Outback Concerts Co-Founder Kathy Smardak Passes

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L-R: Sasha Smardak, Mike Smardak, Kristina Smardak, Kathy Smardak
Photo credit: Rick Diamond

Kathy Smardak, co-founder of Outback Concerts, died on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tenn. after a brief illness. She was 60 years old.

Smardak was born on November 24, 1959, in Lynchburg, VA, and graduated from Brookville High School and Virginia Western Community College. She married husband Michael Smardak in 1992. In 1997, the two co-founded Outback Concerts, a successful independent concert promotion company located in Nashville.

Kathy is survived by her husband and beloved daughters Sasha Amara Karina Smardak and Natalya Kristina Smardak.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., at The Stone House at Arrington Vineyards. A private family graveside will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park in the Grand Tour Garden.

Flowers may be sent to the Williamson Memorial Funeral Home at 3009 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN, 37064, (615) 794-2289, and donations in remembrance can be sent to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes, P.O. Box 2206, Brentwood, TN 37024.

 

IEBA Celebrates 50 Years With Free Online Conference

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IEBA held its annual conference virtually for the first time in its 50-year history on Monday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 13. Now, anyone can access content from the conference free on demand at www.ieba.org/iebavc.

Highlights include the Award Winners Power Panel, featuring IEBA Industry Award winners reflecting on how this unprecedented year impacted their businesses and lives, with panelists Darin Lashinsky, NS2 (Promoter of the Year); Amy Madrigali, Troubadour (Club of the Year); Josh Moore, The Bowery Presents (Club Buyer of the Year); Stacy Vee, Goldenvoice / MTG (Festival Buyer of the Year); and moderator David Kells, Bridgestone Arena (Venue Executive of the Year).

Also available to watch is the panel New Terms & Conditions In Response to the Pandemic, discussing urgent legal issues including COVID cancellation, weather payment, and indemnity and liability limitations, with panelists Jason Bernstein, AEG Presents; Brent Daughrity, Anderson Benson; Tim Epstein, Duggan Bertsch, LLC; Berkeley Reinhold, Business & Law Office of Berkeley Reinhold; and moderator Pam Matthews, IEBA Executive Director.

“As a trade association, our role is to trumpet live entertainment’s cultural significance and role as an economic multiplier,” said Matthews. “Our business is built on celebration and the shared human experience. When that is lost, the world becomes a poorer place. The question of when—and how—live music will return is agonizing the entire entertainment business as well as wider society. At IEBA’s 2020 virtual conference, we provide answers to those when and how questions.”

IEBA’s virtual conference included sessions with talent buyers, promoters, and venue operators from Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, and across the United States. In two days, nearly 3,000 online attendees have viewed the 2020 conference programming.

IEBA’s 51st annual conference is scheduled for October 3-5, 2021 at the Omni Nashville.

Pam Matthews, IEBA Executive Director.

PCG Artist Development, Visible Music College Launch Hybrid Development Curriculum For Artists

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Nashville-based talent development agency PCG Artist Development has teamed with Visible Music College to create an accredited curriculum for developing recording artists, musicians and theatrical performers called PCG At Visible. Artists can earned an Artist Development Certificate, or a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Music. The classes, which launch Jan. 19, 2021, will be offered at all Visible Music College campuses in Memphis, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; and Redding and Atascadero, California.

“PCG Artist Development at Visible Music College is dedicated to providing serious development for serious artists,” said Bernard Porter, President of PCG Artist Development. “We strive to provide an environment that promotes physical, mental and spiritual well-being, inspires creativity and the challenge necessary for personal and artistic growth.”

Topics covered include songwriting, vocal technique, keyboard skills, stage confidence, recording, touring and artist health.

Visible Music College’s Founder and President Dr. Ken Steorts was the founding guitarist of Christian hard rock band Skillet, a chart-topping songwriter, and an award-winning music entrepreneur for establishing Visible Music College in 2000, leading the global network of music schools for kids and college students.

“I am stoked to work with Bernard and the entire PCG team of providers to bring Visible’s twenty year history of real artist development in an accredited college setting with an extra level of real world experience,” said Steorts. “We are all excited to combine industry pros in multiple cities, high level academic alignment, along with immediate application and connection for student artists’ long-term success.”

Carter Faith Signs With Altadena

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Rising singer-songwriter Carter Faith has signed an Artist Development deal with Altadena, the multi-faceted music company founded by late hitmaker busbee.

With financial backing and management services from Pound It Out Loud, an entertainment company founded by songwriter and producer Margaret Valentine, the artist development structure will allow Carter to maintain control of her recording and publishing assets while building her career with the Altadena and Pound It Out Loud teams. Carter released her first song, “Leaving Tennessee,” at the end of July, and it has quickly accrued nearly one million on-demand streams. Her follow-up single, “Sinners in a Small Town,” will release Friday, Oct. 16, with a video following later in the month. Both songs were co-written by Faith, Valentine, and Jen Stegall and co-produced by both Stegall and Valentine.

Altadena President Daniel Lee says, “The first time I heard Carter sing, I knew she had a gift. The first time I sat with her, I knew she had a voice. And the first time I saw her perform, I knew she was a star. I’m excited to carry on the incredible legacy busbee built through his work with Maren [Morris] and Carly [Pearce] as we introduce to the world, the next rising female country star.”

A North Carolina native, Carter moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University and pursue her craft in songwriting.

Industry Ink: ACM, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jericho Rose

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Taylor Wolf Promoted To Manager At ACM Lifting Lives

Taylor Wolf has been promoted to Manager of the ACM’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives. In her new role, Wolf will coordinate the annual discretionary grant cycle, oversee correspondence, and fund distribution for the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund and will continue providing support for the overall functions of ACM Lifting Lives. In addition, Wolf currently serves as the Secretary of the ACM Lifting Lives Board. Wolf reports to Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives.

Originally from Brentwood, Tennessee, Wolf attended Pepperdine University where she received a bachelor’s degree of Science in Psychology. Following graduation, she returned to Nashville to work in the human resources department at Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, and later relocated back to California for a digital content opportunity. She joined the Academy of Country Music early last year working with both ACM Lifting Lives and Academy of Country Music’s Strategic Partnerships department, before transitioning to focus fully on the charitable arm in the summer.

 

Mitchell Tenpenny Holds Benefit Event For 10Penny Fund

Pictured: JT Pratt/ Red Light Management, Mitchell, Kristen Ashley/ Red Light Management, Mitchell’s manager

Mitchell Tenpenny hosted a live streaming concert and two in-person shows last Saturday (Oct. 10) to raise money for his 10Penny Fund. The events raised $23,895.47 including a $10,000 match from Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, his partner in the 10Penny Fund, and a $2,000 donation from labelmate/friend Chris Young. The day began at Noon with a live-streamed concert and wrapped with two sold-out shows at Nashville’s Listening Room with songwriting friends Andy Albert, Ernest, Meghan Patrick and Dallas Wilson.

“It felt so good to play again!” said Tenpenny. “And everyone that came out did something good for someone else. Every penny will go to help families dealing with cancer.”

 

Jericho Rose Inks With Los Banditos BMI/Pierce Sullivan Music

Seated (L-R): Preston “Shoes”Sullivan, GM-Partner, Global Eyes Entertainment LP; James Jericho and Hannah Huntley, Jericho Rose; Tommy Pierce, Partner GEE. Standing (L-R): David Preston, Senior Director BMI Nashville, Mike D’Ancona, Co-Manager The Holland Group, Billy Holland, Co-Manager/President The Holland Group

Hannah Huntley and James Jericho of Jericho Rose have signed an exclusive songwriter and co-publishing deal with Los Banditos BMI /Pierce Sullivan Music, a division of Global Eyes Entertainment, LP. The duo has been touring, writing and recording continuously since arriving in Nashville from L.A. in 2017. Jericho Rose previously released a four song EP, Rough Around The Edges (including the chart single “Johnny Cash”) along with two videos in 2018. The duo has released one single per month this year for the past 10 months via ONErpm Distribution, while gaining popularity on various streaming outlets, including the New Nashville Spotify Playlist. Their next single, titled “Fallout,” drops on Oct. 9.

‘Idol’ Champion Laine Hardy Talks New Music, Zoom Co-Writes

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Laine Hardy

American Idol champion Laine Hardy shows off his love of small towns and hometowns with his latest music.

The Louisiana native recently visited with MusicRow Magazine staffers via Zoom, and offered acoustic performances of several tracks praising small-town life, such as his official radio single “Tiny Town,” and “Ground I Grew Up On,” a slice of hometown nostalgia that lists all the ways his small town helped mold him.

Hardy auditioned twice for Idol, first in 2018. His second try in 2019 proved to be his triumphant shot, making it all the way to the winner’s circle. After his Idol win, Hardy began working with Jason Aldean producer Michael Knox, and writing songs. He signed with Hollywood Records, and with Fusion/Red Light’s Daniel Miller and Nick Garvin, and signed with UTA for touring.

Another recent release, “Other LA,” was inspired by his time in Los Angeles while he was competing on Idol. He penned the track with Erik Dylan, Dan Isbell, and Andy Sheridan.

If it was up to those old boots/I’d be back down in Baton Rouge/I know a country boy can survive/but it’s tough on Rodeo Drive, he sings in the sweetly nostalgic, blues-tinged number.

“Idol taught me a lot in a short amount of time. If you didn’t learn fast and soak everything up, you get lost,” he said of his time on the hit singing competition. “They looked out for all the contestants and I felt they wanted the best for every contestant.”

Though the COVID-19 pandemic largely halted touring for the time being, Hardy has continued focusing on creating new music.

“I’ve seen some people start to slowly get back to songwriting in-person. I’m not a big fan of the Zoom co-writes,” he admits. “I think it feels more authentic to do it in-person. I’ve been saving up a lot of song ideas for [in-person sessions].”

In addition to focusing on music, Hardy hosted a livestream to benefit the American Red Cross and their disaster relief efforts and it raised more than $8,000 to benefit his home state of Louisiana, which was recently impacted by Hurricane Laura.

Luke Combs, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain Added To CMT Music Awards

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Sam Hunt, Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett, and Shania Twain are among the latest artists announced to perform on the upcoming 2020 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday, October 21st at 7:00 p.m. CT on CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, Pop and TV Land.

Barrett is nominated for “Female Video of the Year” and “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” Wallen is up for “Male Video of the Year,” Hunt is nominated for “Male Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year” and Twain is making her first appearance on the CMT stage since 2011.

Additionally, this year’s awards will feature collaborations from Kelsea Ballerini (“Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year”) and Halsey (“CMT Performance of the Year”), Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus, and Luke Combs (“Video of the Year,” “Male Video of the Year,” and “CMT Performance of the Year”) and Brooks & Dunn (“CMT Performance of the Year”).

The second round of performers will join previously announced stars Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Maren Morris, plus Ram Trucks Side Stage performers Caylee Hammack, HARDY, Ingrid Andress, Mickey Guyton, Riley Green and Travis Denning.

Talent Agency Platform Artists Launches With Star-Studded CCM Roster

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Former CAA execs Bryan Myers, Tony Johnsen and Sam Schaumberg have teamed to launch the full-service talent agency Platform Artists.

Platform Artists debuts with a star-studded roster including Aaron Cole, Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, Cade Thompson, Chris Renzema, Chris Tomlin, Coby James, Cochren & Co., Courtnie Ramirez, Ellie Holcomb, Jon Reddick, JUDAH, Lydia Laird, Mac Powell, Mandisa, Michael W. Smith, NEEDTOBREATHE, Newsboys, Pat Barrett, RICHLIN, Ryan Stevenson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Terrian, TobyMac, and We Are Messengers.

Myers previously worked in the Contemporary Christian Music department at CAA for 22 years. Johnsen spent the past 16 years at CAA, following 11 years as an agent at GOA. Schaumberg worked in multiple facets of the CCM industry over the past decade, including the past six years at CAA.

“We are thankful for all the support we have felt from the industry, from the artists and managers that signed on with us, to the promoters and labels,” shares Johnsen. “We are excited about this new adventure.”

Myers adds, “In a year of tremendous unpredictability and challenges, we are overwhelmed by the support we have received from the Christian music industry. I am truly excited for this new chapter in our careers. CAA was a great home for many years. We look forward to making Platform Artists a home for many more moving forward.”

“Live music has the power to change lives,” states Schaumberg. “I’m incredibly grateful for my time at CAA, and I’m thrilled to continue working alongside an incredible group of artists.”

 

 

Jerry Lee Lewis To Celebrate 85th Birthday With Star-Studded Virtual Livestream Benefit

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Jerry Lee Lewis is turning 85, and “The Killer” is celebrating the milestone birthday with his millions of fans around the world through a giant virtual live stream event, “Whole Lotta Celebratin’ Goin’ On: 85 Years of The Killer.” Hosted by actor John Stamos, the special will feature performances and well wishes from friends and fans including Elton John, President Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack and Joe Walsh, among many others.

The evening, which will air on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. CT via Jerry Lee Lewis’ official Facebook and YouTube channels and on jerryleelewis.com, will also mark the first time in 40 years that Lewis has been in the same room with his famous cousins, country legend Mickey Gilley and televangelist Jimmy Swaggart.

Other celebrities lined up to celebrate Lewis include Billy F Gibbons, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Janson, Jacob Tolliver, James Burton, Jerry Phillips, Linda Gail Lewis, Lindsay Ell, Marty Stuart, The Beach Boy’s Mike Love, Priscilla Presley, Tom Jones, and Wink Martindale along with appearances from Jerry Lee Lewis’ road band, Kenny Lovelace, Ray Gann and Kenny Aronoff. An additional lineup announcement will follow in the coming weeks.

The star-studded event will benefit Christian charity organization World Vision.

Dolly Parton Teams With Tabletops Unlimited For New Lifestyle Collection

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Dolly Parton has partnered with Tabletops Unlimited on a new lifestyle collection that includes dinnerware, serveware, glassware, cookware, bakeware, and more.

The vast collection features a wide variety of products that range from assorted platters and bowls with delicate floral and plaid designs, to wood serving boards and chip and dip sets in shapes such as guitars and butterflies. It also features cereal bowls with quotes from Parton, wicker basket white bakers, water bottles and a tea kettle.

Inspired by her country roots and personal style and featuring images that represent Parton’s legacy, the assortment weaves in a modern farmhouse look to present a cohesive, on-trend look for the home.

“Dolly wanted to create and introduce a new home collection for her brand,” said TTU’s Bonnie Farias, VP, Sales and Product Development. “We were approached by her team and presented with the opportunity to collaborate on this collection. We jumped on the opportunity as we all know Dolly as an icon and living legend. Not only is she beloved around the world, her country roots and style fit well into the farmhouse trend that is popular across the country. Dolly is very involved in this collection, as she reviews and approves every single item in the line. So, that ensures the collection is directly representative of Dolly’s style.”