Industry Pics: ASCAP, BMI, Vince Gill, Grand Ole Opry

ASCAP Debuts “East Of Center” Showcase Series

Pictured (L-R): Kimberly Kelly, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Mercy Bell

East of Center, a new eclectic eastside songwriter showcase series presented by ASCAP, launched Wednesday, Sept. 4th at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge and featured emerging songwriter-artists Mercy Bell and Kimberly Kelly.

“Paying homage to the old East Nashville that served as home to Townes Van Zandt, Guy and Susannah Clark and so many other legendary ASCAP songwriters, this showcase series is designed to feature the unique storytelling of Americana, indie, folk and traditional country and western singer-songwriters and troubadours. We are excited to create an outlet that celebrates that history while also spotlighting up-and-coming artists,” said ASCAP Associate Director of Membership Beth Brinker.

BMI Partners With SynchBig!

Pictured: Michael August (Demolition), Spencer Nohe (BMI), Alissa Moreno (BAAM Collective), Keelan Donovan, Jamie Dryburgh (Demolition), Gatlin, Jason Walker, Anna Mae, Ashleigh Ellis (BAAM Collective).  Not pictured: Maylyn, Tim Halperin, Eric Daigle (Purplebeat)

On Wednesday, Aug. 28 at The Back Corner, BMI partnered for the first time on SynchBig!, a showcase series which was designed to highlight some of Nashville’s top synching artists. The highly anticipated event brought together songwriters, producers, artists, publishers, labels, licensing companies and others, with performers including Keelan Donovan (Big Yellow Dog), MAYLYN (Purplebeat), Jason Walker (Curb|Word), Anna Mae (Prescription Songs), and BMI artists Gatlin and Tim Halperin.

Kicking off the evening, BMI’s Spencer Nohe told the crowd, “Music for sync is such an important part of the livelihoods of many of our songwriters and publishers in Nashville. Our hope for this showcase series is to help support and elevate the community.”

Other partners of the event include Demolition Music, BAAM Collective, and Purplebeat.

Vince Gill Offers Fans Listening Party For New Album OKIE

Vince Gill. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill performed on the Opry on both Friday and Saturday nights this weekend. After his Friday performance, Gill invited fans to an exclusive album listening event held in the Opry House’s Studio A where he played recorded tracks and shared stories behind the songs of his new album OKIE.