Entries by Sarah Skates

SXSW Adds Fashion Focus, Names Keynote

Preparations are underway for SXSW 2011, set to bombard the streets of Austin March 11-20. As the music, film and industry event enters its 25th year, it has added a fashion component to the mix. Organizers have also announced that political activist and musician Bob Geldof will be the Keynote Speaker and Showcase Performer. The […]

Dan Keen Named Belmont Instructor

The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business (CEMB) has appointed longtime adjunct Dan Keen Instructor of Music Business. The industry veteran is a 2007 alum of Belmont’s Master of Education program and also serves on the CEMB Advisory Board. Keen’s career has included time as VP at ASCAP, even receiving the PRO’s Award […]

Chesney Sets Dates; Flatts Hit Road

Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Tim McGraw are among the stars hitting the road in 2011. Following last year’s touring slump, The New York Post reports that promoters are planning to lower ticket prices for this season. Chesney, whose tickets come with a traditionally low price point, probably would have weathered the downturn with […]

Performers Set For GMA Hall of Fame Inductions

Trace Adkins, Jeremy Camp and Larry Gatlin are among the performers slated for the Jan. 24 GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Joining the hall of fame will be Johnny Cash, DeGarmo & Key, Golden Gate Quartet, and Bill “Hoss” Allen. The GMA Foundation (GMAF) will induct the honorees at Trinity Music City […]

MySpace Cuts Staff By Half

MySpace laid off 500 employees yesterday, a total which accounts for almost half (47%) of its worldwide workforce. Executives maintain that the downsizing is a result of the social networking site’s relaunch as a music and entertainment destination. MySpace Chief Executive Mike Jones says that the lay-offs are not a reflection of the new product’s […]

Reba, Blake To Co-Host ACM Awards

Blake Shelton will join Reba as co-host of the ACM Awards on Sun., April 3. The superstar redhead has hosted the country awards show for over a decade. Producers and show organizers say they got the idea to add Shelton to the mix when the pair appeared together on the CBS Early show. “Last year […]

Around The Web: Bellamys Say Britney Singing Familiar Tune

Bellamys vs. Britney • Jewel baby news • Country Strong box office • Idol update • Cheri Oteri on dad Tom Oteri • Toby’s I Love This Bar & Grill • Road Hammers split • Shooter Jennings’ new deal >>The Bellamy Brothers say that Britney Spears’ new single “Hold It Against Me” seems a little […]

Exiting Red Light Staffers

Several staffers have exited Greg Hill’s Red Light management office following his move to McGhee Entertainment. Jeri Cooper can be reached at 615-496-6354 and jeri_cooper@bellsouth.net. She had joined the Red Light team in 2009 after 11 years handling radio promotion at Arista Nashville. Other exiting employees include Jennifer Poppe (jennifer.a.poppe@gmail.com), Callie Cunningham and Leighanna Smith.

Chris Young's Radio Redux

Are you having deja vu of hearing “voices”? Chris Young’s current single “Voices” is making its way up the radio charts for a second time. The same recording of the same song is resting at No. 12 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart after 22 weeks on the list—this go ‘round. The track was first released […]

Sugarland Tops Country Dance Club Song List

Marco Club Connection, a Nashville-based Country music dance venue marketing company, has released its seventh annual list of the year’s most requested Country dance club songs, with Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue” taking the top spot. “As Country music continues to incorporate more and more of a Pop element, the dance clubs can be a very […]