Brandi Carlile, Dierks Bentley To Headline Atlanta’s Shaky Boots Festival

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Brandi Carlile and Dierks Bentley are set to headline Atlanta’s Shaky Boots Festival, which will return for 2020 after a five-year hiatus.

Set for May 8-9 at Atlanta’s Central Park, the country festival will feature more than 20 acts on two stages, with no overlapping sets.

Friday’s lineup will include Carlile, along with John Prine, Alison Krauss, Gary Allan, Tanya Tucker, Colter Wall, Kendell Marvel, Natalie Hemby and more. Saturday’s lineup will include Bentley with Dwight Yoakam, Jamey Johnson, Morgan Wallen, Clint Black, Rita Wilson, Alex Hall, and more.

“I’m thrilled to be bringing back Shaky Boots Festival in 2020. I have always felt that Georgia needed a music festival that spans across the multiple genres embedded within country music, and Shaky Boots aims to do just that. There will definitely be something for everyone,” says Shaky Boots founder, Tim Sweetwood.

The two-day festival will include food vendors from the Atlanta area, as well as on-site activities. Fans can also bring their own chairs to relax in a designated chair zone. General admission tickets will include a private retreat with seating, shade and restrooms as well as complimentary water and soft drinks and a full-service cash bar.

VIP Tickets include prime viewing areas at both festival stages, as well as a viewing platform with premium sight-lines at the Peachtree Stage, access to two VIP lounges with seating, premium restrooms, food for purchase, complimentary bites at the Peachtree Lounge, full-service cash bars, complimentary beer, water and more.

Platinum Tickets include exclusive viewing areas at both stages, a private viewing deck with elevated sightlines of the main stage, side-stage viewing at the main stage, access to the Platinum Lounge featuring relax seating, a full-service open bar, complimentary bites, catered dinner, premium restrooms, daily acoustic performances by select Shaky Boots artists, concierge services, access to all VIP and GA+ areas and more!

Tenille Arts’ New Album Set For January

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Tenille Arts has revealed some details about her upcoming album, Love, Heartbreak, & Everything in Between. The 12-song album, due out Jan. 10, 2020 on Reviver Records/19th & Grand Records, includes her current single, “Somebody Like That,” along with songs penned by Whitney Duncan, Derek George, Lizzy McAvoy, James Slater, and more. The album is available for pre-order beginning today.

“I’m so excited about this album,” said Arts. “It’s everything I’ve been through this past year, so I decided to title it ‘Love, Heartbreak, & Everything in Between.’ It’s four love songs, four breakup songs and four songs about everything else in life. I got to collaborate with new songwriters and producers, and I’m so proud of the creativity on this album.”

The album’s debut single, “I Hate This,” topped the Radio Disney Country Chart and the iTunes Country Chart, hit No. 4 on the iTunes all-genre chart, and No. 2 on the iTunes Music Video Chart.

She will perform her current single, “Somebody Like That,” when she makes her unprecedented third appearance on The Bachelor on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 on ABC. Additional major television appearances supporting the album release will be announced in the coming weeks.

Save The Date: MusicRow Awards And Inaugural Music Row Summit

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MusicRow Magazine is proud to announce the date for its 2020 invite-only MusicRow Awards, to be held Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 32nd annual event will feature award presentations for an expanded group of category winners. Winners of these categories will be determined by the votes of subscribed members of MusicRow.

In addition to the annual awards, MusicRow is also excited to reveal a new event coming next year. In 2020, an informative, one-day conference, the Music Row Summit will be held the day before the Awards on Monday, August 10, 2020 at Cambria Hotel in Nashville.

This conference is laser-focused on the Nashville music industry, will enhance the connectivity of industry members, highlight a variety of key issues affecting our business segments and optimize the brain trust on Music Row. Attendance will be limited to 300 registrants to enhance the quality of engagement of the attending industry members.

Both the MusicRow Awards and the Music Row Summit are supported by title sponsor, City National Bank.

Invitations and voter ballots for the 32nd Annual MusicRow Awards will be sent to MusicRow members in 2020. To become a subscribed member to MusicRow, click here. Read more about last year’s exciting event here: Bobby Karl Works The Room: The 31st Annual MusicRow Awards.

Pictured: Alecia Davis, Kathie Lee, Sherod Robertson on stage at the 2019 MusicRow Awards. Photo: Steve Lowry

Registrations for the Music Row Summit will go on sale early 2020.

For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact MusicRow Publisher Sherod Robertson at [email protected].

Compass Records Signs Duo O’Connor Lee

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Garry West (Compass Co-Founder), Alison Brown (Compass Co-Founder). (L-R, bottom row): Kate Lee, Forrest O’Connor

Compass Records has added Kate Lee & Forrest O’Connor, known as folk duo O’Connor Lee, to its roster.

Lee and O’Connor were previously co-lead singers and primary songwriters for the O’Connor Band, which they co-founded alongside O’Connor’s father Mark O’Connor, a seven-time CMA Award recipient. They penned a large portion of the group’s first album Coming Home, which won a Grammy in 2017.

O’Connor Lee will release their debut project next year on Compass Records.

“We’re thrilled and honored to be signing with Compass Records, a label that has been at the forefront of roots and acoustic music for decades. One of Forrest’s first work experiences in the music business was as an intern at Compass during college, where he got to witness first-hand Alison Brown and Garry West’s passion, vision, and leadership. The signing has given us the ability and confidence to create an album that draws on our acoustic influences but presents itself in what we hope is a refreshing, genre-defying, accessible way,” the duo said.

Compass Records co-founder Alison Brown added, “This is my favorite kind of music—beautiful sounds, compelling songs, exquisitely sung and played. Kate Lee and Forrest O’Conner have it all and I’m so excited that Compass Records is a part of their evolving story.”

Outback Presents Hires Jenny Reid As Ticketing Manager

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Jenny Reid

Outback Presents has named Jenny Reid as the newly-appointed Ticketing Manager for the Nashville-based concert promotion company.

Reid previously served as Ticketing Manager for the New Orleans-based festival/concert promoter Huka Entertainment from 2013-2016. She then worked on the technical side of the industry, in client operations for Ticketfly and then for Eventbrite following an acquisition. Prior to joining Outback Presents, she was Manager of Venue Success within the music business unit at Eventbrite.
“I am excited to get back to my roots on the promoter side of things, and what better place to do it then at long-standing Outback Presents,” says Reid. “It’s a solid group of people working hard to create a positive experience for the artists and the fans, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
“Jenny is a great addition to our growing team,” adds Outback Presents President Mike Smardak.

Weekly Register: Luke Combs Returns To Country Albums Chart Pinnacle

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Luke Combs returns to the top of the leaderboard on this week’s country albums chart, with What You See Is What You Get moving 23K in total consumption (9.5K album only/28 million song streams), according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Following a No. 1 debut on the chart last week, Jason Aldean‘s 9 drops from the pinnacle of the country albums chart to No. 2 this week, with 19.4K.

Heading into the holiday season, Gene Autry‘s Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer rises from No. 8 to No. 3 with 18K, while Burl Ives‘ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer moves from No. 11 to No. 4, with 17.7K.

Combs’ debut album This One’s For You falls from No. 3 to No. 5 this week, with 17K.

Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber continue to top the country on-demand audio streaming chart, with “10,000 Hours” earning 10.4 million streams this week. Old Dominion’s current radio chart leader “One Man Band” continues this week at No. 2 on the streaming chart, with 6.7 million streams. Combs’ “Even Though I’m Leaving” remains at No. 3  with 5.6 million streams.

Maren Morris‘ “The Bones” rises one spot to No. 4 this week, with 5 million streams, while Diplo‘s “Heartless” (ft. Morgan Wallen) falls one spot from No. 4 to No. 5, with 4.9 million streams.

Amy Grant, Clint Higham Among T.J. Martell Nashville Honors Gala Honorees

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Honorees have been announced for the upcoming annual T.J. Martell Foundation Nashville Honors Gala, set for Feb. 24, 2020, at the Omni Hotel. This year’s star-studded event will again shine a light on some of the most dedicated professionals making an impact across Nashville’s entertainment, medicine, and business landscape.

Being honored this year are Grammy-winning artist Amy Grant; President of Morris Higham Management, Clint Higham; Associate Director for Clinical Research and Director of Phase I Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Dr. Jordan Berlin; commercial real estate developer and CEO of Hall | Emery, Patrick Emery; and community builders Jim and Laurie Seabury. Jim is the Chairman and CEO of Enterprise Solutions while Laurie is a current and former Chairwoman/Board Member of multiple charitable organizations.

This year’s event is co-chaired by entertainment executive, Steve Buchanan, and Sweet Talk Publicity President/Owner, Jensen Sussman. This year’s honorees will be celebrated for their professional accomplishments, community spirit, and philanthropy. The awards are as follows:

•    Amy Grant – Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award
•    Clint Higham – Joel A. Katz Music Is Medicine Chairman’s Award
•    Dr. Jordan Berlin – Medical Research Advancement Award
•    Patrick Emery – Spirit of Nashville Award
•    Jim and Laurie Seabury – Lifetime Humanitarian Award

More details regarding gala performers and presenters are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Chris Lane Adds Mackenzie Porter To Big, Big Plans Tour Slate

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Chris Lane has added another special guest to his Big, Big Plans Tour, adding rising talent MacKenzie Porter to the coast-to-coast run, which already includes Blanco Brown and ERNEST. The 21-date tour has already sold out in several markets, including Chicago and Sacramento.

The tour kicks off in Philadelphia on Jan. 9 and visits Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, Houston and more, with a Nashville stop at Marathon Music Works on Jan. 23. Following his headlining tour Lane will join Kane Brown for The Worldwide Beautiful Tour beginning in February, as well as festivals including Florida’s Tortuga Music Festival and Stagecoach in California.

“So far the Big, Big Plans Tour has been everything I could’ve imagined, and I’m continually blown away by the energy of each crowd night after night,” Lane says. “I’m excited to have both Blanco Brown and MacKenzie Porter join me on this new leg along with ERNEST. I want my show to be great from the first song to the last, and I know it will be just that with these incredible artists!”

Big, Big Plans Tour Dates:
Jan. 9 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)
Jan. 10 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Jan. 11 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
Jan. 16 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theatre
Jan. 17 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live – SOLD OUT
Jan. 18 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live – SOLD OUT
Jan. 23 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
Jan. 24 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
Jan. 25 – Greenville, SC – Blind Horse Saloon
Jan. 31 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
Feb. 1 – Los Angeles, CA – Belasco Theater
Feb. 5 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
Feb. 6 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
Feb. 7 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades – SOLD OUT
Feb. 8 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Feb. 13 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
Feb. 14 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Feb. 15 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Feb. 20 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues+
Feb. 21 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live+
Feb. 22 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

+ no MacKenzie Porter

Notes For Education Commits To Multi-Year Investment In Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Music Programs

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Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad, ASCAP VP of Membership; Julie Meirick, Notes For Education Board Member and Co-Founder; Jeff Smith, Director of Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools; Debi Leal, President and Co-Founder, Notes for Education; Erika Wollam Nichols, COO/GM, The Bluebird Cafe. Photo: Ed Rode

Notes for Education, an organization founded by Nashville music professionals and Napa Valley wine industry professionals to support arts education for today’s youth, is celebrating a decade of investing in Metro Nashville Public Schools’ music education programs by providing a 3-year gift with up to $100,000 per year in funding for a total of almost $300,000. The discretionary funding will allow for each teacher to fill immediate needs in their classrooms without spending out of their own pockets. Notes for Education has committed to supporting music education in MNPS by pledging $500 per music teacher each year for the next three years.

Partnered with organizations such as ASCAP, Suntrust Bank and The Bluebird Café, co-founders Julie Meirick and Debi Leal founded Notes for Education when they noticed the similarities between their industries of music business and wine making—often with the creators of the music or the wine being unknown with only the products of their passion receiving recognition. With the intention of highlighting the entire process of collaboration that is required within these industries and with respect to the inherent necessity to reach out to our communities, NOTES was formed to support arts education for today’s youth. Thus, NOTES began organizing events that brought together accomplished songwriters, winemakers, authors and visual artists to raise funds to support arts and literacy programs for the children of our communities. The Board members of NOTES are accomplished professionals in the industries of music, arts and winemaking.

Over 70 hit songwriters have donated their time and talent to NOTES events, including Chris Stapleton, Carly Pearce, Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Eric Paslay and more. Acclaimed vintners who have participated in these events include Gargiulo Vineyards, Silver Oak, Trespass, Knight’s Bridge, Phifer Pavitt, Silver Trident and Mt. Brave.

“When we started Notes for Education over a decade ago, we had a dream that our funds would someday reach every student in the Metro Nashville Public Schools system. Today, it is very humbling and rewarding to see that dream become a reality. We are thrilled to provide this level of ongoing support to students in Music City,” said Leal, president and co-founder of Notes for Education.

“We kept going back to, ‘What do they need in their classrooms?’ And we talked a lot and came up with this program, ‘If Only I Had…‘ for teachers to just dream. ‘What if I had $1,000, what could I do with it?” said Meirick, board member and co-founder of Notes for Education. “We decided that was the thing we should do, just reach out to teachers and say, ‘What do you need in your classrooms?’ It’s about what that teacher uses to teach.

“We can’t do any of this without teachers. Nobody thanks the administration or the school system, they always go back and thank a teacher. When they’re older and they go back and think, ‘What impacted me?’ it’s always a teacher. We can have the best school system, we can spend money, but we can’t do it without [teachers.] This is basically a love letter to Nashville music teachers,” Meirick said.

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Smith, Director of Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools; Nita Smith, I.T. Creswell Middle School; Laura Verdone, Lakeview Elementary; John Womack, Martin Luther King Jr School; Rita Black, Glendale Elementary; Debi Leal, President and Co-Founder, Notes for Education; Kim Marie Folsom, Dan Mills Elementary; Julie Meirick, Notes For Education Board Member and Co-Founder; Erika Wollam Nichols, COO/GM, The Bluebird Cafe; Mike Sistad, Vice President of Membership, ASCAP. Photo: Ed Rode

“ASCAP is proud to have been a partner with Notes for Education since the beginning. We are so grateful for all of the songwriters that have participated in NOTES events, both here in Nashville and in Napa over the past ten years. It feels great to see the money we’ve helped raise used to support music education for so many deserving young students,” said ASCAP Vice President of Membership, Mike Sistad.

“We are grateful to the board and sponsors at Notes for Education for their commitment to investing in the work of every music teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools through this generous gift,” said Director of Arts for MNPS, Jeff Smith. “Through multi-year support of every music classroom, Notes for Education is helping to ensure the success of every music student and teacher.”

Country Music and Lifestyle Network Circle Details January Launch, 16 Original Programs

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Circle, a new country music and lifestyle television network, will launch Jan. 1, 2020, with 16 original shows.

Circle will be available in 56 markets via Gray Television, as well as in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tampa and Detroit through a separate agreement with CBS Television, ultimately reaching 50% of U.S. television households. The Nashville market will be one of several additional markets and distribution that are in the works, with more announcements to be released. Circle enjoys a partnership with Opry Entertainment Group.

The original programming slate is designed to offer viewers a look into the music and lives of their favorite country performers in a way that has both depth and breadth.

Craig Morgan will host Craig’s World, which will offer insight into his life as both a music artist and a family man, both on the road and at home.

“We feel we are a platform that is by the artist and for the fan. We want to be a platform that facilitates that and connects artists with fans,” Circle Media’s General Manager Drew Reifenberger tells MusicRow. “Craig’s story—his military career, professional music career and outdoor pursuits—just immediately lent itself to offering an amazing experience for a fan. The episodes we’ve done and are planning are just good television. He’s a great guy and has the biggest heart in the world, and the world needs more shows like that. It’s a very collaborative process.”

Phil Vassar, Elizabeth Cook, Natalie Stovall, and bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent will also host programs.

Drew Reifenberger

As previously announced, Circle will feature segments of Grand Ole Opry performances, via the program Opry Live, which will begin in February 2020 as a compilation of new live-recorded Grand Ole Opry performances to be released each week.

“Today’s audience is passionate about authenticity and transparency and the Opry is the most authentic, real thing I’ve been a part of,” Reifenberger says. “So we get to be part of telling that story. One defining moment for country music fans is the live Opry experience, but there are a lot of nights where people can’t be there live and that’s where we get to help bring that to people.

“We think it comes down to really understanding the artist and audience, and that relationship. The fan just wants to get closer to the artists they love. They love experiences, we live in an experience economy, and those experiences also include access to their favorite artist’s stories—stories about their families, stories about their hobbies, their lives. We find the artist wants the same thing—they want that one-to-one relationship with their fans to help build their brand.”

A couple of segments that previously lived as digital features on the Grand Ole Opry’s official site have been expanded as part of Circle’s programming. The Write Stuff features the songwriters behind several of country music’s recent hits, while Opry Debut takes viewers inside artists’ very first performances on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

With the January launch, Circle will also bring older episodes of Hee Haw, which aired from 1971-1993, and 1996-1997, and was led by Buck Owens and Roy Clark.

In addition to artist-focused programming, other shows will be dedicated to delving into some of country music’s most loyal fan bases (Fandom), acoustic songwriter rounds at Nashville’s Bluebird Café (Bluebird Café Sessions), and a look inside the lives of the spouses of some of country music’s most-loved artists (Better Half). Nan Kelley and husband Charlie Kelley will host Authentic America, which explores some of America’s backroads, and rural routes, spotlighting some of America’s lesser-known attractions.

According to Reifenberger, the programming will also include a live morning show.

“We are doing a three-hour live morning show, hosted by Bill Cody. There will be other co-hosts, correspondents involved. That will be a great laboratory to do some fun things. Of course we will do interviews and things, but we hope it will be way more than that, where artists can have regular sessions and bring their interests in. The beauty of live is it lends itself so well to social. Things can start off on-air and pay off in the social sphere.”

Ultimately, Circle aims to be a fun, encouraging experience for both fans and artists.

“The world is a divisive place, and you won’t find that here. There won’t be politics and ‘gotcha interviews,’ that kind of stuff. This is a fun, friendly place where you come to escape all that kind of stuff,” he sums. “We have at least another dozen developments and we are already starting to plot out next summer, so it just gets started on Jan. 1.”

Original programs at launch include:

Opry Live: Beginning in February, Opry Live is a compilation of new live-recorded Grand Ole Opry performances that will be released each week. In the Opry tradition, this show will be a mix of today’s top stars, up-and-comers and all-time greats.

Fandom: The artist-fan relationship is unlike any other. Fandom is a series that explores the impact and intimacy of the artist-fan relationship from the perspective of fans as well as some of country music’s biggest stars, like Eric Church and Zac Brown.

Bluebird Café Sessions: Each year, thousands of fans flock to see artists and songwriters at the world-famous Bluebird Café. The Bluebird Café Sessions is a viewer’s ticket in – without the line! In this series, viewers will enjoy performances and storytelling from one of Nashville’s most iconic venues.

Southern Weekend: Hosted by singer and musician Natalie Stovall, each episode will highlight the best in southern living by visiting all the great attractions of the South including restaurants, museums, unique stores, and music venues. Country music artists will join in along the journey and share some of their favorite places.

Backstage at the Opry: Peek behind-the-scenes of the Grand Ole Opry, alongside artists as they go from rehearsals to the stage – and everything in between.

Craig’s World: Follow Opry member and Army Veteran Craig Morgan at home and on the road as he and his tight-knit family navigate triumphs and challenges while developing businesses, writing hit songs and balancing a country music career.

Authentic America: Hosted by veteran TV host Nan Kelley and her Grammy- nominated husband Charlie Kelley, Authentic America takes viewers on a two-wheeled version of the classic American road trip by way of backroads and rural routes exploring some of the country’s best kept secrets – including lesser known attractions, off-the-beaten path eateries, and most interesting of all, the people who make America one of the most colorful and eclectic nations in the world. Guests include Blake Shelton and Alabama.

Upstream: Join Elizabeth Cook as she invites artist guests to a new fishing location each episode. While the fishing may be good, the real catch is the conversation. Early guests include Cam and Shooter Jennings.

Opry Debut: Enjoy mini follow-documentaries that chronicle the moments and emotions that artists experience leading up to the memorable career milestone every country music artist dreams of achieving – their Grand Ole Opry debut. Debuts include Opry NextStage 2019 picks Tennille Townes, Travis Denning and Riley Green as well as the Opry debut of Ashley McBryde.

The Write Stuff: Viewers get a peek inside the inspiration and creation of some of country music’s greatest songs. Join country music hit makers as they walk step-by-step – from the initial concept to the final chord – and share the key licks and lyrics that brought their stories to life. Episodes feature Little Big Town, Old Crow Medicine Show and Travis Tritt.

Opry Docs: Hosted by contemporary artists like Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels and Amy Grant, Opry Docs is a series of documentaries on country greats like Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, George Jones and Minnie Pearl.

Better Half: Meet the larger-than-life spouses of some of today’s brightest stars and find out what gives them their own star power. Featured spouses include Samantha Busch (wife of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch), Kate Moore (wife of Justin Moore) and Christine Ballard (wife of Frankie Ballard).

Dailey & Vincent: Join Dailey & Vincent – the world-renowned bluegrass, country and gospel duo – as they host and perform in front of a live audience along with some notable friends like Vince Gill and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Stand Up Nashville!: Shot before a live audience at Nashville’s legendary Zanies Comedy Club, each episode of Stand Up Nashville! features a well-known comedian host as well as four up-and-coming comedians. Laugh along with a packed Zanies’ house and the most brilliant comics the South has to offer.

Family Traditions: Follow the next generation of country’s legendary families as they honor their roots while forging their own path. Episodes include Sam Williams (grandson of Hank Williams and son of Hank Williams Jr.) and Ashley Campbell (daughter of Glen Campbell).

Phil Vassar’s Songs from the Cellar: Join country music hit-maker, Phil Vassar, as he welcomes artists, songwriters, entertainers, athletes, and wine enthusiasts into his favorite place to write songs – his wine cellar! Each episode will feature conversation and collaboration along with a shared drink. Simple in concept yet rich in content, Phil’s laid-back style and quick-witted personality brings out the best in his guests as they share entertaining stories about their interesting lives. Guests include Kelsea Ballerini, Charles Esten, Mike Tyson and Hunter Hayes.