Industry Ink: Grand Ole Opry, Third Man, Nashville Musicians Association, James Robert Webb

Grand Ole Opry members and bluegrass legends Ricky Skaggs and Dailey & Vincent performed on the  Opry’s 4,920^th consecutive Saturday night last Saturday night (April 18). Their performance could also be seen on Circle Television. For the past six weeks, amidst the current COVID-19 crisis the Opry has continued without an audience in attendance.

Third Man Records has re-launched Third Man Public Access, which will now consist of long-form broadcasts of exclusive content, intimate at-home performances, readings, music videos and more from Third Man artists and friends in lieu of live-streamed performances. In this new episode, Olivia Jean and J Mascis perform songs from home, and elsewhere artists like Kelley Stoltz, Redd Kross, Dale Crover, Luke Schneider and many more showcase both live and studio versions of their songs. Additionally, Third Man Books author Ben Myers reads from his novel “The Gallows Pole,” and Shadow Show walk us through the recording of a demo. Third Man Public Access Episode 3 – From Home premieres on YouTube today (April 21).

The Nashville Musicians Association has re-launched its 501c3 charitable fund to accept donations which will be distributed to help Nashville area musicians who have been adversely affected by the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. The fund was originally created to provide financial assistance for musicians who suffered losses in the 2010 Nashville Flood. Donations will be tax-deductible, and all funds raised will be distributed equitably to musicians in need through the NMA Crisis Assistance Fund. Application details will be forthcoming, and donations can be made at the nashvillemusicians.org COVID resources page or at the Nashville Musicians Association Facebook page. All SunTrust branches (and drive throughs) can accept donations made out to the“NMA Crisis Assistance Fund,” and donation checks or money orders may be mailed directly to AFM Local 257, 11 Music Circle North, Nashville, TN. 37203.

James Robert Webb‘s upcoming self-titled release is set for May 1. The project includes songs penned by Wynn Varble, Bob McDill, Casey Beathard, as well as Webb himself. The album was produced by Buddy Cannon, and is available for pre-order.