Eric Dodd Signs With MV2 Entertainment

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Tony Harrell, MV2 Entertainment; Chip Petree, attorney, Ritholz Levy; Kendall Lettow, MV2 Entertainment; Clay Myers, MV2 Entertainment. (Front row, L-R): Jefrrey Gaccione, manager; Eric Dodd, Leslie Roberts, BMI.

Eric Dodd has joined the writers roster at Nashville’s MV2 Entertainment. The Lake Oconee, Georgia, native moved to Nashville in 2014 and was chosen as a CMT Discovery Artist last year with the debut of his video for the party anthem “Outskirts.”

“I am extremely excited to partner with MV2 Entertainment,” said Dodd. “From the first meeting, it was apparent that the team truly believes in me and my songs, and our vision aligns. MV2’s collective experience and commitment to excellence is exactly what I was looking for in a publisher. I am thrilled to join this company and the talented roster of songwriters and artists.

“We are proud to have Eric Dodd join our team at MV2,” said MV2 Entertainment General Manager Tony Harrell. “He is a true entertainer on stage as well as an awesome writer. Eric is a great fit for MV2 and will prove to be a strong addition to our impressive roster.”

CMA Touring Awards Honor Industry Excellence

Winners of the 2017 CMA Touring Awards on Monday at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Back row (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Cheek; Dan Hochhalter; Tom Addison; Jay Williams; Chris Reade; Billy Moore; and Brian O’Connell. Front row (L-R): Kristian Bush, CMA Touring Awards host; Lisaann Dupont; Sally Williams; Randy “Baja” Fletcher; Ebie McFarland; Kris O’Connor; Ed Wannebo; and Jay Cooper. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA [CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE]

The Country Music Association brought together industry colleagues on Monday night (Jan. 23) to celebrate and honor members of the country music touring industry. The CMA formally recognized industry stalwarts at this year’s CMA Touring Awards (formerly known as the SRO Awards) in 15 categories.

The trophies were presented during an event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, hosted by five-time CMA Awards winner Kristian Bush. The awards also saw the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Randy “Baja” Fletcher.

Greeted by CMA employees and board members, guests happily noshed on hors d’oeuvres while enjoying an open bar. Sitting down for dinner and the awards ceremony, guests dined on southern cuisine including BBQ chicken, mac & cheese pasta, kale salad, and dessert.  A house band was positioned on stage giving a fun, cool vibe between awards.

Dierks Bentley (center) makes a surprise appearance during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville to congratulate winners of his touring family. (L-R): CMA Touring Awards host Kristian Bush, Tom Addison, Bentley, Dan Hocchalter, and Chris Reade. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA

“Honoring excellence throughout the industry is a key tenet of CMA. Our touring members bring music directly to the fans night after night. It is an honor to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these professionals,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

Each award was preceded by a short humorous video relating to that particular category. Some were viral in nature, while others were comical movie clips from popular films such as This Is Spinal Tap and Jerry Maguire.

Kelleigh Bannen, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Adam Craig, Dusty Hill, Jon Langston, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, and Keith Urban recorded personal video messages to congratulate the winners. Former Major League Baseball All-Star Rick Sutcliffe and Miami Marlins Manager Don Mattingly also submitted special videos for Fletcher.

The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Bruce Johnston applaud Ryman Auditorium Vice President and General Manager Sally Williams as she accepts the trophy for CMA Venue of the Year during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA

Dierks Bentley skipped right past the video option and attended personally to present trophies and offer praise to three winners from his touring family. “These guys represent all of us on the road,” remarked Bentley. “These awards are for the folks that make the wheels go ‘round and I’m so proud of every person that works hard night after night to make it all happen. It’s a tough job, but it’s so much fun and it’s all worth it when you can share your success with great people.”

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Bruce Johnston made an unexpected appearance to celebrate the CMA Venue of the Year, Ryman Auditorium represented by Sally Williams.

Famed country duo and 19-time CMA Awards winners Brooks & Dunn presented Fletcher the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. During his decades-long career on the road, Fletcher served as the duo’s Production Manager for 18 years during the ‘90s and ‘00s. His work has been closely intertwined with the careers of Waylon Jennings, Randy Travis, Keith Urban, and others.

“I want to thank God for this lovely life, this journey I’ve had, coming up this fall 50 years in the music industry,” said Fletcher. “It’s unbelievable to have 50 years and six acts…You just do your job and treat people good. Do your job and have fun. I use a lot of Waylon’s lines. He had the best sticker I think of all time. It says, ‘This is no dress rehearsal. We are professionals and this is the big time.’ If you’ve got your faith, family, friends, memories, and humor, you’ve got it all… I thank everyone that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. It is a true honor to receive this award! Thank you!”

Brooks and Dunn present the inaugural CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award to Randy “Baja” Fletcher (center) during the 2017 CMA Touring Awards Monday in Nashville. Fletcher served as duo’s Production Manager for 18 years. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by your peers. I can tell you I love what I do and I love the people I get to do it with. Team Chesney, all those folks, they kick ass every day to get this done. I know everybody else does too, but this is my team and I love it!” shouted CMA Production Manager of the Year Ed Wannebo.

“Thank you to CMA and thank you to everybody who gets on and off a bus every week of the year to make our artists look the best they possibly can,” exclaimed Brian O’Connell, CMA Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year.

The celebration made clear why country music tours are among the most popular and prosperous business centers for the industry.

Winners in 15 categories were determined by CMA members in the following categories: Advertising/Public Relations/Media; Affiliated; Artist; Entertainment Services; Marketing/Digital; Musician; Personal Manager; Record Label; Talent Agent; Talent Buyer/Promoter; Touring; and Venue. Ballots were tabulated by the professional services firm Deloitte & Touche, LLP.

The 2016 CMA Touring Awards winners are as follows:

CATEGORY 1 – BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Jamie Cheek – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.

CATEGORY 2 – COACH/TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Josh Easter – Kenny Chesney

CATEGORY 3 – FOH (FRONT OF HOUSE) ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Billy Moore – Eric Church

CATEGORY 4 – LIGHTING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Chris Reade – Dierks Bentley

CATEGORY 5 – MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Kerri Edwards – KP Entertainment

CATEGORY 6 – TOUR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Tom Addison – Dierks Bentley

CATEGORY 7 – MONITOR ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Phil Wilkey – Keith Urban

CATEGORY 8 – PRODUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Ed Wannebo – Kenny Chesney

CATEGORY 9 – PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR
Ebie McFarland – Essential Broadcast Media, LLC

CATEGORY 10 – TALENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
Jay Williams – WME

CATEGORY 11 – TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Brian O’Connell – Live Nation

CATEGORY 12 – TOUR CATERER OF THE YEAR
Dega Catering

CATEGORY 13 – TOURING MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Dan Hochhalter – Dierks Bentley – Fiddle

CATEGORY 14 – VENUE OF THE YEAR
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.

CATEGORY 15 – TOUR VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Jay Cooper – Kenny Chesney

 

Skyville Live, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, ‘Bluegrass Underground’ Earn Regional Emmy Awards

Pictured (L-R): Jim Yockey, Todd Jarrell, Steve Schweidel, and Todd Mayo. Photo: Tommy Lawson

Several music-related programs were honored during the Regional Emmy Awards, which were held Jan. 21 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Bluegrass Underground earned several Emmys, in the Entertainment, Technical, Director/Program, Lighting, and Audio categories. The monthly musical event is hosted at Cumberland Caverns, and began airing nationally on PBS in 2011.

Skyville Live won two honors in the Audio and Director/Program categories.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the TV Academy,” said Skyville Live creator Wally Wilson. “We will continue to bring nights of can’t-miss moments! Expect more fantastic entertainers to be announced soon.”

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s PBS special, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Friends-Fifty Years, Circlin’ Back! earned a Midsouth Regional Emmy for Special Event Coverage. Produced for PBS by Todd Jarrell, Todd Mayo, Steve Schweidel, and directed by James Yockey, Circlin’ Back ran nationwide in conjunction with a PBS pledge drive in March 2016.

The band’s project was recorded live at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background.

Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan To Headline Fifth Annual Tortuga Music Festival

 

Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney

Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan are set to headline the fifth annual, three-day Tortuga Music Festival in 2017.

The festival, which takes place April 7-9 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida will also feature performances from Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Brett Eldredge, Nelly, Maren Morris, Slightly Stoopid, Old Dominion, Daya, Dustin Lynch, The Quaker City Night Hawks and more.

While Super VIP tickets sold out, VIP ($999) tickets with amenities including a swimming pool, complimentary beer/liquor, and VIP bathrooms are still available. Three-day general admission ($229) passes are also available as well as payment plans and travel packages. This year, fans who purchased general admission tickets will have the opportunity to upgrade daily for guaranteed front stage access to a new area in front of the Main Stage called “The Reef.” Those upgrades are now available.

“We are excited to create a truly unique front row experience for our fans to watch our stellar headliners up-close,” says Huka Entertainment Chairman and CXO A.J. Niland. “The Reef is going to allow fans who don’t opt for our full VIP package to still have a VIP view and easier access to amenities such as bathrooms and bars. We have seen massive demand in our VIP sales and always attempt to break the mold with additional and new types of amenity offerings. The Reef is another way for our fans to get to experience Tortuga like a rockstar.”

In promotion of the main event, the “Tortuga Tailgate Series” will encompass Huka-promoted shows throughout the Southeast with performances from Tortuga artists, including Michael Ray, Drake White & The Big Fire, Kane Brown, and Old Dominion. Prices for the series range on dates from $12-129.

Luke Bryan To Launch Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour With Nashville Show

Luke Bryan. Photo: Carlos Ruiz

Luke Bryan will launch his 2017 Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour with a show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on May 5 and extend through October.

Bryan announced his upcoming outing via a humorous video (below) that shows the singer doing a little duck hunting—but not the outdoor variety.

Bryan revealed six opening acts for his tour with the retro, 1980s video game Duck Hunt. As Bryan tried to “hunt” ducks emblazoned with the faces of potential opening acts. While his aim misses Cole Swindell and Florida Georgia line, he successfully lands other targets, including Brett Eldredge, Granger Smith, Craig Campbell, Seth Ennis, Adam Craig, and Lauren Alaina.

Eldredge will open all shows, while Alaina, Campbell, Craig, Ennis and Smith will share the opening slot on various dates.

Bryan is still on the final leg of his Kill The Lights Tour, which will begin its final run on March 17.

Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour
5-5 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
5-12 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
5-13 Hartford, CT Xfinity Theatre
5-18 Moline, IL iWireless Center
6-1 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
6-2 Cullman, AL Rock the South*
6-3 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
6-9 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
6-10 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
6-16 Atlanta, GA Verizon Amphitheatre
6-17 Atlanta, GA Verizon Amphitheatre
6-23 Hershey, PA Hershey Park
6-24 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
6-25 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
7-1 Dauphin, MB Dauphin’s Countryfest*
7-13 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
7-15 Cleveland, OH Progressive Field
7-16 Holmdel, NJ P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
7-21 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
7-22 Eau Claire, WI Country Jam USA*
7-26 Cheyenne, WY Cheyenne Frontier Days*
7-28 Central Point, OR Country Crossings Music Festival*
7-29 Mountain Home, ID Mountain Home Country Music Festival*
8-5 Detroit Lakes, MN WE Fest*
8-12 Syracuse, NY Lakeview Amphitheater
8-13 Oro-Medonte ON Boots and Hearts Music Festival*
8-17 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amp.
at Virginia Beach
8-18 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
8-19 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park
at Walnut Creek
8-25 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
8-26 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
8-27 Jones Beach, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
9-1 Lexington, KY Red, White & Boom*
9-6 Scranton, PA The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
9-8 Philadelphia, PA Citizens Bank Park
9-9 Pittsburgh, PA KeyBank Pavilion
9-15 Indianapolis, IN Klipsch Music Center
9-16 Chicago, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9-21 Austin, TX Austin360 Amphitheater
9-22 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
presented by Huntsman
9-23 Dallas, TX Starplex Pavilion
10-12 Concord, CA Concord Pavilion
10-13 Wheatland, CA Toyota Amphitheatre
10-14 Mtn. View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
10-19 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
10-21 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
10-26 Phoenix, AZ AK-Chin Pavilion
10-27 San Diego, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
10-28 San Bernardino, CA Glen Helen Amphitheater
*Festival dates, not Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour

Trace Adkins Reveals Debut BBR Project, New Single, Tour

Trace Adkins has revealed the title, album art, track listing and tour in support of his debut project on The BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse Records.

Titled Something’s Going On, Adkins’ 12th studio album and first release in four years, will be available March 31. The project’s first single, “Watered Down,” will be released to radio March 13. A lyric video for “Watered Down” has been released ahead of the radio add date.

“When I first heard ‘Watered Down’ I felt an immediate connection with what I wanted to say,” shares Adkins. “A man comes to a point in his life where he begins to reflect on his past and what he’s learned and that’s what fueled this song. If you’ve led the kind of life I’ve led, at some point you have to temper your vices.”

Produced by Mickey Jack Cones, the 12-track project boasts some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Tyler Farr, Craig Campbell, Terry McBride, Brett Beavers, Casey Beathard, Trevor Rosen, Matt Jenkins, Troy Johnson, Andrew Dorff, Tommy Lee James, Josh Osborne, Phil O’Donnell, and Shane McAnally.

Adkins’ 2017 Tour will launch on February 4 in Orlando, Florida, with an initial 30 dates continuing through August. VIP packages will be available for select dates. Fans who purchase concert tickets will receive a physical copy of Something’s Going On. Visit traceadkins.com for full details.

Something’s Going On Track Listing:

“Ain’t Just The Whiskey Talkin’” (Terry McBride, Brett Beavers)
“Jesus And Jones” (Tyler Farr, Jim McCormick, Casey Beathard)
“Watered Down” (Matt Jenkins, Trevor Rosen, Shane McAnally)
“Something’s Going On” (Chris Cavanaugh, Mark Stephen Jones)
“If Only You Were Lonely” (Jon Coleman, Troy Johnson)
“Gonna Make You Miss Me” (Tommy Lee James, Matt Nolan, Andrew Dorff)
“I’m Gone” (Craig Campbell, Max T. Barnes)
“Country Boy Problems” (Tommy Lee James, Josh Osborne)
“Lit” (Mickey Jack Cones, Monty Criswell, Derek George)
“Still A Soldier” (Phil O’Donnell, Wade Kirby)
“Whippoorwills And Freight Trains” (Phil O’Donnell, Jeff Middleton, Brandon Kinney)
“Hang” (Lynn Hutton, Phil O’Donnell)

Trace Adkins 2017 Tour Dates:
Feb. 4 – Universal Studios – Mardi Gras Celebration, Orlando, Fla.
Feb. 25 – BlueWater Resort Amphitheater, Parker, Ariz.
Mar. 23 – Keswick Theatre, Glenside, Pa.
Mar. 24 – St. George Theatre, Staten Island, N.Y.
Mar. 25 – The Paramount, Huntington, N.Y.
Apr. 6 – Palace Theatre, Canton, Ohio
Apr. 7 – Del Lago Resort and Casino, Waterloo, N.Y.
Apr. 8 – Palace Theatre, Greensburg, Pa.
Apr. 9 – Lyric Opera House, Baltimore, Md.
Apr. 21 – Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Mass.
Apr. 22 – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, N.H.
Apr. 23 – State Theatre, Easton, Pa.
Apr. 27 – Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, Orange Park, Fla.
Apr. 28 – Anderson Music Hall, Hiawassee, Ga.
Apr. 29 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum Crawfish Festival, Biloxi, Miss.
May 5 – Golden Nugget Casino, Lake Charles, La.
May 6 – University of Arkansas, Hope, Ark.
May 18 – Mayo PAC, Morristown, N.J.
May 19 – Salem Civic Center, Salem, Va.
May 20 – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, Renfro Valley, Ky.
May 21 – American Music Theater, Lancaster, Pa.
May 26 – Lakeside Outdoor Theater, Osceola, Iowa
May 27 – Rhythm City Casino Resort – Event Center, Davenport, Iowa
June 30 – Welk Resort & Theater, Branson, Mo.
July 1 – Choctaw Grand Theater, Durant, Okla.
July 20 – Honeywell Center, Wabash, Ind.
July 21 – CEFCU Center Stage, Peoria, Ill.
July 22 – Country Jam USA, Eau Claire, Wis.
Aug. 5 – Richland County Fair, Sidney, Mont.
Aug 18 – Brown County Fairgrounds, Aberdeen, S.D.

$99 Unemployment Rate Returns for CRS 2017

Country Radio Seminar has announced that the $99 Unemployment Rate is now available for CRS 2017, which will be held Feb. 22 – Feb. 24 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Omni Hotel.

The Unemployment Rate will provide access to more than 30 on-site educational panels and round-table discussions, as well as CRS sanctioned after-hours events. The rate does not include access into the already sold-out New Faces show, which will feature artists William Michael Morgan (Warner Bros.), Maren Morris (Columbia Nashville), Jon Pardi (Capitol Nashville), Granger Smith (Wheelhouse Records) and Drake White (Dot Records).

To apply for this special special rate, applications must be submitted no later than Wednesday, Feb. 15. The application must be verified and approved by CRB. Contact Ashley Silver at (615) 327-4487 or ashley@crb.org for an application and registration materials.

The regular rate of $699 is now in effect for others planning to attend CRS 2017. For more, visit countryradioseminar.com.

Spirit/Fluid Signs Singer-Songwriter Palmer Lee

Front Row (L-R): Frank Rogers (Fluid Music Revolution), Palmer Lee, Daniel Hill (President, Spirit Music Nashville). Back Row (L-R): Brittany Adkins Schaffer (Loeb & Loeb), AJ Burton (VP, Fluid Music Revolution), Eric Hurt (Sr. Director, Creative, Spirit Music Nashville), Brian Bradford (Director, Admin, Spirit Music Nashville), Billy Lynn (VP Creative, Spirit Music Nashville)

Palmer Lee has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Spirit/Fluid, the Nashville-based joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Frank Rogers’ Fluid Music Revolution. The Rogers, Arkansas, native graduated from Belmont in May 2015, where she studied commercial voice. Lee began her songwriting career as half of country/folk duo 3rd & Union with Chase Coy. Their 2012 full-length debut was critically acclaimed, and the track “No More” was featured on the television show Degrassi. Palmer has also released an EP and full-length record independently.

“From the moment Palmer and I met and she began playing me her music, I knew there was something special with her, so I wanted Frank to meet her ASAP. That meeting went so well that we offered her a deal on the spot! We are excited for the world to hear her talents,” said Fluid Music Revolution VP AJ Burton.

“I can’t think of a better team to work with than Frank, AJ and everyone at Fluid/Spirit. They have been incredibly supportive of my goals and the songs I’ve written, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I’m really thankful to begin my career learning from the best!” said Palmer Lee.

GMR Files To Dismiss RMLC’s Anti-Trust Lawsuit

Global Music Rights filed a motion on Jan. 20 to dismiss the Radio Music Licensing Committee’s (RMLC) anti-trust lawsuit against the performing rights organization, according to a report by Billboard.

Within the filing, GMR notes the Pennsylvania court the RMLC filed with last November lacks personal jurisdiction and is an improper forum in which to adjudicate the dispute; and notes that the RMLC complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, according to the news agency.

Billboard‘s report continues, citing court documents: “If the Pennsylvania case is not going to be dismissed and must be adjudicated, the latest filing states that the case should be in the U.S. Central District of California Court because that’s where GMR is located and the only licensing negotiations that happened in person occurred there; and RMLC also has twice has many member radio stations in California than it does in Pennsylvania.”

After the RMLC’s anti-trust filing, GMR responded by filing its own before offering a temporary license through Sept. 30, 2017, however Billboard notes there is ongoing contention about RMLC’s involvement with the interim license and its cost, said to total $2.5 million per month.

Billboard‘s Ed Christman notes GMR sought a combined $42 million for the 10,000 RMLC stations (90 percent of U.S. Terrestrial radio revenue) to license its music for a year, according to the initial lawsuit. Christman goes on to note negotiations continued with RMLC’s “one-year deal that would pay out about $27 million, or $2.25 million per month from the stations…GMR made a counter proposal of $30 million, or $2.5 million a month, which the RMLC rejected and then filed the lawsuit.”

All this after initial negotiations broke down between the two parties before the November filing prior to the end of 2016, when the RMLC’s radio license was set to expire for GMR’s 73-represented songwriters works, which are said to total between 5-7.5 percent of all radio play.

Founded by Irving Azoff in 2013 and headed by former ASCAP executive Randy Grimmett, GMR represents Nashville writers Shane McAnally, Luke Laird and Paul Overstreet. The PRO is represented by O’Melveny & Myers LLP and Harkins Cunningham LLP.

Dean Dillon Hosts Sundance Head, Alison Krauss, More at Mountain High Music Festival

Pictured (L-R): BMI songwriter Sundance Head, SunTrust’s Dusty Miller, BMI Icon and Mountain High Music Festival’s Dean Dillon, SunTrust’s Earle Simmons and BMI’s Mason Hunter. Photo: Dusty Demerson

Dean Dillon hosted several of his songwriter friends for the Mountain High Music Festival, held Jan. 11-15 in Crested Butte, Colorado. Sponsored by BMI and SunTrust Bank, the festival featured four days of country writers sharing stories and songs in one of the most scenic locations in the US. Festival performers included BMI songwriters Sundance Head, Jamey JohnsonAlison Krauss, Sonia Leigh, Ashley Monroe, Travis Meadows, Wendell Mobley, and more, and was hosted by Sirius XM’s Storme Warren.

Pictured (L-R:) BMI songwriters Jody Booth, Dean Dillon, Travis Meadows and Sundance Head perform at the Mountain High Music Festival. (Photo by Dusty Demerson.)

BMI songwriter Jamey Johnson plays guitar as fellow BMI writer Alison Krauss looks on after her turn at the Mountain High Music Festival. Photo: Dusty Demerson

BMI songwriter Ashley Monroe at the Mountain High Music Festival

BMI songwriters Sonia Leigh and Wendell Mobley sing at the Mountain High Music Festival. Photo: Dusty Demerson