J.D. May, Mark Confroy Join Aloompa

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J.D. May, Mark Confroy

Nashville-based tech firm Aloompa has added JD May as Chief Operating Officer and Mark Confroy as Director of Client Fulfillment.

As COO, May will be responsible for developing and executing key growth strategies for the company in addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the current business.  May has previously served in executive roles at Songkick, Front Gate Tickets and Ticketmaster. He was also a partner at music tech pioneer echomusic, which was acquired by Ticketmaster in 2007.

“JD has as long and successful history as a music and technology executive helping companies develop scalable, innovative solutions in the live entertainment space,” says company co-founder Drew Burchfield.  “He brings a global perspective and a wealth of experience to our team and will help us continue to take advantage of new opportunities in a rapidly developing market.”

“I’ve been a huge fan of Aloompa for many years and have seen first-hand how their powerful platform can combine advanced proximity-based technologies with detailed audience behavior data to provide event producers with never-before-seen insights on their attendees,” May says. “This is game changing for sponsors and brands who are all looking to maximize the impact of their partnerships and return on investment.”

Confroy is a mobile-focused digital leader with more than a decade of experience leading teams and strategy for various brands, institutions and artists. His past experience includes roles at Songkick, HelloWorld, and Mozes.

In 2014, Aloompa created the event proximity platform Presence.

Kendell Marvel Celebrates Album Release With Black Crowes, Foo Fighters, Brothers Osborne

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Pictured (L-R): Arlo Gilliam, Keith Gattis, Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), Kendell Marvel, Mike McAdam, John Henry Trinko, Chris Hennessee, Cowboy Eddie Long. Photo: Nathan Zucker [CLICK TO ENLARGE]

Country songwriter and entertainer, Kendell Marvel, hosted his first Honky Tonk Experience since the release of his debut album Lowdown & Lonesome last week (Oct. 24).

The October installment of the rowdy monthly outing at Nashville’s Exit/In included Brothers Osborne, Steve Gorman (drummer for The Black Crowes) in addition to Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett and keyboardist Rami Jaffee.

In particular, Jaffee joined on Marvel’s original “Watch Your Heart” and “That Seat’s Saved.” The Brothers Osborne took over the mic completely from Marvel in addition to a rare vocal showcase of John, for covers of Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings” and Johnny Bush/Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River.”

Pictured (L-R): T.J. Osborne, Kendell Marvel, John Osborne. Photo: Nathan Zucker

With a mixture of vocal stylings reminiscent of Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, and Trace Adkins, the honky tonk rocker poured in to a plethora of additional covers from Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams in addition to songs from the debut album. Notably, one of Marvel’s two cuts on Chris Stapleton’s forthcoming From A Room: Volume 2 (“Tryin’ To Untangle My Mind”) is also featured on Marvel’s release.

“Go buy ’em both,” said Marvel of he and Stapleton’s releases. “They’re totally different.”

Stapleton has co-writing credit on three tracks from Marvel’s album. The album also features writing with Randy Houser and vocals with Jamey Johnson. Lowdown & Lonesome was produced by Keith Gattis, who co-wrote seven out of 10 tracks alongside Marvel.

Gattis was featured on stage alongside some of Nashville’s most revered players last week, including Cowboy Eddie Long (pedal steel for Jamey Johnson/Hank Williams Jr.), Chris Hennessee (guitarist for Jamey Johnson), Mike McAdam (guitarist for Steve Earle, Mary Chapin Carpenter), Arlo Gilliam (bass player Travis Tritt), Dave Dunseath (drummer for Lee Ann Womack), Melonie Cannon (BGV and daughter of Buddy Cannon) and John Henry Trinko (keyboardist for Randy Houser).

“Now if I could just make enough money to take this band out on the road with me,” Marvel jeered his WME agent. “Jay Williams, if you’re out there…”

Huntsman Entertainment Closes

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Ron and Vivian Huntsman.

Ron Huntsman, President of Huntsman Entertainment, announced Monday (Oct. 30) the company bearing his name has ceased operations. The decision comes after 52 years in the radio, records and artist promotion and development business, 47 of which have been in Nashville. Huntsman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011.

In 1973, he launched Ron Huntsman Promotions. Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Cryin’ In the Rain” was the first of many No. 1 singles he promoted, and others included Waylon Jennings’ “Are You Sure Old Hank Done It This Way,” Billy Swan’s “I Can Help” and Charlie Daniels’ “Uneasy Rider,” “Long Haired Country Boy” and “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again).”

Ron and wife Vivian opened Huntsman Entertainment in 1988.

In addition to his regular programming, Huntsman has overseen production of over 160 album and product release radio specials for virtually every record label in Nashville over the last 29 years. Huntsman Entertainment also produced over 30 Live From Nashville and Live from Hollywood multi-station remote broadcasts during CMA and ACM awards weeks. He was tapped by Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, the radiothon program that has raised over $750 million for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to produce “story songs” used by over 200 Country radio stations.

In 1988, Huntsman was awarded the esteemed CMA Founding President’s Award.

Their weekly syndicated radio show Country HitMakers debuted in April of 1994 and at its peak aired on over 600 stations. The final episode aired October 1, 2017. The entertaining Christmas on Music Row program, now in it’s 26th year, will be available through 2017, and stations interested in running the final episode may contact [email protected].

BBR Music Group: Garbonola Named International VP, Loss Named Digital Strategy VP

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Pictured (L-R): Lynette Garbonola, Chris Loss

BBR Music Group has named Lynette Garbonola to the newly-created position of VP of International. The appointment comes shortly after a successful Country Music Week in the United Kingdom for BBR artists and as the company continues to role out initiatives in territories across the globe following its January acquisition by BMG.

Garbonola transitions to the position from her role as VP of Digital Media. She joined BBR Music Group in 2010. Prior to BBR she worked at Warner Music Nashville for 16 years where she helped launch their New Media/Digital Department rising to the role of VP of New Media.

“International growth for the BBR roster is a major priority for BMG and they continue to strengthen that commitment with additional resources and actions. The creation of a position in Nashville dedicated exclusively to representing our artists outside of the U.S., as well as BMG artists throughout the globe in Nashville, is a massive step in capitalizing on the significant and growing demand for Country music world-wide,” stated Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group. “Lynette has a track record throughout her career of jumping in feet first, identifying and seizing opportunities in an ever-changing marketplace. Add to that her understanding of digital and its role internationally and she is a perfect fit for this role.”

Chris Loss will become the new VP of Digital Strategy & Analytics, working closely with DSP’s, digital advertisers, and ADA distribution. He moves from his current position of VP of Promotion for Stoney Creek Records. Loss began his career in radio before becoming the Director of West Coast Promotion for Lyric Street in 2002. He was part of the team that launched The Valory Music Co. in 2007 serving as Director of National Promotion and later being named VP of Promotion. He joined Stoney Creek Records in 2012.

“Anyone who knows Chris Loss, knows he is a data and analytics genius. Our tech partners always include him in beta tests because they know he will identify problems before they do,” said Loba. “Matched with his insanely creative mind and programming/promotion background, he will grow the position in ways we can’t even imagine yet.”

Loss’s replacement as VP of Promotion/Stoney Creek will be announced later this year. Renee Leymon, VP of Radio Syndication & Group Strategy will serve as interim VP of Promotion for Stoney Creek Records until then.

Garbonola can be reached at [email protected] and 615.610.2100.

Loss can be reached at can be reached at [email protected] and 615.610.2117.

Leymon can be reached at [email protected] and 615.610.2118

Weekly Register: Chris Young Tops Country Albums Rankings With ‘Losing Sleep’

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Chris Young. Photo: John Shearer

Chris Young tops this week’s country albums chart with Losing Sleep, moving 39K in total consumption in its debut week, according to Nielsen Soundscan. The album is also the No. 5 album on the overall albums chart this week.

Darius Rucker‘s When Was The Last Time debuts at No. 2, with 34K.

Turnpike Troubadours‘ Long Way From Your Heart opens at No. 3, with 18K sold, followed by Kane Brown‘s self-titled debut project, now with a deluxe edition, at No. 4 with 17K. Thomas Rhett‘s Life Changes rounds out the Top 5 country projects with 15K sold this week.

Other notable debuts on the country albums chart are Margo Price‘s All American Made at No. 12 on the country albums chart with 7.3K, and Wille Nelson‘s Willie and the Boys at No. 19 country with 5.5K.

Kane Brown

On the top digital country songs chart, Kane Brown’s “What Ifs” is at No. 1 with 20K, followed by Chris Stapleton‘s new track “Millionaire,” with 19K. “Millionaire” is off Stapleton’s upcoming album, From ‘A’ Room, Vol. 2, out Dec. 1.

LANCO‘s “Greatest Love Story” is at No. 3, with 19K, followed by Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Miss You More” at No. 4 with 17K. “Miss You More” is featured on Ballerini’s upcoming album Unapologetically, out Nov. 3.

Luke Combs‘ “When It Rains” is at No. 5 with 14K.

Information provided courtesy Nielsen Soundscan.

Merle Haggard Museum And Restaurant To Open In Nashville

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The family of Merle Haggard has partnered with Icon Entertainment Group founders Bill and Shannon Miller, as well as the Swett Family, to launch the new Merle Haggard Museum and Merle’s Meat + 3 Saloon, to be located at 121 Third Ave. S. in Nashville. The museum and restaurant is slated to open in summer 2018.

Merle’s Meat + 3 Saloon will be housed on the ground level with the Merle Haggard Museum on an upper floor.

The Millers and the Haggards have curated performance wardrobes, instruments, professional and personal possessions and are designing interactive exhibits as part of the museum. The restaurant will be operated by the Swett Family, who are a staple on the Nashville scene operating their Swett’s Restaurant for 62 years.

This new venture for Bill and Shannon Miller will mark the fifth attraction currently owned and operated by Icon Entertainment Group. Their first property was The Johnny Cash Museum, which opened its doors in April of 2013. Icon Entertainment Group also oversees Nudie’s Honky Tonk, the Patsy Cline Museum and Skull’s Rainbow Room in addition to the sought after Music City Threads clothing company. The Millers also own the Southern Turf Building in Nashville, a four-story building on the National Register of Historic Places because of its location in Printers Alley Historic District

“The world lost one of the greatest country singers of all time and I lost the love of my life when Merle Haggard died on his 79th birthday April 6, 2016,” says Theresa Haggard. “Now, nearly one and half years later, I have partnered with my friends Bill and Shannon Miller, owners of the acclaimed Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline Museums to open the Merle Haggard Museum. Merle would be very happy knowing that his museum will be next door to his dear friend Johnny Cash. I’m sure he is up there smiling about that. Our family is also very excited about the Merle-themed restaurant and bar featuring first-class, Southern home cooking and a saloon to boot. This museum will be a way to preserve and share the love Merle had for music and life.”

“My family is honored to join with our dear friends, the Haggard family, to bring a new, world-class museum to Nashville,” says Bill Miller, Founder of Icon Entertainment Group. “Merle Haggard is one of the most iconic country music singers and songwriters of all time. Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines both named him the number one country entertainer of all-time. We are very excited to begin the process of designing and building Merle’s museum which will also feature a Southern-style restaurant and saloon bearing his name. We are thrilled to be working with long time Nashville family restaurant operator David Swett, who brings his highly respected expertise to our restaurant. Swett’s opened their doors in 1954 and is still going strong.”

Eagles Showcase Legendary Career During Opry House Debut

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Pictured (L-R): Timothy B. Schmit, Vince Gill, Don Henley, Deacon Frey, Joe Walsh, and Steuart Smith perform SiriusXM presents the Eagles in their first concert at the Grand Ole Opry House on Oct. 29, 2017 in Nashville.

From the opening notes of “Seven Bridges Road” to the closing number “Desperado,” the Eagles’ concert Sunday night (Oct. 29) at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House was a display of transcendent harmonies, timeless songwriting and expert performance chops. The occasion marked the band’s first time playing the legendary venue, during a private event for SiriusXM.

Longtime Eagles Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit were joined by Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Vince Gill, and Deacon Frey, son of late band member Glenn Frey. Deacon and Gill have been performing with the band during 2017, alternating lead vocals on songs traditionally performed by Glenn. Gill called the opportunity “one of the great thrills of my life…They’ve been heroes of mine.” He dedicated “New Kid In Town” to Deacon, who in turn gave strong renditions of “Take It Easy” and “Already Gone.”

Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill and Don Henley

Streaming live on SiriusXM, the concert rolled on with hit after hit: “Tequila Sunrise,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “I Can’t Tell You Why.”

Henley recalled writing their first No. 1, “Best Of My Love,” with Frey and J.D. Souther during the early Seventies in Laurel Canyon. (Today Souther calls Nashville home.)

(L-R): Don Henley and Deacon Frey

Walsh brought epic guitar jams to “Life In The Fast Lane,” as well as his solo hits “Life’s Been Good” and “In The City.” He told the audience, “In the Seventies, every night was Halloween for us.” By contrast, Henley did not perform his solo material.

Reba McEntire, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, and Ronnie Dunn lined the pews alongside members of the music industry—all were enthralled by the veteran entertainers.

The concert will air on SiriusXM’s “Hotel California,” the limited-run channel launching in mid November.

Pictured (L-R): Timothy B. Schmit, Vince Gill, Don Henley, Deacon Frey, Joe Walsh, and Steuart Smith.

Kelsea Ballerini Announces New Tour, Celebrates New Album With Hometown Crowd

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Kelsea Ballerini is kicking off 2018 with the just-announced Unapologetically Tour, which will launch Feb. 8 in Birmingham, Alabama. Ballerini will be joined by Walker Hayes on the dates, which will wrap April 27 at the annual Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA (on-sale now).

“Great things happen when music surrounds you, I really believe that,” shared Ballerini. “One of the coolest things to me about headlining is being able to create a world for your fans to step into. I can’t wait for you to join me on this new journey with my good friend Walker and begin chapter two together!”

Bailey Bryan joins the lineup for one-night-only for the Nashville show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Valentine’s Day. Tickets for the new tour go on sale this Friday, Nov. 3. Special VIP Experiences will be available at each show from CID Entertainment, including a meet & greet with Ballerini, collectible merchandise, an invitation to the ‘Unapologetically’ pre-show experience and early venue entry. VIP packages will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, October 31.

 

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development gifted Kelsea Ballerini with a “platinum record” to commemorate this special event. Pictured (L-R): Fletcher Foster (President/CEO, Iconic Entertainment), Jeremy Holley (Partner at FlyteVu), Whitney Byerly (Account Manager at FlyteVu), Kelsea Ballerini, Brian Wagner (Assistant Commissioner of Marketing, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development), Jason Cooper (Director, Client Relations at VML)

 

On Saturday night (Oct. 28) the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development teamed up Ballerini for a one-of-a-kind album celebration in her hometown of Knoxville. Fans from 28 states came together to celebrate the release of Ballerini’s upcoming sophomore album, Unapologetically, due out Nov. 3. The special concert experience was part of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s Snapchat Concert Series and their ongoing ‘The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” brand campaign.

The event took place at Ballerini’s alma mater, Central High School, the same place where she performed an original song for the first time as a student. Tickets to the album celebration show were offered free through Tennessee Tourism’s Snapchat and sold out in one minute. Following her set, Ballerini returned to the stage with the school’s principal and made a surprise donation of $20,000 to Central High School. The principal then surprised her with the school’s highest honor, the Bobcat Award. She ended the evening with a fitting performance of “High School.”

Prior to the show, Ballerini received a one-of-a-kind “platinum record” from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to commemorate this special celebration show. She also participated in a meet-and-greet with lucky winners and gave them a sneak preview of her new album.

Pictured: Kelsea Ballerini performs for Central High School presented by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development on October 28, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Pictured: Kelsea Ballerini takes photos backstage before performing for Central High School. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Pictured: Kelsea Ballerini, iHeart Radio and The ACM’s donate money to Central High School during her concert. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

BMLG Records Names Andrew Thoen NE Director, Promotion & Marketing

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Andrew Thoen

BMLG Records advances Andrew Thoen to Northeast Director of Promotion & Marketing, spearheading relationships in the area between country radio and the imprint’s artist roster. BMLG Records is home to hitmakers Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young, Drake White, Danielle Bradbery and Ryan Follese.

Currently Executive Assistant to Big Machine Label Group EVP/BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen, Thoen’s new role will commence Jan. 1, 2018. In his elevated position, Thoen will report to BMLG Records SVP of Promotion Matthew Hargis.

“Andrew’s drive, passion and work ethic are top shelf, making him a perfect fit to represent BMLG Records and our fantastic roster,” said Hargis. “It’s always a special moment when we have the opportunity to promote talent from within and I’m excited for the great country radio stations of the Northeast to get to know and work with Andrew.”

“I’ve had the privilege of learning from both Jimmy Harnen and Matthew Hargis over these last three years,” said Thoen. “I couldn’t be more excited to put all that knowledge into practice with the BMLG Records’ promotion team as we take our artists’ new music to country radio and fans!”

A 2014 graduate of Belmont University, Thoen rose from an intern with the company in 2012 before moving over to Harnen’s desk in late 2014.

Thoen can be reached at [email protected] or 615-324-7913.

Starstruck Entertainment Names Anthony Manker Manager Of Music Assets

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Anthony Manker

Starstruck Entertainment has added Anthony Manker as Manager of Music Assets. Manker will work with Starstruck artists Maggie Rose, John King, Emily Ann Roberts, Chris Jobe, Caroline Kole, Post Monroe, and Stealing Oceans as well as the other artists, writers and producers managed by Starstruck.

Starstruck COO Cliff Williamson commented, “Because today’s digital media requires a steady stream of fresh content – photos, videos and music, Anthony’s background in licensing and administration makes him the ideal person to manage these assets for Starstruck artists as we explore all marketing opportunities.”

From Adams, Tennessee, Manker worked as Licensing Manager under John Barker at ClearBox Rights upon graduating from Belmont University in 2015. Prior to graduating, Manker worked in royalty administration at Sony/ATV and in general licensing at SESAC. While a student, Manker was a member of the 2014 Pipeline Project at Belmont University where research he conducted with classmates Alex Marsh and Devin Dawson was cited by the U.S. Copyright Office in its February 2015 report Copyright and the Music Marketplace.

Founded in 1988, Starstruck Entertainment develops, manages, promotes and markets entertainers, songwriters, and producers. Starstruck clients include Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton.

Manker can be reached at [email protected]