Downtown Nashville Road Closures Announced For 2017 CMA Music Festival

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The CMA Music Festival has announced road closures that will affect downtown Nashville traffic from June 1- June 13. Road closures will begin Thursday, June 1 at 7 a.m. and last until Tuesday, June 13 at 3 p.m.

The closures are due to this year’s festival lineup of hundreds of established and rising artists. The coveted Nissan Stadium stage will include performances from artists including Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Kelsea Ballerini, Florida Georgia Line, Trace Adkins and more.

 

Closures beginning Thursday, June 1:

7:00 AM – The northbound lane cutout of First Avenue will be closed from Broadway to Church Streets (reopens Thursday, June 1 by 7:00 PM).
7:00 AM – The First Avenue train station cutout will be closed (reopens Tuesday, June 13 at 3:00 PM).
9:00 AM – The northbound lane of Fifth Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun to Broadway (reopens Thursday, June 1 by 3:00 PM).

Closures beginning Sunday, June 4:

6:00 AM – Fifth Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun to Broadway (reopens Monday, June 12 by 4:00 PM).

Closures beginning Monday, June 5:

5:00 AM – First Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun to Church Streets (reopens Monday, June 12 by 3:00 AM).
5:00 AM – Broadway will be closed from First to Second Avenues (reopens Monday, June 12 by 3:00 AM).
7:00 AM – Titans Way will be closed (reopens Monday, June 12 by 3:00 AM).

Closures beginning Wednesday, June 7:

5:00 AM – First Avenue will be closed from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Demonbreun Street (reopens Monday, June 12 by 3:00 AM).
5:00 AM – Molloy Street will be closed from First to Second Avenues (reopens Monday, June 12 by 3:00 AM).
5:00 AM – Demonbreun Street will be closed from First to Second Avenues (reopens Monday, June 12 by 3:00 AM).
6:00 AM – Broadway will be closed from Second to Fourth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 12 by 2:00 AM).
6:00 AM – Demonbreun Street will be closed from Fourth to Sixth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 12 by 2:00 AM).

Closures beginning Thursday, June 8:

7:00 AM-Fifth Avenue from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Demonbreun Street and Demonbreun Street from Fifth to Sixth Avenues will be closed Thursday, June 8 through Sunday, June 11 from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM daily.

Closures beginning Monday, June 12:

7:00 AM – The northbound lane of First Avenue will be closed from Broadway to Church Street (reopens Monday, June 12 by 7:00 PM).
9:00 AM – The southbound lane of Fifth Avenue will be closed from Demonbreun Street to Broadway (reopens Monday, June 12 by 3:00 PM).

Meters will be bagged on the following streets:

Sunday, June 4 at 11:59 PM – Korean Veterans Boulevard from Fifth to Eighth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 12 by 6:00 AM).
Monday, June 5 at 8:00 PM – Fourth Avenue from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Commerce Street, as well as Second Avenue from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Union Street, and Broadway from First to Sixth Avenues (reopens Monday, June 12 by 1:00 AM).

 

 

 

MusicRowPics: Noah Guthrie, Jeffrey East, Mark Mackay

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Noah Guthrie Visits MusicRow

Musician and former Glee cast member Noah Guthrie recently stopped by the MusicRow offices to perform songs from his latest project, Love You Now. He offered “The Valley,” as well as a new take on the Prince classic “I Would Die 4 U.”

Noah Guthrie

“It’s a crazy awesome love song, with great lyrics, but they get lost in the dance mix,” Guthrie said. “I wanted to draw that out, so I slowed the song down.”

Noah Guthrie with MusicRow staff

 

Mark Mackay Visits MusicRow

Independent artist and California native Mark Mackay offered an acoustic rendition of “Already Won,” from his album Trials & Tribulations. He played more than 200 shows on the road last year.

Mark Mackay

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson, Mark Mackay

 

Jeffrey East Visits MusicRow

Jeffrey East, a singer-songwriter aligned with peermusic, recently visited the MusicRow office to perform tracks from his upcoming project. East contributed the track “Roller Rink” to Rascal Flatts’ latest album Back To Us, and has had cuts by Rainey Qualley, Point of Grace, and Selah.

Jeffrey East and band with MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson

Jeffrey East, band, and publisher with MusicRow staff

Jerry Duncan Promotions, Deluge Music Make Office Moves

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Two local Nashville music industry companies have announced new office locations.

Jerry Duncan Promotions, an independent country record promotion company which focuses on small and medium market radio promotion, has moved and is now located at 1617 17th Ave. S. in Nashville. The company has been in business since 1982.

Phone numbers and email addresses remain the same. Jerry Duncan and Lisa Smoot can be reached at 615-329-1032 or [email protected] and [email protected].

 

Music publishing company Deluge Music, founded by Mark Friedman, David Robkin, and Larry Mazer, with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville, is now located at 1114 17th Ave S. #103.

Last year, the company signed a co-publishing deal with Emily West. Deluge Music writer Oran Thorton co-produced Angaleena Presley’s latest album, Wrangled, and contributed to two tracks on the album. The roster also includes Brennin (who earned a cut on Vince Gill’s last album and released the single “Rip Off The Rearview”), Kevin Savigar (who co-wrote/co-produced Rod Stewart’s Another Country album), Christine Connolly (currently co-writing with Theory of a Deadman’s album), Smithfield (who recently took part in the national Highway Finds tour), Mason Thornley, and Susan Ruth.

 

 

 

Troy Tomlinson To Receive 2017 Inspiration Award During Inspire Nashville Gala

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Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville President/CEO Troy Tomlinson will be honored with the 2017 Inspiration Award during the Inspire Nashville Gala at Marathon Music Works on Oct. 24, 2017.

Inspire Nashville, benefiting The Onsite Foundation, honors and celebrates the premiere leaders of Nashville’s creative community who use their platforms to support and impact humanitarian efforts locally and around the world. The Inspire Nashville event includes musical performances, heartfelt speakers, and moving moments highlighting the city’s silent heroes who make the world a better place.

“Troy embodies the passion, commitment, and heart of the Inspiration Award. He is a true maverick when it comes to connecting people through inspiring acts of service and kindness,” says Miles Adcox, CEO of Onsite. “This is a rare opportunity to shine a light and honor such a humble friend to all of us in the music and Nashville communities. Our goal is to select someone whose actions and service line up with the heart and mission of The Onsite Foundation, and our board was unanimous in selecting Troy as this year’s honoree.”

In addition to being President/CEO of Sony ATV Music Publishing Nashville, Tomlinson is Chairman of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission and a member of the CMA Board of Directors. He serves on the board for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Country Music Foundation. He is a member of Belmont University’s Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Nashville Chapter. Troy and his wife Sylvia started the Troy & Sylvia Tomlinson Scholarship Endowment for “Bridges to Belmont, which provides full four-year scholarships for qualifying students. Troy and Sylvia Tomlinson also support Abe’s Garden, St. Thomas Midtown’s NICU, The Next Door, Porter’s Call, The Hope Clinic, Young Life Capernaum and End Slavery Tennessee.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via inspirenashville.net
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John Dorris, Mike Kraski Form New Vision Artist Management

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Pictured (L-R): John Dorris and Mike Kraski. Photo: Webster PR.

Music industry veterans John Dorris and Mike Kraski have partnered to form New Vision Artist Management, and are currently seeking and evaluating signings to the roster.

John Dorris, Sr. began his career as a tax accountant for Price Waterhouse and Lin Broadcasting Corporation, before later serving as head of Business Affairs for Monument Records and Combine Music Publishing. In 1983, Dorris opened Hallmark Direction Company with Don Williams as his initial client. John Michael Montgomery, Doug Stone, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Mark Wills, Leslie Satcher, The Whites, Dean Dillon, and many others have or have had a home at Hallmark Direction Company. Dorris served on the Academy of Country Music’s Board of Directors for more than 20 years and earned the ACM’s Mae Boren Axton Award in 2010.

Kraski began his career in sales and distribution at CBS Records before transitioning to Sony Music Nashville, where he rose to Exec VP/GM for the Nashville division. During his years with Sony, he worked with Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Patty Loveless, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Montgomery Gentry and Travis Tritt, among others. In 2003, Kraski launched Equity Records, the early home of vocal group Little Big Town. Since 2007, Mike has worked in artist management, consulting and music publishing at Tenacity Management and at M-Pact Music Group. Mike has served for 20 years as a member of the Academy of Country Music’s board of directors.

“When you say the name John Dorris, three words come to mind; success, integrity and experience. It’s an honor for me to be working together with a man I’ve admired for as long as I’ve been here in Nashville,” said Kraski.

Dorris adds, “In today’s world, artists need managers to better support label efforts and, at times, to perform the role of the label. With Mike’s success at both Sony and Equity, his experience, combined with mine, makes for a very strong team.”

Dorris’ Hallmark Direction Company will remain in operation separately from the newly announced co-venture.

Dorris can be reached at jdorrissr@hallmarkdirectionco.com, while Kraski can be reached at [email protected].

Third Man Records Band Sun Seeker Announces New EP

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Nashville-based band Sun Seeker‘s new EP, Biddeford, which will be released on July 14, 2017 by Third Man Records. In anticipation of the release, the group’s members Alex Benick, Asher Horton and Ben Parks have shared the EP’s first single “Won’t Keep Me Up At Night.”

The EP follows Sun Seeker’s debut single, 2016’s “Georgia Dust.” The band will be celebrating the release with a show at The Blue Room at Third Man Records Nashville on July 14.

Biddeford EP track list:
1. Churchill
2. Biddeford
3. Won’t Keep Me Up At Night
4. With Nothing (But Our Last Words)
5. Sunny Day Girls
6. Might Be Time

Eric Church Breaks Own Bridgestone Arena Record Again, Wraps Holdin’ My Own Tour

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Eric Church. Photo: Anthony D’Angio

When MusicRow’s Robert K. Oermann says, “An Eric Church show is a must-see event,” there’s no turning down a ticket.

Such was the case on Friday, May 26, for the penultimate date with 18,996 attendees for Church’s Holdin’ My Own Tour which reclaimed Church’s Bridgestone Arena attendance record from Bon Jovi, who had outsold Church’s 2015 date by 103 tickets. Church then outdid himself again for Nashville’s final, tour-ending date on Saturday, May 27, to the tune of 19,020 attendees. All this despite canceling over 2,000 tickets for the shows previously listed on the secondary market, in the name of protecting fan access from scalpers.

“It’s been a hell of a tour,” said Church backstage after UMG Nashville President, Cindy Mabe, prefaced the show as one of the biggest shows you will see this year. “Forty songs from now…[the tour] will be over.

“It’s bitter-sweet for me because I’ve never had more fun than I have the past five weeks,” continued Church on his 360° stage. “Every night I tell the crowd this band and I promise to give everything we have. I think its safe to say we’re gonna give you more than everything we have over these two nights. There have been a lot of shows here but you’ll never see one like tonight.”

Sentiments aside, the outlaw rocker had the audience on their feet the whole, three hour evening. In his signature aviator glasses, The Chief occasionally flipped the bird as an exclamation point to some of his most riling and well-written titles, seeming to egg on fans, some of which were wearing “Eric F*ckin’ Church” T-shirts. All this after Church took the stage behind a audio recording play of Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah,” which felt like pre-confessional, centering pledge for the angsty crowd.

Then things kicked off. For Mr. Misunderstood‘s “Mistress Named Music,” Church’s opening number escalated to unveil a full choir from East Nashville Magnet High School in addition to the suspended black and white video cube Church would be illuminated to contrast the mesmerizing evening.

Blazing through pulsing power anthems—complete with billowing smoke from the sides of the stage—audience was treated to what have become signature titles for Church, all projected with  provoking camera work on the cube.

“Eric Church fans know the words to even every album cut,” endorsed Oermann. And they did. Many of those titles turnt the crowd without the aid of radio success, including “That’s Damn Rock & Roll,” “Mistress Named Music,” and “Knives Of New Orleans.”

His Appalachian twang remained, especially on early titles performed, including “How ‘Bout You” and “Drink In My Hand, to more current hits “The Outsiders” and the phenomenal “Talladega.”

“I moved to town 16 years ago, playing a lot of clubs and small places,” said Church, attributing his success to word of mouth from an original 20 fans in any given tour stop. “Every night we played as if there were 50,000 people in front of us. It was never about how many, it was always about the music and the heart.”

With that heart and passion, the men were just as ignited with enthusiasm as women, who—if they weren’t there by their own accord—looked to be enjoying themselves just as much by proxy.

The banjo roll on “Cold One” was not the only title to pay homage to the past. Continuing the tradition, Church covered of Grateful Dead’s “Tennessee Jed,” Ben Harper’s “Steal My Kisses” and lyrics “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” before a Merle Haggard photo was projected.

Simple concert lights danced through the crowds, punctuating performance perfectly. The black and white video cube was thoughtfully accentuated with red projection on “Round Here Buzz,” perhaps a reflection of the isolation of a late night, small town stoplight. A deafening cheer came from “Wrecking Ball,” which many fans documented on their phone cameras.

And this was all before the intermission.

There was no opening act. Church went on after 8:30 p.m., and played until after midnight. During the break, fans were able to refill their 20 oz beers before Church “Turn[ed] This Bitch Up” for a post-intermission set including the outstanding “Record Year” and “Homeboy,” “Kill A Word” “Jack Daniels,” Mixed Drinks About Feelings” and “Creepin’.”

In all, Church played 39 songs during his two sets with the sold-out crowd standing the entire show, raising their glasses—and boots—when prompted. At one point, Church stopped to gather vinyls and magazines from fans before taking out a Sharpie to signing each for fans.

The fans deafening cheer again came after “Give Me Back My Hometown” and Church wrapped with “Springsteen.”

He may be seen as a country outsider, but Church is a bonafide Entertainer. With a  delivery on par with Garth Brooks, no catwalks or gimmicks were needed for Church to show he has nothing to prove—comfortable in his stardom—and yet he still has the numbers prove it. Pollstar deemed the tour the world’s No. 1 most-attended music tour for 2017, with over 900,000 fans at 62 shows since January. Until his trophy comes, echoes of his Church Choir seem to certainly be reward enough.

Eric Church with his signature Hummingbird Dark Gibson Guitar during his two-night Holdin’ My Own Tour finale in Nashville. Photo: Anthony D’Angelo


Performing aside, Church is ever a business baron. For the third year opened his pop-up store in East Nashville (address: 218 South 11th Street), a block from his management’s office.

Lines were out the door on Saturday for rare items specific to the Holdin’ My Own Tour (including a chance at a pair of tickets to that evening’s show) with exclusive merchandise, such as the debut a never-before-seen design of his These Boots by Lucchese, a custom Orion Cooler and vintage tour T-shirts and posters. A portion of the proceeds benefitted Church and his wife Katherine’s non-profit Chief Cares foundation that serves more than 2.5 million people around the globe with charitable giving.

The store will open again Thursday, June 8, through Sunday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during CMA Fest. Those fans in town can catch The Chief at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium Friday, June 9 at 10 p.m.

Additionally, Church has announced eight more shows in 2017.

Eric Church 2017 Concert Dates

June 23 — Cadott, WI at Country Fest
Sept. 2-3 —Stateline, NV at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys**
Sept 7 — Austin, TX at Austin 360 Amphitheater***
Sept. 8 — Houston, TX at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion***
Sept. 15 — Tuscaloosa, AL at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater*
Sept. 16 — Orange Beach, AL at The Wharf Amphitheater*
Sept. 21-22 — Gilford, NH at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion***
Sept. 29 — Las Vegas, NV at Route 91 Festival+
*With special guests Brothers Osborne and Ashley McBryde
**Margo Price opening
***Special guests announced soon

Additional support announcement and on sale information coming soon.

Kelsea Ballerini, Willie Nelson, Reba, Dolly Parton, George Strait To Be Awarded At ACM Honors

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The Academy of Country Music has revealed an all-star lineup of honorees as recipients for its Special Awards categories as part of the 11th annual ACM Honors, which will take place Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium and will be broadcast at a later date on CBS. The organization also announced the renaming and/or consolidation for several categories.

George Strait will be honored with the Cliffie Stone Icon Award (previously The Cliffe Stone Pioneer Award), presented to a country music  artist, duo/group or industry leader who throughout their career has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.

The ACM’s Humanitarian Award has been renamed and incorporated into the existing Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award, which will be presented to Dolly Parton. The award honors a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others, voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.

Kelsea Ballerini will be honored with the Gene Weed Milestone Award (a combination of the previous Crystal Milestone and Gene Weed Special Achievement Awards). This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.

Bob Kingsley and Reba McEntire have been chosen as recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Service Award (previously The Mae Boren Axton Award), to honor an outstanding country music artist, duo/group or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.

Eric Church will be honored with the Merle Haggard Spirit Award, presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country legend and 20-time ACM Award Winner Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling. Miranda Lambert was the award’s inaugural honoree last year.

Three artists and songwriters will share the Poet’s Award, including Toby Keith, Willie Nelson and Shel Silverstein (awarded posthumously). This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.

“Nashville” has been chosen as the recipient of the Tex Ritter Film Award, which honors an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music.

Additional off-camera categories to be honored include the yet-to-be-announced Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards winners, as well as previously announced Songwriter of the Year winner Lori McKenna. McKenna is the first female to win the ACM Songwriter of the Year honor. Past recipients of the Songwriter of the Year Award include Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally and Roger Miller.

The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors for specific achievements.

 

Industry Ink: Jason Aldean, Clay Walker, Rare Country, Chris Tomlin

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Jason Aldean Visits His Country Music Hall Of Fame Exhibit

Pictured (L-R): Maverick’s Chris Parr, Jason Aldean, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young and Maverick’s Clarence Spalding. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Jason Aldean visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit on his life and career last Thursday (May 25) with wife Brittany, daughters Keeley and Kendyl, his parents, stepparents and friends. Presented by Field & Stream, Jason Aldean: Asphalt Cowboy runs through Nov. 5, 2017.

 

Clay Walker Inks With UTA

Clay Walker has signed with United Talent Agency for booking. Walker recently completed a new album that will launch later this year.
“We’re excited to have Clay as a new client,” said UTA’s Nick Meinema. “His world-class voice, performance style and commitment to philanthropy makes him an artist that we are thrilled to represent. We look forward to working with him on some innovative new opportunities.”

 

Phyllis Stark Named Rare Country Sr. Content Editor

Phyllis Stark has joined Rare Country as its Senior Content Editor. In her new role she will be responsible for leading Rare Country’s editorial team in Nashville, directing editorial strategy, and shaping original content for RareCountry.com and across all Rare Country platforms. In addition to her role at Rare Country, Stark will continue to write her weekly “Stark Report” column for Billboard Country Update. 

 

Chris Tomlin’s Worship Night In America A Huge Success

Photo: Daniel White

Chris Tomlin recently wrapped his Worship Night In America tour which featured Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Phil Wickham and Zach Williams. The tour made 23 stops across the US, selling out arenas in major markets including Phoenix, Portland, Kansas City, and Seattle, while making history in Nashville as the largest ticketed Christian concert at Bridgestone Arena.

Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton’s ‘Room’ Continues To Reign, Lauren Duski Unseats Sam Hunt

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Chris Stapleton‘s From A Room: Vol. 1 rises again to the No. 1 slot on Nielsen Soundscan’s Country Albums rankings after spending last week at No. 2. The album sold 42K this week. Rascal Flatts‘ new project, Back To Us, debuts at No. 2, with 25K (album only) sold this week.

Zac Brown Band’s latest, Welcome Home, slides from No. 1 to the No. 3 spot this week, with 23K sold.

In the fourth spot this week is Stapleton’s Traveller, which moved 11K this week, upping the album’s tally to 1.9 million RTD.

Keith Urban‘s Ripcord rounds out this week’s Top 5 with 5.5K.

On the country digital tracks rankings, The Voice Contestant Lauren Duski unseats Sam Hunt‘s”Body Like A Back Road” from the No. 1 spot, as her original song “Deja Vu” moves 86K this week. Duski also debuts a new track, her rendition of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance” landing at No. 4 with 37K sold.

Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” moves to No. 2, with 52.5K. Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know” lands at No. 3, with 46.1K.

Lee Brice‘s “The Boy” debuts at No. 5, moving 24K.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.