Justin Moore Plays Sold-Out Ryman Show

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group President & CEO), Tyler Rich (The Valory Music Co.), Justin Moore (The Valory Music Co.), George Briner (The Valory Music Co. General Manager). Photo: Cody Villalobos

Justin Moore headlined a sold out show at the Ryman Auditorium Wednesday night (May 2) and was joined onstage by friends Chris Janson, Ricky Skaggs and David Lee Murphy for collaborations. On May 11, Moore will wrap his “Hell On A Highway” tour in his home state at First Security Amphitheatre in Little Rock, Arkansas. He’ll continue performing throughout the summer, with a new album expected in late 2018.

 

Danielle Bradbery Creates New Accessories Line For ABLE Brand

Danielle Bradbery has partnered with ABLE, a Nashville-based lifestyle brand focused on ending generational poverty by creating jobs for women who have often overcome extraordinary circumstances. Together with ABLE, Bradbery designed a collection of accessories embellished with the phrase “Worth It,” the title of her latest single. Products include a ring, necklace and bracelet as well as a unisex leather wallet, with prices ranging from $28 to $58. Footage highlighting the partnership will be included as part of iHeartCountry Festival’s initiative to showcase women in country music and female business owners leading up to the May 5 festival in Austin, Texas, where Bradbery will perform at the Daytime Village.

“The spirit of the incredible females at ABLE inspired me the moment I walked through their doors. Hearing their stories of overcoming the toughest of circumstances gave new meaning to the song and seeing the creators wear these items with pride was a moment I’ll never forget,” said Bradbery on the partnership.

 

Chance Edwards Joins Borman Entertainment as Digital Manager

Chance Edwards has been hired as Digital Manager for Borman Entertainment. In his new position, Chance is responsible for creating content, managing social media platforms, fan engagement, and overseeing the digital presence for Borman artists. Edwards served as Digital Content Manager for McGhee Entertainment playing a significant role in the careers of Darius Rucker, A Thousand Horses, and Jillian Jacqueline, among many others. While at McGhee Entertainment, he also served as a tour manager and merchandise manager for several artists. He earned his B.A. in Public Relations & Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina. He will be reporting to Head of Digital, Lucia Kaminsky.

Rob Hatch, Sara Evans, Trent Harmon and Eric Paslay perform Wednesday, May 2 at CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank at Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall.
Photo: Phil Groshong/CMA

The Country Music Association’s critically acclaimed CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank visited Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall last night, Wednesday, May 2, featuring performances by Sara Evans, Trent Harmon, Rob Hatch and Eric Paslay.

While in Cincinnati, the CMA Foundation and U.S. Bank joined forces along with Evans, Harmon, Hatch and Paslay to visit Roselawn Condon Elementary School where students provided a music showcase for the four artists, performing traditional African folk songs “Tina Singu” and “O Mama Bakudala,” as well as Maren Morris’ “My Church,” P!nk’s “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken,” and Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing.”

After the performance, the CMA Foundation and U.S. Bank surprised the school’s music program with new instruments that will help provide more opportunities for students to participate in a music offering as part of their school curriculum. The school’s music teacher, Christina Tierney, is one of 34 Music Teachers of Excellence Award recipients for 2018, chosen by the CMA Foundation for being the best and brightest in her field. Tierney will join fellow winners from around the country next Tuesday, May 8, during an invite-only celebration at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.

Eric Paslay, Sara Evans, Trent Harmon and Rob Hatch perform Wednesday, May 2 at CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank at Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall. Photo: Phil Groshong /CMA

While in Cincinnati, Evans and ONEHOPE also donated proceeds totaling $10,800 to the CMA Foundation from the sale of her limited edition ONEHOPE Signature Series 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, released last year during CMA Fest.

“Through the power of music, we are able to come together and ensure all students have access to music education and music educators have the support they need to cultivate a thriving program in their community,” said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Director of Community Outreach.

“Mrs. Tierney and the students at Roselawn Condon Elementary School are the perfect example of why the CMA Foundation believes in rooting deep within a district to help bring the necessary resources, support and funding to create a program that will impact students for years to come.”

Kerns added, “Thanks to the gracious support of U.S. Bank and its Places to Play initiative, we were able to deliver new instruments, offering more students the opportunity to participate in music education.”

Pictured (L-R): Tiffany Kerns, CMA Director of Community Outreach, Christina Tierney, Roselawn Condon Elementary School music teacher and Music Teachers of Excellence recipient, Harry Voll, Roselawn Condon Elementary School principal, Trent Harmon, Rob Hatch, Sara Evans, Eric Paslay, and Mike Prescott, U.S. Bank Market President, Cincinnati. Photo: Phil Groshong /CMA

Set List:
Eric Paslay – “Friday Night”
Sara Evans – “Marquee Sign”
Trent Harmon – “Her”
Rob Hatch – “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” (recorded by Rhett Akins and Justin Moore)
Eric Paslay – “She Don’t Love You”
Sara Evans – “Like The Way You Love Me”
Trent Harmon – “Feels Like Mine”
Rob Hatch – “Goodnight Kiss” (recorded by Randy Houser)
Eric Paslay – “Young Forever”
Student Performer Kaya – “I Love The Sound of Water”
Sara Evans – “Born To Fly”
Trent Harmon – “Make Her Laugh”
Rob Hatch – “Songs In The Kitchen” (recorded by Lee Brice)
Eric Paslay – “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (recorded by Eli Young Band and Will Hoge)
Sara Evans – “Letting You Go”
Trent Harmon – “There’s A Girl”
Rob Hatch – “The Last Cowboy” (recorded by Jamey Johnson)
Eric Paslay – “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (recorded by Jake Owen)
Trent Harmon – “You Got ‘Em All”
Rob Hatch – “I Don’t Dance” (recorded by Lee Brice)

Pictured (L-R): Rachel Knight, YEP Director of Community Engagement; Kelly Clague, SVP of Em.Co; Al Andrews, Founder of Porter’s Call; Cris Lacy, SVP, A&R Warner Music Group; Debbie Carroll, S. Executive Dir. of MusiCares; Brett Warren of the Warren Brothers and songwriter at Big Loud; Amelia Varni, YEP Executive Director; Caroline Melby, YEP Director of Education

Music industry organization, Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) hosted their “Life of an Entertainer: Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll….and Mental Health” event at the CMA Event Space on Tuesday, May 1. The panel opened dialogue about struggles both entertainers and creative industry professionals face with mental health and ways they can practice self-awareness on the topic.

The following industry names shared their personal experiences with mental health and how they’ve helped their peers overcome similar challenges: Al Andrews (Founder of Porter’s Call), Debbie Carroll (S. Executive Dir. of MusiCares), Kelly Clague (SVP Em.Co), Cris Lacy (SVP, A&R Warner Music Group), and Brett Warren of the Warren Brothers (Songwriter, Big Loud).

YEP’s Director of Community Engagement, Rachel Knight led the conversation in an effort to shed light on the changes Porter’s Call and MusiCares are creating in the lives of songwriters, artists and music business professionals.

“It’s okay to not be okay. But what are we going to do about it? Panels like this are big part of that conversation. Taking these conversations to where you work, to your mentors, to your interns is a game changer in of itself,” Knight says. Al Andrews and Debbie Carroll expanded on the safe space and resources they provide for those seeking to cope with addiction, mental health and everything in between.

In addition, Brett Warren of the Warren Brothers and songwriter at Big Loud, opened up about his battle with addiction and how Porter’s Call brought him to a stable place with his family and music career. “When you get honest with your mental health, and you surround yourself with people like this, it makes the road fun. It’s all part of the journey,” he said. Each panelist offered their thoughts on why talking about mental health instills a tighter community between the artist and his/her support team.

In regards to those who support the business of artists, Cris Lacy spoke about the importance of self-care. “It’s a whole lot of questions and engagement and very little probably for yourself. You have to value yourself enough to say I’m taking 20 minutes and I’m gonna meditate. It really does make a difference,” she said.

Al Andrews closed the event with his principals to live by, “The Way Of An Artist,” a guideline to practicing graciousness in work and personal life. The audience was encouraged approach life with more ease and understanding of the battles those around them are facing.