In Pictures: Jillian Jacqueline, SESAC, YEP

Jillian Jacqueline Makes Her Opry Debut

Jillian Jacqueline. Photo: Nick Swift

Big Loud Records’ Jillian Jacqueline made her long-awaited Grand Ole Opry debut Tuesday night (Feb. 13). Stepping into the famous circle, the songstress performed her debut single “Reasons” followed by the critically-acclaimed “God Bless This Mess.” Both songs are featured on her current EP SIDE A.

“I’ve never been more emotional on a stage, ever,” said Jacqueline. “Standing in that circle was such a feeling of gratitude, pride, and happiness, and I am so thankful to the Opry for giving me such a highlight in my career.”

Paying homage to her idol Patsy Cline, Jacqueline closed out her set with a show-stopping rendition of “Crazy” – her grandmother’s favorite song.

SESAC Presents At The Bluebird

Pictured (L-R): Norm Kercher, band member; Michelle Goble, Gellman Management; Mando Saenz, songwriter; Jamie Kent, songwriter; Szlachetka; Lydia Schultz, SESAC; and Greg Herndon, band member. Photo: Courtesy SESAC

Nashville songwriter Szlachetka performed music from his new album, Heart of My Hometown, at the SESAC Presents showcase at the Bluebird Café on Tuesday night (Feb. 13).

Represented by SESAC, Szlachetka has added a number of Nashville dates to his tour calendar including The Bluebird Café (Feb. 27), The Basement (Feb. 28), WMOT/Finally Friday (March 2), and 3^rd & Lindsley/Backstage Nashville (March 3).

YEP Hosts First Quarterly Rewind Show Of 2018

Pictured (L-R): Jarrod Holley, Dir. of Sponsorships, YEP; Dave Elkins, front man, Mae; Cassadee Pope; Matt Theissen, front man, Relient K.; Amelia Varni, Exec. Dir., YEP; and Danny Stevens, front man, The Audition. Photo: Jason Myers

Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) held the first “YEP Rewind” show of 2018 on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at The Basement East in Nashville.

Guest artists performed a set list of throwback punk rock classics including Yellowcard’s “Only One,” Hey Monday’s “Homecoming” sung by country artist and former Hey Monday lead vocalist, Cassadee Pope, as well as Michael Whitworth’s tribute to the All-American Rejects with their song “Dirty Little Secret.” The show also featured Miles McPherson, 2017 ACM Drummer of the Year and former live drummer with Paramore, as well as Dave Elkins, front man of Mae.

Other show highlights included CJ Solar’s performance of Sugarcult’s “Memory,” Kelby Dover of Kid Politics singing Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar We’re Going Down,” and Jimmy Eat World hits “Sweetness” covered by singer/songwriter Andy Albert and “Bleed American” performed by 2016 ACM Guitarist of the Year Derek Wells. Matt Thiessen, front man of Relient K., closed out the show with his songs “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been,” “Be My Escape” and “Sadie Hawkins Dance.”

Additional performers included YEP Rewind band leader Joey Hyde, Kasey Tyndall, Sam Grow, Britty, Eric Arjes, Mae, Jake Wesley Rogers, and Danny Stevens.

Upcoming YEP events include “YEP & BMI PRESENT: 8 OFF 8^TH” at Mercy lounge on Monday, March 5 and the 90’s Country themed “YEP Rewind” at The Basement East on Tuesday, April 10.