Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood Will Host 50th Annual CMA Awards

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Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return as hosts for the 50th annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 2 on ABC. The awards show will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Paisley and Underwood have hosted the annual awards ceremony since 2008.

Paisley announced the news during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night, May 24. Announcements on Paisley’s and Underwood’s respective social media accounts followed.

“So excited I am returning to host The 50th Annual CMA Awards w/ @BradPaisley Nov 2 on @abcnetwork! #CMAawards50,” Underwood wrote on Instagram.

Paisley also shared the announcement, writing, “Last year they let me pull my pants down on national tv, I wonder what they will let me do this year @CarrieUnderwood… #CMAawards50 @cma.”

 

In Pictures: BMI Stage At Hangout Music Festival

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Now in its fourth year, the BMI stage at Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, showcases some of the best up-and-coming musicians in genres ranging from rock to hip-hop to indie pop and more. The stage this year, held May 20-22, was no different, featuring 12 acts from around the Southeast, including Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Nina Carter, BMI; Jessy Wilson and Kallie North of Muddy Magnolias; Bradley Collins, BMI. (Erika Goldring Photo)

Pictured (L-R): Nina Carter, BMI; Jessy Wilson and Kallie North of Muddy Magnolias; Bradley Collins, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Alicia Bognanno of Bully. Photo: Erika Goldring

Alicia Bognanno of Bully. Photo: Erika Goldring

 

Pictured (L-R): Sean O'Connell, Hangout Music Festival founder; Nina Carter, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring

Pictured (L-R): Sean O’Connell, Hangout Music Festival founder; Nina Carter, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring

Blake Shelton Joins Stars For Second Harvest Show At Ryman

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Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton will be this year’s headliner at the 12th annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit, slated for Tuesday, June 7 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

The event is presented by O’Charley’s and hosted by songwriter Craig Wiseman, also founder of Big Loud Records and Big Loud Shirt. Wiseman and Shelton most recently collaborated on Shelton’s single “Came Here to Forget.” Wiseman also wrote Shelton’s hit singles “Boys ’Round Here,” “Hillbilly Bone,” “Green” (with George Teren) and “100 Miles” (with Chris Stapleton).

“Blake has always been a true friend and I’m ecstatic that he’s agreed to collaborate on making a difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger in Middle Tennessee by headlining this event and making it a party that our guests will never forget,” says Wiseman.

Shelton will headline after acoustic performances from previously announced special guests Chris Lane, Kane Brown and songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.

Stars For Second Harvest has raised nearly $900,000 in 11 years, providing more than 3.5 million meals to the one in seven Middle Tennesseans at risk of hunger and benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Tickets are on-sale now for $35 and $55 plus applicable service charges and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, Ryman box office, Ryman.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

‘Now That’s What I Call Country Vol. 9’ Offers 18 Hits, Bonus Track

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Digital Cover
On June 10, Universal Music Group Nashville will release Now That’s What I Call Country Vol. 9, the latest installment in the popular NOW series.

Now That’s What I Call Country Vol. 9 includes 15 No. 1 singles from today’s most popular country hits, plus a bonus track from NOW’s What’s Next artist, Clare Dunn.

The project is a joint venture from Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, and is distributed by Universal Music Group.

Track Listing For Now That’s What I Call Country Volume 9

1. Luke Bryan, “Strip It Down”
2. Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time”
3. Carrie Underwood,”Smoke Break”
4. Cam, “Burning House”
5. Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
6. Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over”
7. Kenny Chesney, “Save It For a Rainy Day”
8. Brad Paisley, “Country Nation”
9. Dierks Bentley, “Drunk on a Plane”
10. Granger Smith, “Backroad Song”
11. Chris Janson, “Buy Me a Boat”
12. Maddie & Tae, “Girl in a Country Song”
13. Kelsea Ballerini, “Dibs”
14. Jana Kramer, “I Got the Boy”
15. Brothers Osborne, “Stay a Little Longer”
16. Billy Currington, “Don’t It”
17. Old Dominion, “Break Up With Him”
18. Rascal Flatts, “I Like the Sound of That”
19. Clare Dunn, “Tuxedo

Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Jerrod Niemann, Kelsea Ballerini

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Demi Lovato Surprises Brad Paisley’s California Audience

Pictured (L-R): Brad Paisley and Demi Lovato. Photo: Derek Cressman

Pictured (L-R): Brad Paisley and Demi Lovato. Photo: Derek Cressman

On the second night of Brad Paisley’s Life Amplified World Tour on Saturday (May 20), he surprised the Irvine, California, audience when Demi Lovato took to the stage for a performance of their current single “Without a Fight.”

Paisley teased the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater crowd by saying, “We cut a little song that came out a week ago and we wanted to practice it, so you’re our guinea pigs tonight.”

The duo will make their national television debut Tuesday night (May 24) singing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. Paisley will be interviewed prior to the performance.

 

Jerrod Niemann Visits Four Countries For USO Tour

Jerrod Niemann performs in Kuwait during his 2016 USO Tour. Photo: Mike Clifton

Jerrod Niemann performs in Kuwait during his 2016 USO Tour. Photo: Mike Clifton

On Sunday (May 22), Jerrod Niemann returned to the United States from his first-ever USO Tour with the National Guard. Other celebrities that joined him on the six-day, four-country tour through Europe and the Middle East include actors Robert Patrick and Matthew Lillard, former NBA player Sam Perkins and Top 10 in the world UFC middleweight, Special Forces Sniper, Ranger qualified and Green Beret assigned to the SOD(A) Tim Kennedy. Led by the Chief of National Guard General Frank J. Grass, the tour visited five bases in Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Romania.

Niemann’s lead single, “A Little More Love,” is a duet with labelmate Lee Brice. The song was written by Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Natalie Hemby and Kristi Neumann.

 

Kelsea Ballerini Featured on CBS’ ‘ACM Sessions’

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: CBS

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: CBS

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) and CBS Digital Media have announced Kelsea Ballerini in the ACM Sessions online concert series, filmed in front of a live audience at The Hotel Café in Hollywood, California.

The on-demand performances and interviews with the Academy of Country Music’s Lisa Lee are available on-demand exclusively on CBS.com, the CBS app and CBS Audience Network partner sites. Other ACM Sessions have included Hunter Hayes, Old Dominion, Brandy Clark, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore, and Chris Young.

Chris Young To Host CMA Music Festival Opening Ceremonies

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Chris Young

Chris Young

Chris Young will host the CMA Music Festival’s opening ceremonies on Wednesday, June 8 at 11 a.m., at the festival’s newest venue, Skyview Stage at Ascend Amphitheater. The stage is located at Korean Veterans Boulevard and First Avenue.

Special guests will include Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and students from Metro Nashville Public Schools, a beneficiary of the Festival and the CMA Foundation’s support of quality, sustainable music education programs.

The CMA Music Festival opening ceremonies will be free and open to the public. Gates will open at 10 a.m.

“We are always looking at ways to grow the Festival and enhance the experience for our fans,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “Adding this fantastic venue to our numerous free stages downtown is a great addition and having Chris Young on hand to make it ‘official’ is icing on the cake.”

“As a Middle Tennessee native and someone who grew up going to Fan Fair, it’s pretty cool to get to kick off CMA Music Festival and shine a spotlight on the CMA Foundation and the music education students the Festival benefits,” said Young, who is also a member of the CMA Board of Directors.

Industry Ink: Buddy Lee Attractions, Warner/Chappell Production Music, Hippie Chick Twang

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 Jesse Keith Whitley Signs With Buddy Lee Attractions

Pictured (L-R): Tony Conway, Ontourage Management; Amy Aylward, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; David Kiswiney, Sr. Vice President, Buddy Lee Attractions; Kat Boggs, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Jesse Keith Whitley; Grayson Flatness, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Zinnia Martinez, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; John Roberson, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Aura Guadagno, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Joe Lee, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions. (seated) Mike Meade, Vice President, Buddy Lee Attractions.

Pictured (L-R): Tony Conway, Ontourage Management; Amy Aylward, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; David Kiswiney, Sr. Vice President, Buddy Lee Attractions; Kat Boggs, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Jesse Keith Whitley; Grayson Flatness, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Zinnia Martinez, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; John Roberson, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Aura Guadagno, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Joe Lee, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions. (seated) Mike Meade, Vice President, Buddy Lee Attractions.

Jesse Keith Whitley has signed with booking agency Buddy Lee Attractions for worldwide representation. Whitley has also teamed with Tony Conway of Ontourage Management.

Whitley’s joining BLA marks a family tradition of sorts. BLA represented both Whitley’s grandfather, Country Music Hall of Famer George Morgan, and mother, country entertainer Lorrie Morgan.

“I could not be more thrilled to be with Buddy Lee Attractions Inc. Our family history runs deep with this wonderful team. I am a 3rd generation artist to go through BLA, so to have Joe Lee and Donna Lee involved is such an honor,” Whitley said.

 

Warner/Chappell Production Music’s “Listen to Larry” Gets PromaxBDA Nomination

Mark Agent

Mark Agent

Warner/Chappell Production Music, the production music arm of Warner Music Group, has had a piece nominated for the PromaxBDA Local Awards’ “Use Of Original Music in a Promo” category. The nominated piece, “Listen to Larry,” was created in conjunction with KTVT-TV (CBS 11 – Dallas/Ft. Worth) to promote the accuracy and dependability of their Chief Meteorologist, Larry Mowry.

Randy Wachtler, Warner/Chappell Production Music President & CE0 stated, “I’m thrilled that this collaboration with KTVT-TV is nominated for a Promax Local Award, and proud to have been a part of a successful and popular campaign!”

Mark Agent, Warner/Chappell Production Music’s Director of Licensing for Local Television added, “KTVT wanted something powerful, something to get their message across about their award-winning weather forecast. The Texas style of music really helped us bring out the pride that the viewers have in their state.”

The PromaxBDA Local Awards celebrate and honor the best in local media, marketing and design, driving excellence, creativity and innovation from the local market. The Awards will be held on June 23 in Las Vegas as part of the PromaxBDA Station Summit.

 

Hippie Chick Twang Is Going To The Country

Pictured (L-R): Kent Blazy, Kim McClean, Jake Neumar

Pictured (L-R): Kent Blazy, Kim McLean, Jake Neumar

Hippie Chick Twang’s creative community of music launches their first Finally Friday Party at The Country, a new music club in Nashville. Twelve acts will offer 2 songs each and there will also be a jam band featuring band leader Will McLean Johnston. Songwriters Kim McLean, Kent Blazy, Mary Sue Englund, Tyler Barham, and Jake Neumar will perform from 7-9 p.m.

Hosted by 650 AM WSM personality Devon O’Day, this series will continue every final Friday of the month at The Country. For information or to submit for a performance slot on future Hippie Chick Twang Finally Fridays, call or text 615-400-5140 or email hippiechicktwang@gmail.com.

There is no cover for the party at The Country, located at 110 28th Avenue North near Centennial Park.

In Pictures: Who Knew Presents

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Pictured (L-R): Jeremy Holley (FlyteVu), David M. Ross (BossRoss Media), Tom Truitt (Who Knew, MusicRowSearch), Ali Harnell (AEG Live), Michael Weintrob (entertainment photographer), Jim Donio (Music Business Association), Jeff Cuellar (AC Entertainment) and Adam Culver (Lightning 100). Photo: Paul Schatzkin

Who Knew Presents was the official after party for the Music Biz 2016 Conference last week, as multiple music industry leaders offered their stories of career growth to a packed house. The event was held May 18 at 3rd & Lindsley.

Those taking part included Jeremy Holley (FlyteVu), David M. Ross (BossRoss Media), Ali Harnell (AEG Live), Michael Weintrob (entertainment photographer), Jim Donio (Music Business Association), Jeff Cuellar (AC Entertainment), Adam Culver (Lightning 100) and Tom Truitt (Who Knew, MusicRowSearch).

Ali Harnell Who Knew

Ali Harnell, senior vice president of AEG Live and co-manager of The Shadowboxers, shares her career trajectory and advice. Photo: D91 Photography

Jeremy Holley Who Knew Event 2016

Jeremy Holley, partner and co-founder of FlyteVu, informs the crowd about his new Nashville-based marketing firm and their innovative campaigns. Photo: Stephanie Michella Photography

Who Knew Event 2016

Pictured (L-R): Tom Truitt, (Who Knew, MusicRowSearch), Jeff Cuellar (AC Entertainment), Michael Weintrob (entertainment photographer). Photo: Paul Schatzkin

David Ross Who Knew Event 2016

David M. Ross, president of BossRoss Media and founder of MusicRow Magazine, speaks on the future landscape of streaming. Photo: Katherine Seghers

SESAC Signs “Peter Pan” Songwriter Jesse Lee Levin

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Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Levin, Parallel’s Tim Hunze and Hannah Showmaker. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Levin, Parallel’s Tim Hunze and Hannah Showmaker. Photo: Peyton Hoge

SESAC has announced the signing of songwriter Jesse Lee Levin for representation.

Levin, who is signed with Parallel Entertainment for publishing, is on the charts now with “Peter Pan,” as recorded by Kelsea Ballerini. Levin and Ballerini co-wrote the song with Forest Glen Whitehead.

Levin stopped by SESAC’s new Music Row headquarters with representatives from Parallel to celebrate.

Video: Dierks Bentley Encores With Music Industry Guests

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dierks_570

When Dierks Bentley performed before a sold-out crowd of over 14,000 fans at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit on Sunday, May 22, he brought the show to a close with a creative ending. Bentley recruited friends and music industry guests to spill out from a plane-shaped set prop on stage during his encore performance of “Drunk on a Plane.”

MusicRow takes you along with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the concert’s high-flying culmination.

 

YouTube video

 

Several music industry executives attended from Nashville, including Spotify’s John Marks, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, CMT’s Leslie Fram, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, Sony Music’s Randy Goodman, Apple’s Sally Seitz, CMT’s John Hamlin,  and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson.

 

Bentley is pictured here with Spotify’s John Marks, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, CMT’s Leslie Fram, Apple’s Sally Seitz, CMT’s John Hamlin and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson

Bentley is pictured here with Spotify’s John Marks, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, CMT’s Leslie Fram, Apple’s Sally Seitz, CMT’s John Hamlin and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson