September’s Music City Food + Wine Festival Highlights Nashville’s Culinary Appeal

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Pictured (L-R): Jonathan Waxman, Ken Levitan, Andy Mendelsohn, Charlie Jones, Levon Wallace, Nathan Followill, Caleb Followill. Photo: Don VanCleave

Grammy-winners Kings of Leon, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn, and C3 Presents announced the fifth annual Music City Food + Wine Festival at a private event yesterday (May 10) at Levon Wallace‘s newly opened Gray & Dudley, inside the 21c Museum Hotel—open 24/7 with eight floors for 124 rooms and a 10,000 sq. ft. art space.

To be held September 15 – 17, 2017, the festival will offer a musical tribute with award-winning steel pedal guitarist Robert Randolph in addition to an expanded program, including the return of Pappy Hour, the addition of a Friday Night Grand Taste Pavilion in leu of Sunday’s Grand Taste, which will now be a Gospel Brunch at the Walk of Fame Park, again with Gayle Mayes.

“Nashville’s reputation as a destination for music lovers is fast being challenged by our status as a premier foodie destination in the Southeast,” says Mayor Megan Barry. “The Music City Food + Wine Festival will highlight some of our amazing chefs and restaurateurs who are defining Southern cuisine and showing that Nashville is the place to be for talented and creative individuals looking to show off their skills.”

Music City Food + Wine Festival brings together stars of Nashville’s culinary scene with acclaimed regional and national chefs, wine and spirits experts.

Festival programming will add the Grand Taste Pavilion at Bicentennial Capitol State Mall Park on Friday, September 15, from 6 – 10 p.m. Continuing Saturday, September 16 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. with food, wine and cocktail samples from more than 80 local and regional artisans, the Grand Taste Pavilion will also feature interactive cooking demonstrations, panel discussions, book signings, and pitmaster Pat Martin‘s Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Friends. Pappy Hour returns for bourbon tasting, led by Preston Van Winkle of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, great grandson of iconic bourbon maker Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle.

Also on Saturday will be the Harvest Night, again held at the Walk of Fame Park (4th Avenue South) from 7-9 p.m., featuring nationally recognized chefs with Randolph’s live musical tribute from 8 – 9:30 p.m.

New for Sunday, September 17 will again be the live Gospel Brunch, but at the Walk of Fame Park. The fabulous Gayle Mayes will close the festival, performing before pared down Southern brunch favorites, cocktails, wine and coffee from local chefs Joshua Simpson (Proper Bagel); Levon Wallace (Gray & Dudley); and Karl Worley (Biscuit Love Brunch), and more.

All-In Tickets are available for $525 per person. Single-day tickets are available for Friday evening ($165 per person) and Saturday afternoon ($165 per person). Saturday evening’s Harvest Night tickets are $275 per person while Gospel Brunch morning access is $85 per person for Sunday.

Tickets opened May 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. CT, at musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com/tickets

Guests dine on sliders, hot chicken, cream puffs and chocolate chip cookies from Gray & Dudley with drinks brought in part by Titos. Photo: Don VanCleave

 

Nashville’s 21c Hotel and Museum. Photo: Eric T. Parker

 

La Vitrina Cloud Collection from Leandro Erlich (Argentinian) 2011. Photo: Eric T. Parker

LifeNotes: Singer-Songwriter Kelley Sallee Snead Passes

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Kelley Sallee Snead

Kelley Sallee Snead, known to many for her years working at Music Row businesses and as a regular at “in-the-round” songwriters’ nights, has died at age 58 following a battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Snead spent 10 years at the Country Music Hall of Fame as the administrative assistant to Kyle Young. After leaving the Hall of Fame, she worked for three years at BMG Music. She also held jobs at music law firms and at Crye Leike Realtors.

She performed often in Nashville nightspots as a singer-songwriter. CCM artist Lisa Daggs Charette, Americana troubadour Lee Domann and the Texas group The Doak Snead Band were among the artists who recorded her songs. She was also a demo singer.

Raised in Oklahoma, she was the daughter of former Reprise and Dot recording artist Vikki Sallee (1941-2013), known as “The Queen of Hillbilly Hollywood.” Snead was the stepdaughter of banjo player Doug Dillard (1937-2012) of The Dillards and Andy Griffith Show TV fame.

Singer-songwriter Doak Snead was once a staff writer for Reba McEntire’s Starstruck publishing company. Kelley and Doak met in 1990 in Nashville and were married in 1992. They had daughter Emma Claire Snead in 1995.

In 1999, Kelley Sallee Snead was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which robbed her of her singing voice and rendered her severely handicapped. Doak Snead compiled his wife’s earlier song demos and work tapes to create her CD Roses & Tumbleweeds in 2015.

Kelley Sallee Snead passed away on Monday, May 8.

She is survived by Doak and Emma, as well as by stepdaughter Rachel McCarty, sister Kristi, brother-in-law James Ritson, aunt Bobbie Rivarde, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN, 372221. Her funeral will follow at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the name of Kelley Sallee Snead to MusiCares, 1904 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville TN 37212.

Read the full obituary here.

Nashville’s Mayor Megan Barry Proclaims Ryman Auditorium Day

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(L – R): Vince Gill, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and Chairman and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Colin Reed. Credit: Steve Lowry

In a ceremony held earlier today on stage at Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry issued a proclamation celebrating May 10, 2017 as Ryman Auditorium Day in honor of the iconic venue’s 125th anniversary.

“From its beginnings as a church to its years as the home of the Grand Ole Opry to its revival as the coolest concert venue in the world, the Ryman has a story like no other building – anywhere,” Mayor Barry said. “I’m grateful for everything the Ryman means to Nashville, and I’m excited to celebrate its first 125 years while looking forward to many more.”

Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryman Auditorium’s parent company, Ryman Hospitality Properties and Opry Member Vince Gill joined Mayor Barry onstage to celebrate Ryman Auditorium Day, which is also the 132nd anniversary of the meeting between Captain Thomas Ryman and Reverend Sam Jones that inspired Ryman to construct a grand tabernacle for the people of Nashville.

“As the owners of this Nashville treasure, we view ourselves as both the stewards and protectors of its rich and storied legacy,” said Reed. “We are thankful that Mayor Barry has chosen to recognize not only the historical significance of the Ryman but also its continued influence on Nashville’s thriving music and tourism industries.”

“If you think about it, music has had a great history here, but the real purpose of this building was to save people… and 125 years later it’s still saving people,” expressed Gill. “This place just has spirit that you can’t even put into words. It really is a magical place. The very first time I ever sang in this building it was just me and a guitar, and it was one of the most majestic experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I really felt that spirit move through me. This place more than any place I’ve been…I really felt that spirit. Whether I play here with a seven-piece band or a bluegrass band… no matter what you throw at this place it takes it and elevates it.”

Jason Aldean CMHoF Exhibit To Open May 26

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHoF) will explore the life and career of Jason Aldean in a new exhibit, Jason Aldean: Asphalt Cowboy, set to open May 26.

The exhibit is presented by outdoor merchandiser, Field & Stream, for which Aldean is a spokesperson. Asphalt Cowboy will include childhood mementos, memorabilia from Aldean’s early career, stage wear, guitars, awards, photos and more from Aldean’s personal collection.

“In ‘Asphalt Cowboy’ Jason sings about running underneath the stars on a ride that won’t let him go,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “Years of touring across the country, burning up the asphalt, have led him to country music superstardom on a ride that’s far from over. We are pleased that he will join Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood among the contemporary artists we have featured in special summer exhibits examining country music in the twenty-first century.”

“I could not be more honored to have an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Aldean. “To look around the space and see my personal heroes and artists who helped shape country music is a surreal feeling. To be a part of a legacy like this really is a dream come true.”

“When we first started working with Jason, it was our goal to create an authentic partnership with someone who is genuinely passionate about the outdoors,” said Lauren Hobart, executive vice president & chief customer & digital officer for DICK’S Sporting Goods, which owns and operates Field & Stream. “We are not only thrilled to be supporting Jason’s exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, but we’re excited to help bring country music fans and outdoor enthusiasts closer to the music they enjoy.”

For more information, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

RaeLynn To Greet Fans On Forever 21 Stops On RaVe Tour

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Photo Credit: Katie Kauss

RaeLynn will make a series of in-store appearances at select Forever 21 stores around the country in support of her new RaVe Tour, beginning Friday May 12 at the Jordan Creek Town Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Fans can visit stores to meet with RaeLynn and get copies of her new album Wildhorse signed, and two winners at each event will be selected to receive tickets to that night’s show.

She’ll appear at the Forever 21 at Cool Springs Galleria in Nashville May 23 before wrapping the RaVe tour with her final date at Nashville’s Mercy Lounge May 24, and then launches into a full slate of summer dates.

The video for her new single “Love Triangle” recently earned RaeLynn her second CMT nomination for Breakthrough Video Of The Year at this year’s upcoming CMT Music Awards. Recently nominated for the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards fan-voted The Freshest!-Best New Artist Country and selected as a 2017 Country Artist to Watch by Pandora, Napster and Billboard, RaeLynn has racked up over 120 million cumulative career streams.

RaeLynn Forever 21 Appearances: 
Friday, May 12 – Forever 21 at Jordan Creek Town Center, Des Moines, IA
Friday, May 19 – Forever 21 at Eastwood Towne Center, Lansing, MI
Saturday, May 20 – Forever 21 at Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN
Tuesday, May 23- Forever 21 at Cool Springs Galleria, Nashville, TN

Bobby Bare To Release New Album In May: ‘Things Change’

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Country Music Hall of Famer and GRAMMY® award-winner Bobby Bare will release Things Change on May 26. The album is Bare’s first studio project in five years and is available for pre-sale now at BobbyBare.com. All CD’s purchased through Bare’s website will be autographed.

Things Change will feature 10 tracks written by Bare, Mary Gauthier, Guy Clark and the producer of the project, hit singer-songwriter Max T. Barnes. It also features a collaboration with Chris Stapleton.

“This is a special collection of songs to me, not just another record, said Bobby Bare. “Great songs from Mary Gauthier, a song I co-wrote with Guy Clark that turned out to be his last and a song that my buddy Hoyt Axton inspired me to write called ‘Things Change.’ That’s the title of the album and the first single. Things do change but my love for songwriters and the fans never, ever will!”

Things Change will be released by Hypermedia Nashville and BFD through RED Distribution.

Florida Georgia Line Opening FGL House In Downtown Nashville

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Photo Credit: Delaney Royer

Florida Georgia Line are the latest artists to jump into the hospitality business with the announcement of their new venture, a bar and restaurant in the SoBro district called FGL House.

The four-story attraction on Third Ave. South will feature live music every day of the week and serve up Southern style food with a California flair and plenty of cocktails, including craft beers and specialty drinks featuring the duo’s own Old Camp Whiskey.

“What excites Tyler and I the most is always staying creative. We love seeing what fresh things we can come up with to take our music to a new level and turn our dreams into reality,” shares FGL’s Brian Kelley.

“We want FGL House to be just as welcoming, fun and entertaining for our guests as if they were coming out to one of our shows – nothing but good food, good drinks and good times!,” adds FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “We can’t wait for opening day to get here!”

Opening in early summer 2017 in partnership with LRC Group, the new venue also boasts the largest rooftop lounge area Nashville has to offer, dedicated to an all-day and all-night party with stunning views of the Music City skyline. Visitors can also enjoy a basement-level lounge complete with its own baby grand piano, cocktail menu inspired by ‘90s pop culture, and specialty martinis. Dee Jay Silver will also spin custom country mixes during Country Club Tuesdays at the new hotspot. 

The duo will be busy this summer as well on their soon-to-launch Smooth Tour 2017, featuring Nelly, Chris Lane, and select dates with the Backstreet Boys. Kicking off June 2 in Austin, Texas, the tour will also feature Morgan Wallen and Russell Dickerson, who have just been added to the bill on select dates.

 

Grand Ole Opry To Salute Veterans Of Desert Storm

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The Grand Ole Opry will salute the veterans of Desert Storm with a red carpet parade and annual Salute the Troops Opry performance on Tuesday, May 23.

The public is invited to be a part of red carpet arrivals from veterans, which will be outside the Opry House beginning at 5:45 p.m. The evening’s Opry performance begins at 7:00 p.m. with Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Dailey & Vincent, Charlie Daniels Band, Chris Young, and the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band.

Throughout the evening, fans will learn of the heroic actions of Desert Storm veterans as well as the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association’s work to build the National Desert Storm Memorial in Washington D.C.

“Country music was a major part of the patriotism that swept the U.S. and the support our troops felt from the folks back home in 1990 and 1991,” said Scott C. Stump, CEO of the National Desert Storm War Memorial. “It’s exciting to be able to celebrate that continued patriotism and reflect on the sacrifices of our Desert Storm veterans at the home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry.”

Brett Eldredge To Release New Album In August

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Brett Eldredge is gearing up for the release of his sophomore, self-titled album this summer, which is set to hit outlets August 4. The project is the followup to his debut CD Illinois, which was released in 2015 and produced four chart-topping hits. He announced the album news during his appearance Tuesday morning (5/9) on “TODAY” where he joined Kathie Lee and Hoda to broadcast the 2017 CMT Music Awards nominations.

The album will feature Eldredge’s new single “Somethin’ I’m Good At,” which he debuted on the 52nd ACM Awards and has already racked up over 10.2 million streams.

“It’s kind of crazy to see an album cover with just your name on it,” Eldredge said. “I think that shows what I want to say with this album. Maybe it takes a little bit of guts to put out a self-titled album – but if it’s 100% honestly you, then that should come across through the music. That’s my name and I hope my fans love me for me. Hopefully they feel the connection of these songs and they help them through their everyday lives. Because that’s why I make this music.”

The new album is his first studio album in two years, but Eldredge released a Christmas album Glow in October that contained a chart-topping duet with Meghan Trainor of the classic “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” He’ll no doubt preview many of the songs off the brand new album as part of Luke Bryan’s “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” tour this Summer.

Industry Ink: BMI, Keith Stegall, Writer’s Den Music Group, K-LOVE Fan Awards

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Keith Stegall Honored With BMI’s Million-Air Awards

Pictured: BMI’s Jody Williams, BMI songwriter Keith Stegall and BMI’s David Preston. Photo: Steve Lowry

BMI’s Jody Williams and David Preston dropped by BMI songwriter Keith Stegall’s home to present the decorated songwriter with two more Million-Air Awards. Marking the milestone of millions of radio air plays, Stegall was presented with designations for one million plays of “Sexy Eyes” and five million plays of “Don’t Rock The Jukebox.”

 

Writer’s Den Music Group Signs Noel McKay

Pictured (L-R, back row): Bobby Rymer, Writer’s Den; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Sarah Feldman, Writer’s Den. (Front row): Noel McKay

Bobby Rymer and Sarah Feldman of Writer’s Den Music Group are pleased to announce the signing of writer/artist Noel McKay to a worldwide publishing agreement. Writer’s Den recently signed McKay’s fellow High Plains Jamboree member Brennen Leigh.

“So many of my established music business and songwriter friends have told me Writer’s Den is one of the good ones. The enthusiasm for great songs is contagious. I’m extremely happy to be writing for them.” says McKay.

Rymer said, “I was already a fan of Noel, but I knew we wanted to work with him after asking him where an idea for a song came from and he responded”, “The music business is fraught with people with emotional problems. That’s where.”

 

K-LOVE Fan Awards Coming To Select Theaters Nationwide

The fan-voted K-LOVE Fan Awards will be broadcast for the first time on the big screen as The K-LOVE Fan Awards: Ignite Hope will be shown in select movie theaters nationwide on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. local time.

The awards, hosted Matthew West and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, will take place May 28 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Artists attending will include Danny Gokey, Jeremy Camp, Britt Nicole, Matthew West, Jesus Culture, Crowder, Mandisa, MercyMe, for King & Country, and more.

Tickets for The K-LOVE Fan Awards: Ignite Hope can be purchased online by visiting FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 500 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).