Bobby Karl Works The Room: Jesse Frasure, Steve Cropper Honored At BMI Country Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Mike Steinberg, Jesse Frasure, Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Music and emotions ran high at this year’s BMI Awards banquet on Music Row Tuesday night (Nov. 13).

Jesse Frasure was named the organization’s Country Songwriter of the Year, thanks to “No Such Thing As a Broken Heart,” “Marry Me,” “A Girl Like You,” “Unforgettable” and “Ring On Every Finger.”

“He has transformed the sound of modern country music,” stated BMI’s Jody Williams. “I am so proud of this guy.”

“This is a little bit surreal,” Jesse told the crowd. “I came from the Vanderbilt Breast Clinic today. My wife [Stevie] had a double mastectomy three weeks ago, and she’s here, looking stunning. And she’s cancer-free. She’s a bad-ass, and I wouldn’t be here without her.

“This is the most amazing community. There’s so many people who make this possible along the way. I love you guys.” He particularly cited BMI attendees Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett. Another star, Jay-Z, saluted him via video, because of the songwriter’s association with Rhythm House Music.

Pictured (L-R): BMI Vice President Creative Jody Williams, John Legend, Steve Cropper and BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

There was this one more Jesse Frasure shout out: “Steve Cropper, I’m honored to be in the same room with you.”

He was referring to this year’s BMI Icon honoree. Throughout the evening, Cropper was saluted with performances that recognized his contributions as a guitarist, songwriter and/or producer.

Mike Farris and Lucie Silvas turned in a barn-burning medley of “Soul Man”/”Hold On I’m Coming,” featuring Cropper’s iconic guitar riffs being played by Kenny Greenberg.

Recording artist Maggie Rose performs onstage at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Maggie Rose sang a sizzling “Midnight Hour.” Why can’t the industry find a place for this talented woman? Luke Combs was a bruising brawler on “Knock On Wood.” He’s never sounded better. John Legend’s smooth, sultry performance of “Dock of the Bay,” again with Greenberg on guitar, was the capper.

BMI’s Mike O’Neill said, “It is my absolute honor, my absolute privilege, to honor Steve Cropper. He’s deeply influenced songwriters and musicians.” Mike noted Steve’s membership in the Rock, Songwriters and Musician Halls of Fame, as well as his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. “The Smithsonian is displaying Steve Cropper’s guitars, because he shaped American music.”

Among those saluting Cropper via video were Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Dan Aykroyd, Paul Shaffer, Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives, Charlie Daniels, Ringo Starr and Garth Brooks.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Keith Urban, UMPG’s Kent Earls, and BMI’s Mason Hunter onstage at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

The honoree’s commemorative Icon silver bucket was inscribed, “for your unique and indelible influence on a generation of music makers.”

“An Icon Award is a big deal,” said Cropper. “God bless you guys for coming, and thank you so much.

“The tears will not stop flowing. Goodnight, Otis, wherever you are.” “Dock of the Bay,” which Steve Cropper wrote with Otis Redding, has been performed more than 11 million times.

BMI’s Song of the Year award went to “In Case You Didn’t Know,” penned by Tyler Reeve and Trent Tomlinson, who accepted alongside collaborator and performer Brett Young.

Luke Combs performs onstage at the BMI Country Awards 2018 at BMI Nashville on November 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Brett was among a bevy of record makers who attended. Others included Maren Morris, LoCash, Mac McAnally, Dustin Lynch, John Oates, Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Charlie Worsham, Maddie & Tae, Chris Lane, Levi Hummon, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Charles Kelley (Lady A), Chris Janson, RaeLynn, Bekka Bramlett, Chris Young, Luke Bryan, Abby Anderson, Michael Ray, Phillip Sweet (LBT), Granger Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Sisterhood, Cole Swindell, Lanco, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Scotty McCreery, Carly Pearce, Keith Urban, Deborah Allen, The Warren Brothers and Frankie Ballard.

Earning their first BMI awards were Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Mike Henderson (The Kingsnakes, The Bluebloods), Russell Dickerson, Walker Hayes, Devin Dawson and Cameron Duddy (Midland). In fact, among the credits of the 50 hits honored were 25 first-time songwriter winners.

Others first-timers included Ben Stennis, Keesy Timmer, Brandon Lancaster, Trent Harmon, Kyle Fishman, Joshua Miller, Taylor Phillips and Thomas Marc Archer. On the other side of the spectrum were Rhett Akins, winning his 34th BMI Award, and Rodney Clawson, winning his 32nd BMI Award.

Recording artists Karen Fairchild and Maren Morris attend the BMI Country Awards 2018. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

The BMI parking garage was transformed into a wonderland, thanks to glittering, multi-tiered chandeliers and multi-hued indirect lighting. Tall, hydrangea-encrusted arches framed the entryways. Tables were set with elegant, black satin tablecloths. Massed lilies and roses were in huge centerpieces surrounded by glowing tea lights.

It felt like sitting in a meat locker, however. I wore a turtleneck and a scarf with my tux. I felt sorry for the young women garbed in skin-baring evening gowns. Ed Morris warmed his hands over the table’s tiny tea-light flames.

As usual, attendees worked the room like madcaps. BMI always has a huge schmooze factor, to the extent that the hosts have to continually ask the crowd to tone it down so that we could hear what was transpiring on stage.

Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, and Jess Carson at the BMI Country Awards 2018. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Biz mavens there included Ron Stuve, Blake Chancey, Randy Goodman, Shane Tarleton, Paul Worley, Leslie Fram, Liz Rose, David & Karen Conrad, Randy Talmadge & Trav Livingston, Scott & Sandi Spika Borchetta, David & Susana Ross, Mike Vaden, Storme Warren, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Tony Brown, Allen Brown, Wes Vause, Kelly Sutton, Jessie Schmidt, Mark Wright and Whitney Daane.

Not the least of these was Ben Vaughn, who led his Warner-Tamerlane staff to the stage to collect BMI’s 2018 Country Publisher of the Year Award. The company was behind 20 of the 50 hits honored. The same pubbery won at ASCAP the night before, so here’s a toast to twin victories.

We dined on beef medallions with gravy, asparagus, braised carrots and absolutely delicious scalloped potatoes. Desserts were served in the BMI lobby after the ceremony.

Pictured (L-R): Rodney Clawson, Thomas Rhett and Rhett Akins attend the BMI Country Awards 2018. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Enjoying the repast were Dennis Quaid, Chris Wallace, Rita Wilson, Scott Hamilton, Rory Bourke, Layng Martine, Jeffrey Steele, Even Stevens and Jerry Crutchfield. Mike O’Neill made a point to single out former Icon awardees Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Mac Davis and Bob DiPiero. He also offered a shout-out to Lee Thomas Miller, who campaigned for the Music Modernization Act. So did Bart Herbison and David Israelite, who drew standing ovations.

“The way Nashville embraces music and the way all of you support one another is truly unique,” said O’Neill. “Country music is special.”

BMI distributes $1.1 billion annually in royalties, more than any other PRO in the world. The BMI country honors were launched in 1953 as Nashville’s first music awards.

Pictured: Luke Bryan and Cole Swindell attend the 66th Annual BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Lauren Alaina attends the BMI Country Awards 2018 at BMI Nashville on November 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Pictured (L-R): BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill, recording artist Chris Young and BMI Vice President, Creative, Jody Williams attend the BMI Country Awards 2018. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Kenny Chesney, David Lee Murphy, Thomas Rhett Earn Early CMA Award Wins

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Two CMA Awards category wins were announced Wednesday morning (Nov. 14). Kenny Chesney and David Lee Murphy earned Musical Event of the Year for “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” The song marked Murphy’s first No. 1 single since 1995’s “Dust On The Bottle.”

Chesney is also nominated for Entertainer of the Year.

Meanwhile, Thomas Rhett earned Music Video of the Year for his clip “Marry Me,” which was directed by TK McKamy (the award goes to both artist and director). Thomas Rhett is nominated for two additional honors tonight including Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (Life Changes).

The 52nd Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Tech Startup audiobridge Opens Nashville Office

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audiobridge, the software technology start-up and mobile app referred to as a “recording studio in your pocket,” has opened an office in downtown Nashville.

audiobridge, released in February and launched by entrepreneur Matt Miller, has found a strong user base among songwriters and musicians. In its first six months, over 25,000 tracks were recorded from over 5,000 sessions.

In each user-created session, other users can be invited to collaborate. As multiple tracks within the session are recorded, they instantly appear on the other users’ screens, allowing new contributions to be added to the session from anywhere with an internet connection. The app also features real-time track editing, mixing, and the ability to share recorded songs and sessions across multiple platforms.

The Nashville office marks Audiobridge’s second office, following its initial opening in the San Francisco area.

“Our vision is to democratize songwriting and to help musicians everywhere make great music as easily as possible,” Miller said. “In Nashville, there is so much energy around songwriting that it was a clear fit for us to provide this tool directly to the musicians of this city.”

Prior to his experience in software, Miller worked as a professional guitarist and songwriter in Los Angeles for nearly a decade, recording with several Grammy-winning producers and engineers. In 2011, Miller formed the software company Miller Media, which services a variety of over 50 clients including Amazon, Hyatt, and UBM.

audiobridge is available on the iTunes app store with the first five sessions included with the free download.

AFM Local 257’s True Group Health Plan With BlueCross BlueShield To Continue In 2019

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AFM Local 257 has announced its True Group Health Insurance plan with BlueCross BlueShield of TN will continue to be offered to members for 2019.

Bronze and Silver health insurance options will be available as well as new dental, vision and life plans for the forthcoming renewal.

Enrollment is exclusively through longtime health insurance advocates and co-architects of the program, Sound Healthcare & Financial. The Group Renewal enrollment period is Nov. 12 through Dec. 19, which guarantees a Jan. 1, 2019 effective date. Enrollment in the plan requires a simple 10-15 minute process.

For more information call Sound Healthcare & Financial to schedule a phone appointment to enroll for plan year 2019 at 615-256-8667 or email [email protected].

AFM Local 257 membership and Tennessee residence are required to participate in the group coverage.

“As our numbers increase, so does our voice, and we are all in this together. Please reach out today to any music business professional you know who may want to become a part of Local 257 and help us continue to move the musicians of Nashville towards a bright future,” AFM Local 257 President Dave Pomeroy said.

CMT Names #NextWomen Of Country Class Of 2019

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Pictured (L-R): Lauren Duski, Tenille Towns, Stephanie Quayle, Rachel Wammack, Leah Turner, Lainey Wilson, Karen Fairchild of musical group Little Big Town, Senior Vice President of Music Strategy for CMT Leslie Fram, Ingrid Andress, Emily Hackett, Anna Vaus and Cassadee Pope. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

One day ahead of the CMA Awards, CMT honored many of country music’s talented female artists during its sixth annual CMT Next Women Of Country showcase, held Tuesday (Nov. 13) at Nashville’s City Winery.

“We all in this room have the collective power for change, positive change,” said CMT’s Leslie Fram, who hosted the event alongside Cassadee Pope. “Sometimes that means being bold, changing the rules, making new rules, so we can get back home to where we used to be. I mean a home where there is an equal playing field for female artists.”

Since launching in 2013, CMT’s Next Women of Country has honored 64 talented female artists.

Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, who memorably used her acceptance speech during the all-female CMT’s Artist Of the Year event last month to highlight 35 female country artists worthy of radio support, was on hand to announce the Class of 2019.

This year’s Class of 2019 includes Anna Vaus, Emily Hackett, Ingrid Andress, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Duski, Leah Turner, Rachel Wammack, Stephanie Quayle and Tenille Townes.

Pictured (L-R): Cassadee Pope, Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby and Senior Vice President of Music Strategy for CMT Leslie Fram. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Hit songwriter and Puxico creator Natalie Hemby presented Maren Morris with the 2018 Impact Award, which honors someone who has made strides at radio, touring, sales and more over the previous year.

“A lot has changed in such a short amount of time,” Morris said. “I remember playing this two years ago. I am so in tune with what is going on in Nashville with women right now and so excited. I was just talking to Cassadee, The Sisterhood, Natalie. These women are so f-ing good and deserve this platform and eventually country radio is going to get its shit together and play everyone.”

Several female artists, including members of the Class of 2019, offered two writers’ rounds, with Vaus offering the tender “The Bullet and The Gun,” while Clare Dunn was all swagger and sass on “More.”

Pictured (L-R): Emily Hackett, Tenille Townes, Carly Pearce, Ingrid Andress and Ruby Stewart and Alyssa Bonagura of The Sisterhood. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Sony Nashville artist Rachel Wammack reflected on her artist journey so far, before offering a piano-based rendition of her debut single, “Damage,” which she wrote about her experiences tending a bar in Nashville.

“I’ve been here two years and the Nashville community has supported me. Shout out to anyone who has been a bartender,” she said.

“Or supported bartenders,” quipped Dunn.

“All you need is a handful of champions, and since 2004 Leslie [Fram] has been that for me,” said Kelleigh Bannen, before singing a vulnerable, warm rendering of her single “Happy Birthday.”

Pictured (L-R): Anna Vaus, Clare Dunn, Rachel Wammack, Kelleigh Bannen and Lauren Duski. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Lauren Duski encouraged attendees to be their authentic selves on her song “Costume Party.”

“I didn’t really allow myself to fully pursue and chase this dream until a year and a half ago,” she said. “I realized I had allowed fear and the opinions of others and all these insecurities to hold me back from doing the one thing I love and what gives me life, which is music. But it brought me this song and brought me to a place where I know what I want to say as a woman….and a someone who is probably always going to be a work in progress and that’s ok.”

Carly Pearce offered a rendition of her No. 1 single, “Every Little Thing,” followed by new Warner signee Ingrid Andress, who thrilled with celebration of individuality and so-called imperfection on “Ladylike.” Tenille Townes brought a reflective look at homelessness on “Somebody’s Daughter.”

Sony duo The Sisterhood Band closed out the afternoon with a righteously defiant singalong on “Half Way.”

It was also announced that Pope, who was included in CMT Next Women of Country’s inaugural class, will also headline the 2019 CMT Next Women of Country tour, which will also feature Clare Dunn and Hannah Ellis.

Pictured (L-R): Ruby Stewart and Alyssa Bonagura of The Sisterhood. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Pictured (L-R): Stephanie Quayle, Carly Pearce and Kalie Shorr. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Pictured (L-R): Ingrid Andress, Carly Pearce and Abby Anderson. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Pictured (L-R): Tenille Townes and Kassi Ashton. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Pictured (L-R): Tara Thompson, Jeannie Seely, Erin Enderlin and Natalie Stovall. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Round Hill Music Celebrates New Office With Grand Opening

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Round Hill Music Nashville Staff

Round Hill Music officially opened its new Nashville office on Monday (Nov. 12), celebrating with a grand opening. The newly renovated building at 1800 Grand Avenue is an extension of their offices at the historic, former Quad studio complex.

Nashville SVP GM Mark Brown says, “We are excited to have this beautiful new space to accommodate our growing staff and writers.”

Round Hill Music, a full service boutique publishing company, opened its Nashville office in 2014. Since then it has become home to some of Nashville’s most iconic song catalogs and writers.

Industry Ink: Academy Of Country Music, Banner Music, MC1 Nashville Publishing

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ACM Promotes Maddy Stessman To Manager, Administration

Maddy Stessman

The ACM has promoted Maddy Stessman to the newly created role of Manager, Administration. The position is based out of the Academy’s headquarters in Encino, CA. Originally from Petaluma, CA, Stessman studied broadcast and digital journalism at Syracuse University and interned at NBC’s Affiliate Marketing Department, The Meredith Vieira Show and The TODAY Show, as well as the Academy of Country Music, where she supported the Events team for the Academy’s historic 50th Anniversary in Texas. She joined the Academy full-time in fall 2016, where she most recently served as Coordinator, Events. In her newly-created role, Stessman will oversee administrative tasks and report to ACM CEO, Pete Fisher, and assist both Senior Vice President Finance & Operations, Tom Torii and Senior Director of Administration & Board Governance, Tommy Moore.

 

Matt Wynn’s “Dust” Kicks Off Banner Believers Series

Pictured (L-R): Victoria Powell (Banner Music Creative Services Manager), Matt Wynn,
Camilla Kleindienst (Banner Music Owner/CEO)

Matt Wynn and Banner Music have just released “Dust,” the inaugural song in the company’s Banner Believers series. “Dust” is Wynn’s debut single, which he co-wrote with Banner Music’s Alex Dooley and Daniel Kleindienst. Banner launched its new Banner Believers production project to give artists and writers like Wynn a chance to get their music out. The concept is to release songs from artists who write with Banner Music’s staff writers without all the strings attached of a typical deal.

 

Randy Barnette Inks With MC1 Nashville Publishing

Randy Barnette has signed with MC1 Nashville Publishing. Barnette has been a guitarist for over 30 years and has opened for Frankie Ballard, Easton Corbin, Shooter Jennings with Waymore’s Outlaws, Trace Adkins, Casey Donahew, Josh Thompson,The Randy Rodgers Band, and many more.

“I’m proud to be part of the MC1 Nashville Family with Sony/The Orchard Distribution,” said Barnette.

Lindsay Ell, Kassi Ashton, The Sisterhood Band, Clare Dunn Kick Off CMA Week With Budweiser

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Lindsay Ell, Clare Dunn, Kassi Ashton, The Sisterhood Band, Cassadee Pope and Natalie Stovall surprised fans for grand finale performance and jam session at The Budweiser Country Club to kick off the CMA Awards at the EXIT/IN in Nashville. Photo: Rick Williams

Budweiser kicked off CMA week with its official CMA Awards showcase, The Budweiser Country Club, with performances by Lindsay Ell, Clare Dunn, Kassi Ashton and The Sisterhood Band and surprise appearances by Cassadee Pope and Natalie Stovall at Nashville’s EXIT/IN Monday night (Nov. 12).

The night was packed full of female powerhouse performances and surprises including country covers of Led Zeppelin, Bob Seger, John Mayer, and an all-female jam session with a grand finale and cover of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends.”

The evening benefitted the “It Starts with M.E. (Music Education)” Campaign. The Budweiser Country Club is a fan enhancing experience at the largest country festivals and events around the U.S. and features fun photo opps, a dance floor, games, as well as a variety of giveaways.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Ashley Gorley, Warner/Chappell Reign Again At ASCAP Country Awards

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Ashley Gorley accepts the Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Ed Rode

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 609

Winning never gets old.

That’s the way both Ashley Gorley and Warner/Chappell Music feel—both won their sixth top ASCAP honors this year. At ceremonies held at the Renaissance Hotel Monday night (Nov. 12), Warner/Chappell’s 19 honored copyrights led to its being named Country Publisher of the Year for the sixth consecutive time. Gorley earned his sixth Country Songwriter of the Year prize.

Warner/Chappell is presented with the Publisher of the Year award. Photo: Ed Rode

“People ask me if this ever gets old – absolutely NOT,” said the songwriter. “Writing songs, doing what we do, never gets old. I’m still dying for more songs that people love. It doesn’t go away.

“This continues to be more than I deserve…..I’ve still got a lot to learn. That’s the thing about the creative process….I’m so thankful to God that He crafted us to be creators.”

Jesse Frasure presented Gorley’s honor, citing the tunesmith’s 38 No. 1 singles, 300 cuts, 1999 Belmont degree and his status as, “our biggest hit maker of the last decade. Ashley, you have truly changed the face of country music.”

Brett Young with his Songwriter-Artist of the Year award pictured at Red Rocks.

The Songwriter-Artist of the Year award went to Brett Young. He’s on his honeymoon, but sent in a thank-you video.

The most memorable moments of the two-hour gala were its music performances. The Cadillac Three launched the ceremony with its rocking “Hard Out Here for a Country Boy.” As is ASCAP’s custom, the three top country songs were sung during the evening.

Charismatic Trace Adkins performed “What If’s.” Dustin Lynch did his hit “Small Town Boy,” alongside songwriters Ben Hayslip, Kyle Fishman and Rhett Akins.

Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Josh Osborne, songwriter-artist Sam Hunt, and songwriter Zach Crowell perform Song of the Year, “Body Like a Back Road.” Photo: Ed Rode

The ASCAP Country Song of the Year was “Body Like a Back Road.” Handsome Sam Hunt sang it with his co-writers, Josh Osborne and Zach Crowell.

Even better were the musical tributes sung to this year’s Golden Note winner, Lee Ann Womack. Buddy Miller kicked it off with a searing, solidly country rendition of “Don’t Tell Me,” one of six of his songs that Womack has recorded.

“There’s not a more honest or soulful singer out there,” said Miller of the honoree.

Alison Krauss and songwriter Tony Lane traded lines on his “A Little Past Little Rock,” with Viktor Krauss on stand-up bass support. They were rewarded with a standing ovation, as was Chris Stapleton’s dynamic rendition of “Either Way.”

“Not a lot of people know this, but Lee Ann was the first person who ever brought me out on stage as a professional,” Stapleton recalled.

“I’m thrilled to be here to honor one of my true heroes,” said Carly Pearce, who presented Womack’s accolade.

“I love the songwriters of this town,” said the award winner. “Everywhere I go, I tell people we have the greatest songwriting community. Thank you to all the songwriters, song pluggers and song publishers in the room. Thank you.” She suggested that anyone who’s written a “lonely” country song should drop a copy off for her at hubby Frank Liddell’s office.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta, Golden Note winner Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews, President & Chairman Paul Williams, VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin. Photo: Ed Rode

The Golden Note is presented to artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous winners have included Don Williams, Lindsey Buckingham, Alan Jackson, Lionel Richie, Reba McEntire and J.D. Souther, among others.

More than 40 songs were honored at the ceremony. Songwriters collecting accolades included Chris DuBois, Chris Destefano, Steven Dale Jones, David Garcia, Dave Barnes, Jonathan Singleton, Jon Nite, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey, Adam Hambrick, Derek George, Scooter Carusoe, Frank Rogers and Matt Dregstrem.

Sprinkled amid the crowd of 1,000 were such bright lights as Brothers Osborne, Midland, David Lee Murphy, Dierks Bentley, Dan Smyers (of Dan + Shay), LoCash, Clare Dunn, C.J. Solar, The Sisterhood, Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Dave Haywood (of Lady A), Drake White, Michael Ray, Morgan Wallen, Scotty McCreery, Granger Smith, Jillian Jacqueline and Jordan Davis, plus Brad Tursi, Trevor Rosen and Matthew Ramsey (of Old Dominion).

We dined on beef medallions, shrimp, mashed potatoes and tragically undercooked root vegetables. Salads with mixed greens, apple slices, candied walnuts and blue-cheese crumbles were the first course. Rich chocolate tortes topped with strawberries were the dessert finale.

A Who’s-Who of the Nashville music biz attended. Mark Ford, Mark Bright, Mark D. Sanders, Marc Beeson, John Marks, John Huie, John Esposito, Craig Wiseman, Craig Campbell, Doug Johnson, Doug Casmus, Doug Howard & Linda Edell Howard, Chris Farren, Chris Oglesby, Daniel Miller, Daniel Hill, B.J. Hill, Tim DuBois, Tim Wipperman, Tim Nichols, Dale Bobo, Dale Dodson, Scott Borchetta, Scott Hendricks, Brett James, Jimmy Robbins and Robert Ellis Orrall mixed and mingled.

The throng of schmoozing fabulons also included Randy Goodman, Ben Vaughn, Kent Earls, Allison Jones, Alicia Warwick, Woody Bomar, Mike Hollandsworth, Jeff Silbar, C.J. Harding, Erika Wollam Nichols, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Cyndi Forman, Rusty Gaston, Barry Coburn, Liz Hengber, Julie Boos, Leslie DiPiero, Carla Wallace and Herkie Williams.

Michael Martin, John Titta, Paul Williams and big applause getter Mike Sistad were among the ASCAP folks presiding. This was the 56th annual ASCAP country awards presentation.

The PRO’s CEO Elizabeth Matthews termed the recently passed Music Modernization Act, “a true testament to music’s power, not only to bring people together, but to bring politics together.” She also addressed the Borderline country nightclub mass shooting in California, saying, “Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of that tragedy.”

 

Walker Hayes Takes Cues From Fans For 2019 Tour Title

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Photo Credit: Matthew Berinato

Walker Hayes enlisted the help of his fans to name his upcoming 2019 Dream On It tour, which kicks off in January. The winning name was selected by Hayes himself through a contest he posted to his socials and was chosen from thousands of proposals. The winner of the contest received tickets to any of the tour’s show dates with a guest as well as dinner with Hayes and his band at the tour stop of their choosing.

“I’m so jacked to announce my Dream On It Tour and get back on the road,” said Hayes. “Thank you to my fans for working so hard to help me pick the perfect tour name. Y’all have been involved since the beginning, so it only seemed fitting to have y’all be part of it.”

Filmore will join Hayes on much of his Dream On It Tour, where fans can expect to hear their favorites including his latest single, “90’s Country,” which is currently available on all digital and streaming platforms. Dates on the new tour include a stop in Nashville at the Mercy Lounge on March 5, and tickets go on sale to the public Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. CT. VIP tickets, featuring early entry to the venue, a meet & greet, a pre-show acoustic performance, a Q&A session, a “90’s Country” lyric sheet signed by Walker, a “90’s Country” koozie, and more are available for purchase. 

Dream On It Tour Dates:
Jan. 31, 2019 — Houston, TX — House of Blues Houston
Feb. 1, 2019 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues Dallas
Feb. 2, 2019 — Baton Rouge, La. — Texas Club
Feb. 8, 2019 — Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — The Block
Feb. 22, 2019 — Rosemont, Ill. — Joe’s Live
Feb. 23, 2019 — Grand Rapids, Mich. — Elevation at The Intersection
Feb. 28, 2019 — Ashwaubenon, Wis. — Green Bay Distillery
Mar. 1, 2019 — Madison, Wis. — Majestic Theatre
Mar. 2, 2019 — Des Moines, Iowa — Wooly’s
Mar. 5, 2019 — Nashville, Tenn. — Mercy Lounge
Mar. 7, 2019 — Atlanta, Ga. — Buckhead Theatre
Mar. 8, 2019 — Birmingham, Ala. — Iron City
Mar. 14, 2019 — Rocky Mount, Va. — Harvester Performance Center
Mar. 15, 2019 — North Myrtle Beach, S.C. — House of Blues Myrtle Beach
Mar. 21, 2019 — Silver Spring, Md. — The Fillmore
Mar. 22, 2019 — Philadelphia, Pa. — The TLA
Mar. 23, 2019 — Boston, Mass. — House of Blues Boston
April 11, 2019 — Columbus, Ohio — Newport Music Hall
April 12, 2019 — Knoxville, Tenn. — The Mill & Mine
April 13, 2019 — Greensboro, N.C. — Cone Denim Entertainment Center
April 26, 2019 — Denver, Colo. — Grizzly Rose*
April 27, 2019 — Salt Lake City, Utah — The Depot
April 29, 2019 — San Martin, Calif. — Clos La Chance Winery
April 30, 2019 — Sacramento, Calif. — Ace of Spades
May 2, 2019 — Seattle, Wash. — Showbox
May 3, 2019 — Spokane, Wash. — The Knitting Factory
May 4, 2019 — Boise, Idaho — Knitting Factory Concert House

*Filmore will not be opening that date