Artist Updates: Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers

Jake Owen To Bring ‘American Love’ To NYC

Jake Owen. Photo: Matt Blair

Jake Owen. Photo: Matt Blair

RCA Nashville artist Jake Owen will perform twice in New York City during release week for his fifth studio album, American Love, being released on July 29.

On Aug. 1, Owen will perform his single “American Country Love Song” on ABC’s Good Morning America, 10 years after making his national television debut on GMA. On Aug. 3, Mad. Sq. Music Concert Series with Sony Music joins forces with NASH FM 94.7 to present Jake Owen’s album release show in Madison Square Park.  The free concert launches at 7 p.m. EST. For more information, visit madisonsquarepark.org.

 

Kip Moore Visits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Kip Moore with Tyler, a patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Kip Moore with Keandra, Alyssa and Tyler at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Kip Moore visited with patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, last week, as the patients enjoyed various arts activities. To see more, watch the video below.

 

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Return For ‘A Country Christmas’

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers

This holiday season, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers will return for a second year of dinner shows at Gaylord Opryland’s 33rd annual A Country Christmas. Known for hits like “All The Gold in California,” “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer To You),” “Broken Lady” and more, brothers Larry, Rudy and Steve Gatlin will perform holiday classics and many of their career hits.

Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas begins Nov. 11 with 38 live dinner shows leading up to Christmas. Held in the hotel’s Tennessee Ballroom, each show will include a four-course meal prepared by Gaylord Opryland’s award-winning chefs.

Nashville Stars Entertain At The Republican National Convention

2016_Republican_National_Convention_LogoA number of Nashville musicians are performing at this week’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

The official music stage of the event is at Cleveland’s Freedom Plaza, where artists perform both before and after each convention session. The Swon Brothers opened the shows there on Monday evening (July 18) as the stars of the pre-convention activities. A band called Hope Country was also booked.

Monday was also the date of The Buckeye Bash to honor the Ohio delegation and Ohio elected officials. The site was Cleveland Public Hall and the featured band was Rascal Flatts. This benefitted the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.

As previously reported, the Nashville jam band Moon Taxi pulled out of Monday’s Headcount Convention Jam event at the House of Blues. This same venue is hosting shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but has not announced any stars.

House Republican Leadership was honored at Concerts for a Cause on Monday at Jacobs Pavilion. The Band Perry performed. According to The Morning Hangover, Big & Rich and Chris Janson entertained on Tuesday (July 19), and Thomas Rhett is on tap for Wednesday (July 20).

But the official RNC stars of Tuesday at Freedom Plaza were Super Diamond and Dave Fenley, and the Wednesday stars there were reported by the RNC to be Lee Brice and Jordy Searcy. Activities at the official site conclude with Hope Country and The Sensations on Thursday (July 21).

A Gospel Brunch at Brickstone on Tuesday morning booked Robert Randolph and Sam Moore. Lee Brice was booked again, this time at a Concerts for a Cause event at Jacobs Pavilion on Wednesday night. He was to be joined by Pat Green.

Also on Wednesday, Martina McBride was scheduled to headline a concert to benefit the arts advocacy group The Creative Coalition. The venue was The Music Box.

A Cleveland Rocks private festival honoring veterans is bookending the RNC. The fest booked Lynyrd Skynyrd for Sunday (July 17) and Kid Rock for Thursday (July 21). The Kid Rock show is being billed as the convention wrap-up party.

Thus far, no Nashville artists have been announced for the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia next week.

Brett James Receives Eighth ‘MusicRow’ No. 1 Challenge Coin

Pictured (L-R): Brett James and MusicRow chart director Troy Stephenson

Pictured (L-R): Brett James and MusicRow chart director Troy Stephenson

Brett James accepted a MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coin for Carrie Underwood’s “Church Bells” on Wednesday morning (July 20). He co-wrote the song with Zach Crowell and Hillary Lindsey.

Since 2014, every song that has reached No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart receives a coin, which is presented to the artist and songwriter. After the presentation, James noted that he has another collection of challenge coins—ones he has received from military officials while visiting troops stationed overseas.

James’ previous No. 1 singles on the MusicRow chart include “I Hold On” by Dierks Bentley, “The Heart of Dixie” by Danielle Bradbery, “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert, “Somethin’ Bad” by Miranda Lambert and Underwood, “Something in the Water” by Underwood, “Baby Be My Love Song” by Easton Corbin, and “Gonna Know We Were Here” by Jason Aldean.

Opry, Southwest Airlines, BBR Music Group Align For Concert Series

Parmalee. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Parmalee. Photo: Joseph Llanes

The Grand Ole Opry and Southwest Airlines, in partnership with BBR Music Group, will host a three-week series of free acoustic performances in New York City this summer.

The Circle in the City series will feature Parmalee on Tuesday (July 26), Lindsay Ell on Aug. 2, and Thompson Square on Aug. 9. All shows will begin at 8:30 p.m.

Lindsay Ell. Photo: Jason Myers

Lindsay Ell. Photo: Jason Myers

Each of the artists will travel to Manhattan with the Opry’s signature microphone stand and will continue the 90th anniversary year tradition of throwing down a replica of the circle of wood from center stage at the Opry House. Fans can watch each of the shows live on the Opry’s Facebook page.

New York’s NASH FM 94.7 will host the Bryant Park concerts. Each performance is open to the public, and seating will be based on a first-come first-served basis.

Ell and Thompson Square are set to follow their Tuesday night New York City performances with Wednesday night appearances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Thompson Square. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Thompson Square. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Jon Pardi Enters Publishing Deal With Sony/ATV And Song Factory

Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV; Jon Pardi; Jennifer Johnson, Song Factory; Tom Luteran, Sony/ATV

Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV; Jon Pardi; Jennifer Johnson, Song Factory; Tom Luteran, Sony/ATV

Jon Pardi has inked an exclusive publishing agreement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, in partnership with Song Factory.

A songwriter in his own right, Pardi co-wrote eight tracks on the Capitol Nashville project California Sunrise, including his gold-certified single, “Head Over Boots.”

Pardi says, “Having Sony/ATV and Song Factory come together to represent me as a songwriter is a dream come true. I couldn’t be more excited about the future and working with these two outstanding teams.”

Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson adds, “When Tom Luteran and Jennifer Johnson approached me with the idea of joining forces so that Jon would secure his place among the generations of legendary Sony/ATV singer/songwriters, all I wanted to do was find a way to accomplish that. Representing authentic artists like Jon energizes our entire team.”

Bobby Karl Works Zac Brown Band’s CMHoF Exhibit Preview

Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Liz Norris, Will Ward, Musical artist Jimmy De Martini, songwriter Clay Cook, music arranger Coy Bowles, singer Zac Brown, musician John Driskell Hopkins, musical artist Matt Mangano, drummer Chris Fryar and percussionist Daniel de los Reyes from Zac Brown Band, Kristina Tanner, Bernie Cahill. Front row (L-R): Matt Maher, ROAR; Carolyn Tate, Senior VP of Museum Services; Kyle Young, CEO of Museum Services; David Plyler, ROAR. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Liz Norris, Will Ward, Musical artist Jimmy De Martini, songwriter Clay Cook, music arranger Coy Bowles, singer Zac Brown, musician John Driskell Hopkins, musical artist Matt Mangano, drummer Chris Fryar and percussionist Daniel de los Reyes from Zac Brown Band, Kristina Tanner, Bernie Cahill. Front row (L-R): Matt Maher, ROAR; Carolyn Tate, Senior VP of Museum Services; Kyle Young, CEO of Museum Services; David Plyler, ROAR. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

Chapter 538

In recent years, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum has steadily moved into the mainstream of the Music Row social scene.

I had a couple of thoughts after attending the organization’s latest exhibit opening on Tuesday (June 19) honoring The Zac Brown Band. First, by continually holding newsworthy events, the museum has transformed itself into being a regular destination, a vital, breathing entity, rather than a static, conventional “museum.”

Second, the reception for the exhibit was dominated by young attendees, folks in the music business who were still in their “new networking” years. This is a very healthy and admirable trend. It was great to see this institution engaging the next generation of industry personalities.

“We’re pleased that you’re here for our new exhibit, Homegrown: Zac Brown Band,” said host Kyle Young. “Zac started singing as soon as he could talk. And he sure can cook.

Pictured (L-R): Drummer Chris Fryar, music arranger Coy Bowles, songwriter Clay Cook, musical artist Matt Mangano, singer Zac Brown, musician John Driskell Hopkins, musical artist Jimmy De Martini and percussionist Daniel de los Reyes. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

Pictured (L-R): Drummer Chris Fryar, music arranger Coy Bowles, songwriter Clay Cook, musical artist Matt Mangano, singer Zac Brown, musician John Driskell Hopkins, musical artist Jimmy De Martini and percussionist Daniel de los Reyes. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

“I’m less impressed with the fact that Zac can cook than with the fact that Zac serves. He’s a community builder. His motto is, ‘You Get What You Give.’”

Before each tour stop, Zac feeds the band’s fans from a custom kitchen. Proceeds go to Camp Southern Ground to mold children into good citizens. It is in Georgia, outside Atlanta.

Southern Ground is a lifestyle brand that also incorporates crafts, a line of knives, jewelry, philanthropy and a variety of events. There is a Southern Ground music and food festival in South Carolina, a Southern Ground amphitheater in Georgia and a Southern Ground recording studio in Nashville.

Young told the crowd how exceptional Zac Brown is: “’Ordinary’ does not win Grammy Awards,” he said. “’Ordinary’ does not put out platinum albums. Fans know that they’ll find something extraordinary” in the Zac Brown Band and its music.

Singer Zac Brown, Shelly Brown and Jim Brown attend The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Debuts "Homegrown: Zac Brown Band" Exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 19, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

Singer Zac Brown, Shelly Brown and Jim Brown attend The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Debuts “Homegrown: Zac Brown Band” Exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 19, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

At Young’s invitation, all eight members of the group came on stage. Zac was overcome by the experience of having his life and career showcased.

“What an incredible honor,” he began, before choking up. “I have to get myself together,” he stammered. “I’m moved by all of this. I’m proud of these guys standing behind me through thick and thin,” he added before being overcome again.

“I’m not gonna pull it together. What an incredible presentation….We just tried to make the right choices.”

Dapper fiddler Jimmy De Martini took over to say, “Seeing the exhibit today was pretty emotional, pretty amazing. This is a great way for us to re-bond together and see what we’ve been through. We’re trying to always do the right thing, and we want you guys to be proud of us.”

NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 19: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Debuts "Homegrown: Zac Brown Band" Exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 19, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

NASHVILLE, TN – JULY 19: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Debuts “Homegrown: Zac Brown Band” Exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 19, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

Each of the other band members also took a turn at the mic, and each spoke from the heart. Guitarist/singer John Driskell Hopkins (once a country hater), electric guitarist Coy Bowles (a jazz snob) and multi instrumentalist/singer Clay Cook (a rocker) all admitted that, as youngsters, they never dreamed they’d play in a country band. Bass player Matt Mangano, drummer Chris Fryar and percussionist Daniel De Los Reyes emphasized what a “family” the group is.

“There is an incredible team behind this band,” concluded a still-emotional Zac. “This is beautiful. It’s an honor to be part of this place.”

Taking it all in were Laura Crawford, Earle Simmons, Rod Essig, Ron Huntsman, Tom Roland, Mike Craft, the Nashville TV series’ Clare Bowen and her Music City picker fiancé Brandon Robert Young, Brian Mansfield, Craig Shelburne, Rory Lee Feek, Oliver Wood, Lynn Oliver, Wyatt Durrette, John Huie and Ernie & Jerry Williams.

There’s a guy who comes to these Hall of Fame events sporting great appliquéd jackets. Jerry decided to find out who he is. He’s Steve Westfield and, yes, those are Manuel jackets he wears.

Pictured (L-R): Musical artist Jimmy De Martini, songwriter Clay Cook, music arranger Coy Bowles, singer Zac Brown, musician John Driskell Hopkins, musical artist Matt Mangano, drummer Chris Fryar and percussionist Daniel de los Reyes from musical group Zac Brown Band attend The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Debuts "Homegrown: Zac Brown Band" Exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 19, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

Pictured (L-R): Musical artist Jimmy De Martini, songwriter Clay Cook, music arranger Coy Bowles, singer Zac Brown, musician John Driskell Hopkins, musical artist Matt Mangano, drummer Chris Fryar and percussionist Daniel de los Reyes from musical group Zac Brown Band attend The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Debuts “Homegrown: Zac Brown Band” Exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 19, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

While the young attendees schmoozed, networked and mingled, the veterans snacked on chicken meatball sliders and baguette slices with spiced chickpea hummus.

The Zac Brown Band is one of country music’s coolest acts. Appropriately, the exhibit is loaded with cool stuff. Go and see.

Industry Pics: Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris

Luke Bryan Reigns During Two Stadium Shows In Boston

Luke Bryan performs first two-night stadium stand at Gillette Stadium in Boston. Photo: Ethan Helms

Luke Bryan performs the first of two shows at Gillette Stadium near Boston. Photo: Ethan Helms

Luke Bryan entertained the masses during his two-night stand at Boston’s Gillette Stadium on Friday and Saturday (July 15-16). The shows mark the first of five stadiums Bryan will visit during his Kill The Lights Tour this year. Also on the bill were Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton, Dustin Lynch and DJ Rock.

 

Miranda Lambert Preps For “Vice” Single Release With iHeartMedia

Pictured (L-R): Zack Massey, iHeartMedia; Steve Hodges, Sony Music Nashville; Jackie Tigue, iHeartMedia; Miranda Lambert; Rod Phillips, iHeartMedial Keith Gale, Sony Music Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Zack Massey, iHeartMedia; Steve Hodges, Sony Music Nashville; Jackie Tigue, iHeartMedia; Miranda Lambert; Rod Phillips, iHeartMedial Keith Gale, Sony Music Nashville

Miranda Lambert geared up for the iHeartRadio World Premiere of her new single “Vice” with iHeartMedia’s Rod Phillips, Zack Massey, Jackie Tigue and Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges and Keith Gale. She premiered the single on Monday afternoon (July 18).

 

Maren Morris Visits Ohio Radio Reps During RipCORD Tour

Pictured (L-R): Sue Wilson, WQMX PD; Cliff Blake, Columbia Nashville; Jody Wheatley, WQMX MD-Promotions; Maren Morris; Charley Connolly, WGAR PD; Ken Robold, EVP/COO, Sony Music Nashville; Keith Abrams WGAR/iHeartMedia VP.

Pictured (L-R): Sue Wilson, WQMX PD; Cliff Blake, Columbia Nashville; Jody Wheatley, WQMX MD-Promotions; Maren Morris; Charley Connolly, WGAR PD; Ken Robold, EVP/COO, Sony Music Nashville; Keith Abrams WGAR/iHeartMedia VP.

Maren Morris joined radio partners for the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio stop of her cross-country trek on Keith Urban’s 2016 RipCORD World Tour on Friday (July 15). After wrapping her Midwest tour run, Morris perform her new single “80s Mercedes” on Monday night on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Music Organization Execs To Speak At Who Knew Event

Screen Shot 2016-07-20 at 9.46.38 AM

A number of music organization executives will speak during the next Who Knew event, slated for Thursday (July 21) at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association; Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association; Kevin Griffin, lead guitarist and vocalist for Better Than Ezra and Partner with Pilgrimage Music Festival; Steve Keller, CEO of iV audio branding; Michael Harrington, expert witness on many of the music industry’s most high-profile infringement cases; and Craig Havighurst, music journalist and Who Knew historian.

An after-party will be held from 8:30-10:30 p.m., and will feature music from Caroline Glaser and Nick Moss Band.

Tickets are $15 and available at eventbrite.com.

Artist Updates: Craig Campbell, Chris Stapleton, Adam Wakefield

Craig Campbell Sings “Outskirts Of Heaven” On NBC

Pictured (L-R): Adam Schmitt, Jason Miller, Craig Campbell, Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, David Karns and Joe Meyer

Pictured (L-R): Adam Schmitt, Jason Miller, Craig Campbell, Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, David Karns and Joe Meyer

Red Bow Records artist Craig Campbell made his debut on NBC’s Today on Tuesday (July 19) to sing his current single, “Outskirts of Heaven.” During the segment, he announced his upcoming first-ever USO tour, and that he will take part in the Grand Ole Opry/USO 75th Anniversary concert series. Going from coast to coast, performances include Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach, Florida, on Aug. 7 and Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington, on Aug. 9.

 

Chris Stapleton Added To Charlie Daniels Event

Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton will join Kid Rock and Larry The Cable Guy to help Charlie Daniels celebrate his 80th birthday during a performance at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Nov. 30. A portion of proceeds from the event, billed as Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Jam, will go to the The Journey Home Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit co-founded by Daniels and manager David Corlew to help Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Daniels will turn 80 on Oct. 28.

 

Adam Wakefield From ‘The Voice’ Plans Benefit Show For Pet Therapy

Adam Wakefield

Adam Wakefield

Adam Wakefield, who was named runner-up on NBC’s The Voice in May, will headline a concert in Nashville benefitting two pet therapy organizations. Macy Martin, Lewis Brice and Skye Claire will also perform at the event, which will take place Aug. 7 at 12th & Porter. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Alliance of Therapy Dogs & Paws for Hope.

Marty Dodson Signs With SNG Music

Pictured (L-R): SNG's Steve Leslie, Marty Dodson, SNG's Gary Reamey Photo: Courtesy of SNG Music

Pictured (L-R): SNG’s Steve Leslie, Marty Dodson, SNG’s Gary Reamey Photo: Courtesy of SNG Music

Songwriter Marty Dodson has joined the roster of SNG Music, LLP, a publishing company co-founded by Steve Leslie and Gary Reamey in 2014.

Dodson has had more than 100 songs cut from artists such as Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, and The Plain White T’s.

His country hits include Kenny Chesney’s “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven,” Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” and “Let Me Down Easy,” and Rascal Flatts’ “While You Loved Me.” He’s also had success in Asia with the song “Bounce” recorded by Cho Yong Pil.

“We are very proud to welcome Marty to our SNG family of writers,” Leslie said. “I’ve known him both as a friend and co-writer for 20 years. He represents all the qualities which make SNG Music unique among music publishers. He’s a great writer, a mentor to our younger songwriters, and a smart businessman. We feel lucky to have him.”