Nashville Reverts To Modified Phase 2, July 4th Fireworks Show Canceled

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Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced Thursday (July 2) that Davidson County is reverting to a modified version of Phase 2 beginning July 3, amid an uptick in confirmed COVID-19 cases across the city. The Metro Health Department reported an increase of 608 cases within the past 24 hours, with a total of 10,756 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County.

Additionally, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp President/CEO Butch Spyridon announced that the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th fireworks show that had been planned for July 4 has been canceled.

Instead they plan to, “compile the best-of-the-best from previous years fireworks shows to include in the broadcast, along with live performances from John Hiatt, Lilly Hiatt, Keb’ Mo’, and Tenille Townes.”

“After putting together a small July 4th celebration that prioritized the health and safety of our city, we have decided to cancel the short fireworks show we had planned for downtown to broadcast on NewsChannel 5,” Spyridon said in a statement. “While we are disappointed, the significant increase in COVID cases this week made it clear that we needed to take any steps possible to discourage crowds from gathering. We hope everyone will have a safe July 4 and watch the one-hour TV special on NewsChannel5 at 9 p.m. on Saturday. We plan to compile the best-of-the-best from previous year’s fireworks shows to include in the broadcast, along with live performances from John Hiatt, Lilly Hiatt, Keb’Mo’ and Tenille Townes.”

Under the guidelines for the reversion to a modified version of Phase 2, bars must remain closed for 14 days and restaurants may operate dine-in service at 1/2 capacity. Retail stores and commercial businesses may open at 3/4 capacity; employees must be screened daily and wear masks. There should be no gatherings over 25 people. Live entertainment is still permitted, though dance floors should remain closed.

Lee Brice, Carly Pearce Earn Platinum RIAA Certification

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Pictured: Carly Pearce, Lee Brice. Photo: Electric Machine/CMA

Lee Brice and Carly Pearce have scored a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for their chart-topping hit “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

They were surprised during Wednesday evening’s CMA Summer Stay-Cay presented by Budweiser Nitro Gold’s virtual celebration, as CMA CEO Sarah Trahern presented them with a plaque commemorating the sales milestone.

“I Hope You’re Happy Now,” which Pearce wrote alongside Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton, and Randy Montana, has earned over 225 million global streams.

“I knew when I heard the song for the first time that this was something special and I’m honored that Carly asked me to be a part of it,” says Lee. “Thank you to all the fans for loving this song as much as Carly and I did recording it and making this a PLATINUM hit.”

“Having songs that meant something to people was always my dream,” expressed Carly. “To see these songs reach such big milestones and see that my music is making an impact on people’s lives is more than I could’ve ever hoped for. I will never take any of this for granted and am so thankful.”

CAA’s Nashville, Los Angeles, New York Offices To Remain Closed Through End Of Year

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Creative Artists Agency’s offices in Nashville, Los Angeles, and New York will remain closed through the remainder of 2020, according to The Hollywood Reporter, with employees working from through the end of the year.

On April 8, CAA announced companywide salary cuts, with higher earners taking deeper cuts, and maxing out 50 percent. At the time, it was also announced that co-chairmen Richard Lovett, Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane would forgo the remainder of their salaries for 2020.

As of July 1, there were a total of 10,136 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Davidson County, Tennessee, 212,412 cases in New York City, and 105,507 confirmed cases in Los Angeles.

City National Bank Becomes ‘Official Bank’ Of Bluebird Cafe

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City National Bank has inked a sponsorship deal with Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe, becoming the “Official Bank of The Bluebird Cafe.”

“Nashville embraces our songwriting community and nothing represents that fact better than The Bluebird Cafe,” said Diane Pearson, senior vice president and team leader of City National Bank’s Nashville Entertainment Team. “Our community is blessed to have this special place that showcases songwriters in a way no one else can. We at City National are incredibly proud to support this iconic venue that is truly a national treasure.”

Owned by the Nashville Songwriters Association International since 2008, The Bluebird Cafe opened in 1982 and has gained worldwide recognition as a songwriter’s performance space and a venue where both established and up-and-coming songwriters and artists rise to fame and build their careers.

“Sponsoring The Bluebird Cafe is a terrific honor for City National Bank,” said Linda Duncombe, executive vice president and chief marketing, product and digital officer for the bank. “City National has a long and proud history of serving the entertainment industry in Nashville and across the country. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Bluebird and be a part of their incredible legacy.”

“We only have a handful of sponsors and because of that, we’re careful about making sure the fit is right and that those partners understand our brand, which is both unique and delicate. Across the board, our partners share a love and understanding of songwriters and what makes them a significant part of the music business and of the Nashville community,” said Erika Wollam Nichols, general manager and chief operating officer of The Bluebird Cafe and president of Bluebird Cafe Inc.

Nichols adds, “City National is heavily invested in the entertainment business nationwide, and has a long history of supporting our community here in Nashville. They couldn’t have been a better fit.”

Big Machine Label Group Promotes, Adds To Communications Team

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Pictured: Shelby Paul, Macy Rivet, Rachel Wendler

Big Machine Label Group has promoted Rachel Wendler to Senior Manager, Communications and Shelby Paul to Manager, Communications. Macy Rivet, formerly with Los Angeles’ ImPRint PR and BWR, has relocated to Nashville to join BMLG as Manager, Communications.

Wendler joined BMLG in 2018 and previously worked seven years in Los Angeles as a publicist at Kovert Creative and PMK*BNC.

Paul joined BMLG in 2015, after working in Los Angeles with the Academy of Country Music on PR/marketing efforts for the 50th annual awards show.

Led by Senior Vice President of Communications Jake Basden, BMLG’s communications team oversees talent and corporate media relations for Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records, Big Machine/John Varvatos Records and Big Machine Music publishing. Their collective media relations efforts have helped propel superstar acts like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Lady A and Brantley Gilbert and launch chart-toppers such as Brett Young, Carly Pearce, Midland and Riley Green.

“This team’s ability to pivot and adapt to changing media trends is second to none. They have the utmost respect for the media and understand the importance of helping artists create a long-term vision,” said Basden. “These promotions are well deserved and the addition of Macy to our team instantly bolsters our celebrity media capabilities.”

Tanya Tucker, Indigo Girls, Shane McAnally, More Shine For Ty Herndon’s Concert for Love & Acceptance

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Country artists and friends came together via livestream last night (June 30) for the 5th annual Concert for Love & Acceptance, started by the Foundation for Love & Acceptance founder, award-winning country music artist and philanthropist Ty Herndon. The multi-artist livestream event raised needed resources to support LGBTQ youth and families.

Hosted by Herndon, Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, and CMT’s Cody Alan, the event benefited GLAAD and ACM Lifting Lives and was presented in part by CMT.

Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan kicked the Concert for Love & Acceptance off. “Speaking of love and acceptance, I love country music,” Jordan gleamed.

Tanya Tucker performed the first piece of music for the evening, expertly delivering her Grammy-winning “Bring My Flowers Now” with piano accompaniment.

Tanya Tucker

Jake Owen played an acoustic version of his radio single “Made For You” from his porch. “Everybody’s made for somebody,” Owen said. Brett Young followed that up with “Lady.”

Kalie Shorr expressed that the cause was close to her heart, and played an ever-appropriate, stripped down version of her rocking “Angry Butterfly.” Lewis Brice followed Shorr with his dreamy “It’s You (I’ve Been Looking For).”

Mickey Guyton made an appearance to support the cause. “We have a long way to go when it comes to loving one another and accepting and celebrating one another just as we are, but I’m proud to be in the first with all of you,” Guyton said.

Hit songwriter Shane McAnally expressed gratitude to live in a moment of change, and said there is still work to be done before playing a shortened version of his anthemic hit with Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow.” “I hope everyone who hears this and sees this feels included,” McAnally said.

Shane McAnally

Country singer Wendy Moten performed a cover of George Jones’ “Walk Through This World With Me.” Michael Ray followed Moten with his 2017 hit “Think a Little Less.”

Actress, producer and singer-songwriter Rita Wilson performed her new song, “Where’s My Country Song?” She then presented Chenoweth with the 2020 Foundation of Love & Acceptance Rally Award. “She is tireless in her efforts to make the world a better place,” Wilson said of Chenoweth.

Kristin Chenoweth

Chenoweth wasn’t the only award winner of the evening. Herndon also presented country newcomers Shelly Fairchild, Harper Grae and Brandon Stansell with the first-ever Rising Star Award.
“I’m excited to honor three LGBTQ rising stars in country music,” Herndon said. “They’re each a pioneer in their own right and tonight we’re proud to present each of them with our first-ever Foundation for Love & Acceptance Rising Star Award. These are my friends, and they’re so magnificent.”

Lauren Alaina showed off her always beautiful voice on her “Getting Good,” and Chenoweth followed it with her gorgeous voice on a interwoven performance of Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” and “Losing My Mind” from the musical Follies.

Everette sounded great on a new tune, “Gonna Be Okay,” and Terri Clark played an acoustic version of her “No Fear.” Viewers were also treated to performances by Billy Gilman, Jamie O’Neal and Dennis Quaid.

The Indigo Girls gave one of the best performances of the night with a new song, “Country Radio.” “I wanna know what it’s like to fall in love like most of the rest of the world / But as far as these songs will take me is as far as I’ll go / I’m just a gay kid in a small town who loves country radio,” the Indigo Girls sing with their classic harmonies.

Founder and host Herndon closed the show with an expertly done version of his 1996 hit “Living In A Moment.”

The Foundation for Love & Acceptance is still accepting donations here. The Concert for Love & Acceptance is available to watch here.

Tenille Townes’ Big Hearts For Big Kids A Big Success

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Tenille Townes. Photo credit: Weston Heflin

Tenille Townes’ virtual “Big Hearts For Big Kids” fundraiser lived up to its name last night (June 30), raising $89,000 for some very worthy causes.

Hosted at the Ryman Auditorium, the virtual event featured Townes performing songs from her debut album, The Lemonade Stand, as well as special at-home performances from Dierks Bentley, Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Caylee Hammack, Ashley McBryde, Lori McKenna, Chrissy Metz, John Osborne and Lucie Silvas. The full event will remain available to view for the next week across Townes’ social media platforms.

Proceeds from the virtual concert will go to help Sunrise House, a local youth shelter in Townes’ hometown of Grande Prairie, Alberta,  and Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee’s Troop 6000, an initiative that supports girls without permanent housing in the Nashville area. In the eleven years since Townes started the annual fundraiser, “Big Hearts For Big Kids” has raised over $2 million.

Karl Michael Signs With Riser House Records

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Top Row (L-R): Brandon Perdue (A&R, Riser House), Dallas Wilson (Songwriter)
Front Row (L-R): Karl Michael (Artist), Jennifer Johnson (President, Riser House). Photo: Riser House Records

Karl Michael has signed a label deal with Riser House Records.

The British singer/songwriter has penned songs that have garnered more than 100 million total streams on Spotify, including hits like “Can We Dance,” which he wrote with Bruno Mars for The Vamps, “Beautiful Me” for Dappy, and more. Michael is releasing his single “Beautiful Creature,” on Friday, July 10, the first of new music made in collaboration with producers Jon Levine (Dua Lipa, The Struts, Alessia Cara) and Scott Spock (Rihanna, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne).

Karl undoubtedly has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard,” said Jennifer Johnson, President of Riser House Records. “Uniquely compelling, Karl is a true artist and creator in every sense. We are delighted at the opportunity to partner with him and bring his new music to the world.”

“Before I met the Riser House team, I genuinely didn’t think I’d be able to get my music out,” says Michael. “But now with such a passionate and strong label behind me, I’m excited for the world to hear my music.”

Virgin Hotels Nashville Opens Today On Music Row

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The Pool Club Rooftop & Bar at Virgin Hotels Nashville. Photo: virginhotels.com/nashville.

Virgin Hotels opens its newest location on Nashville’s Music Row today (July 1). The 14-story hotel will offer 262 guest rooms ranging from 290-590 square feet, along with amenities including The Pool Club Rooftop and Bar, two ballrooms, the Commons Club (the brand’s flagship restaurant, bar and lounge), and the Funny Library Coffee Shop.

Developed by The Buccini/Pollin Group and operated by Virgin Hotels, the space also includes a fitness center and more than 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

In September 2017, Sir Richard Branson visited Nashville to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the hotel.

The British billionaire said during that groundbreaking ceremony, “The last time I was in Nashville, which sort of shows my age, is when I was sitting in a studio watching Roy Orbison making an album. He was an artist on Virgin Records years ago, who was a wonderful man and wrote beautiful music. So I never thought when I was sitting there in the studio, that one day I would be building a hotel at the end of the street.”

According to The Nashville Post, Virgin Hotels parent company Virgin Group paid $11 million for the location December 2015.

Spotify Offers New Premium Duo Subscription Plan

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Spotify is launching a new Premium Duo deal, making it even easier for two people to enjoy music together (or separately). The plan is available beginning today (July 1) in 55 markets globally, including the United States.

Premium Duo is for two people living at the same home address and costs $12.99 per month. Under the plan, each individual gets their own Premium account in addition to unique benefits like exclusive access to Duo Mix, a regularly updated playlist made just for the two subscribers to discover audio they both love and enjoy together.

With Premium Duo, each fan gets their own individual Premium account so they can both fully enjoy the benefits of Spotify Premium: ad-free, on-demand listening and the catalog of more than 50 million tracks, as well as access to over 1 million podcast titles. Users who haven’t tried Premium before may be eligible to get the first month of Premium Duo for free, and upgrading to Premium Duo allows subscribers to keep their existing Premium accounts along with saved music, podcasts, playlists and recommendations.

“Today we are proud to launch Spotify Premium Duo, a first of its kind audio offering for just two people in the same household,” says Alex Norström, Spotify’s Chief Freemium Business Officer. “Premium Duo includes our extensive music and podcast catalog and everything users love about Spotify Premium. With two individual Premium accounts, you can both listen independently, uninterrupted and get all of your personalized playlists and features tailored just for you. We are thrilled to bring this unique Spotify Premium plan to even more markets around the world.”