Industry Ink: W.O. Smith School, Elmo, Ava Hall, ‘The Hook’
WME Wins The Smitty Corporate Band Challenge Benefitting W.O. Smith Music School
Pictured (L-R): RJ and The Steps’ Aidan Everett, RJ Boyer, Ryan Hofstetter, Taylor Grady, Tate Hotz, Carter Green, and Mike Wojtaszcyk. Photo: Anna Arata
WME’s RJ and The Steps took home first place at The Smitty Corporate Band Challenge, an annual fundraiser for Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School. The school has been providing music lessons and instruments to underserved youth in Nashville for more than 30 years.
With a far-reaching repertoire that covered Garth Brooks and Evanescence, the group beat nine other bands representing diverse Nashville businesses.
Elmo & Abby Cadabby Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
Elmo & Lauren Alaina, Abby Cadabby & Tayla Lynn
Sesame Street’s Elmo and Abby Cadabby stopped by the Grand Ole Opry last week to make their Opry debuts as part of the Opry100 celebrations. Elmo performed with Opry member Lauren Alaina on her No. 1 hit “Road Less Traveled” and Abby sang with Tayla Lynn on “You’re Lookin’ At Country.” The characters also served as guest announcers of the night alongside Bill Cody.
Ava Hall Inks WME & Vector Management
Pictured (L-R): Kanan Vitolo/WME, Ava Hall, Brad Turcotte/Vector Management
Ava Hall has inked with WME and Vector Management.
The senior songwriting major at Belmont University was the first student chosen for Ashley Gorley’s new mentorship program. He debut single “Georgia Heat” landed her on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country and Apple Music’s Country Risers playlists. Her next release “What About Yours,” which she wrote alongside Johnny Clawson and Clara Park will be out on Friday (August 22).
Songwriter Showcase, Podcast & Internet Show ‘The Hook’ To Launch In September
A new songwriter showcase, podcast and internet show titled The Hook is set to launch in September. The show will be filmed live, and the final test show will take place at Nashville’s Eastside Bowl on Sept. 1. The pilot episode is set to tape on Sept. 29.
“If you’re anything like me, you’re perpetually frustrated that your favorite songwriters never seem to get their due,” shares Kyle “Trigger” Coroneos, the founder of the show and SavingCountryMusic.com. “We’ve all had those moments when a song completely knocks you on the floor the first time you hear it. Sure, a good song can help pass the time and get your toe tapping. But a great song can change a life, change someone’s perspective on life, or change the world itself. We’re in search of those great songs.”
