, where his clients included Trace Adkins, Two Foot Fred, Craig Morgan, Montgomery Gentry and Faith Hill. He has also been a member of the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

Butler most recently spent a decade at CAA, where his clients included Russell Dickerson, Chase Rice and Carter Winter. He has been a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame Troubadour Society.

Hayes began his career at Meridian Entertainment Group before joining WME and building his reputation through his work with organizations such as SOLID, Country Music Hall of Fame Troubadour Society, and IEBA.

Tin Pan South 2016: Night 3

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Pictured (L-R): E.T. Brown, SESAC; songwriter Rob Hatch; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; songwriter Steve Bogard; Katie Mae Vogrin, SESAC songwriter/artist Lance Miller; Tim Fink, SESAC; songwriter/artist Craig Campbell. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): E.T. Brown, SESAC; songwriter Rob Hatch; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; songwriter Steve Bogard; Katie Mae Vogrin, SESAC songwriter/artist Lance Miller; Tim Fink, SESAC; songwriter/artist Craig Campbell. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Tin Pan South welcomed dozens of songwriters and hundreds of listeners to venues across Nashville on Thurs., April 7.

The SESAC early show at Hard Rock Café was wall-to-wall fans, but there was complete silence when Craig Campbell sang his newest single, “The Outskirts of Heaven.” Round partners Steve Bogard, Rob Hatch and Lance Miller were visibly moved by the song.

Craig Campbell. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography

Craig Campbell. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography

Alex Hall, Jennifer Hanson, Mark Nesler and Jenn Schott captivated the Blue Bar early show. Meanwhile, story after story preceded hit after hit at the Station Inn with Buzz Cason, Wayland Holyfield and Dickey Lee. Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Phil Madeira and Amy Stroup swapped songs at the Bluebird Cafe.

Pictured (L-R): Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Phil Madeira and Amy Stroup performed an intimate round at the Bluebird Cafe. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography

Pictured (L-R): Amy Stroup, Gordon Kennedy, Phil Madeira and Wayne Kirkpatrick performed an intimate round at the Bluebird Cafe. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography

Award-winning songwriters Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna took part in a round at The Listening Room. Surprise guests included Maggie Chapman, Native Run and Steve Moakler.

Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna. Photo credit: Creative Nation

Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna. Photo: Creative Nation

Former duo partners Bekka Bramlett and Billy Burnette were joined by Bruce Gaitsch and Dennis Morgan at the Douglas Corner late show, and Dylan Altman, Marshall Altman, Brice Long and Terry McBride drew a packed crowd to Whiskey Rhythm. In addition, Charles Esten led a sold-out late show at The Country with Sarah Siskind, The Stellas and Fred Wilhelm.

Pictured (L-R): Fred Wilhelm, Melodie Michael of Regions Bank, Charles "Chip" Esten at The Country

Pictured (L-R): Fred Wilhelm, Melodie Michael of Regions Bank, Charles “Chip” Esten at The Country

Industry Ink: Ten Ten Music Group, Almon & McPike, CMA

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Ten Ten Music Group Signs Trent Summar

Standing (L-R): Casey Summar, Attorney; MaryAnn Keen, Catalog Manager, Ten Ten Music Group; Jamie Bruno, Creative Assistant, Ten Ten Music Group; Nathan Nicholson, VP Creative, Ten Ten Music Group; Lynn Morrow, Attorney, Adams And Reese; Bradley Collins, BMI; Seated (L-R): Trent Summar; Barry Coburn, President, Ten Ten Music Group

Standing (L-R): Casey Summar, Attorney; MaryAnn Keen, Catalog Manager, Ten Ten Music Group; Jamie Bruno, Creative Assistant, Ten Ten Music Group; Nathan Nicholson, VP Creative, Ten Ten Music Group; Lynn Morrow, Attorney, Adams And Reese; Bradley Collins, BMI; Seated (L-R): Trent Summar; Barry Coburn, President, Ten Ten Music Group

Ten Ten Music Group has signed Trent Summar to an exclusive worldwide songwriting agreement. Summar has had songs recorded by Gary Allan, Kix Brooks, Billy Currington, Pat Green, Randy Houser, Kip Moore and Jon Pardi. He co-wrote Jack Ingram’s “Love You” and David Nail’s “Kiss You Tonight.”

“We are excited to have Trent join us,” said Ten Ten Music Group President Barry Coburn. “His energy and unique sense of humor gives us so much to work with, and we look forward to sharing a lot of success together.”

 

Almon & McPike, PLLC Adds Senior Associate

Christa Ellis

Christa Ellis

Entertainment law firm Almon & McPike, PLLC has hired Christa Ellis, Esq. as a Senior Associate.

Ms. Ellis graduated Cum Laude from Belmont University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration undergraduate degree with a specialization in the music business and her Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law.

Ellis is licensed to practice law in both Tennessee and Florida. For the last four years, she has practiced in the areas of administrative, animal, entertainment, environmental, health care, and intellectual property law. Ellis will now concentrate on entertainment and intellectual property law with the firm.

She can be reached at 615-750-2207 or at [email protected].

 

Eric Paslay Performs For CMA

Eric Paslay (center) gathers with CMA EDU students from Belmont, Middle Tennessee State, and Vanderbilt Universities Thursday at the CMA office. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CMA

Eric Paslay (center) gathers with CMA EDU students from Belmont, Middle Tennessee State, and Vanderbilt Universities Thursday at the CMA office. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CMA

 

Pictured (L-R): Brenden Oliver, CMA Membership and Balloting Manager; Brandi Simms, CMA Senior Director of Membership and Balloting; Eric Paslay; Rachel Silver, Red Light Management; Scott Scovill, CMA Board member and owner of Moo TV, CenterStaging, and Moo Creative Media. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Brenden Oliver, CMA Membership and Balloting Manager; Brandi Simms, CMA Senior Director of Membership and Balloting; Eric Paslay; Rachel Silver, Red Light Management; Scott Scovill, CMA Board member and owner of Moo TV, CenterStaging, and Moo Creative Media. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CMA

Eric Paslay performed the final artist visit the Country Music Association will hold in its current location at One Music Circle South, as it moves to its new location at 35 Music Sq. E. in Nashville.

Paslay performed “Friday Night” to launch the set performed for an audience of CMA staff members and CMA EDU students. His set also included “High Class” and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.”

Paslay also revealed he will perform as part of the Riverfront stage lineup during June’s CMA Music Festival in Nashville.