Sam Hunt, Chris Janson and More Added to Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015

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Clockwise from top left: Sam Hunt, the Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock.

 

Luke Bryan will bring his seventh annual “Bayer Presents Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015” to eight cities this fall, and he’s bringing some friends along for the ride. Joining Bryan on the tour will be Sam Hunt, the Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, and DJ Rock. Tickets for the first two concerts in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Lexington, Ky., are sold-out.

A portion of the ticket proceeds are granted for local college scholarships (“Luke Bryan Farm Tour Scholarship”) to students from a farming family within the communities the tour plays. Last year’s tour played before 110,000 fans during the eight city run.

Bayer Presents Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015
Sept. 30-Ft. Wayne, Indiana M&J Farms Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 1-Lexington, Kentucky Talon Farm & Winery Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 2-Knoxville, Tennessee Maple Lane Farms Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 3-Columbia, South Carolina Culler Farms Peach Pickers, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock

Oct. 7-Starkville, Mississippi Holtcamp Farms Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 8-Tuscaloosa, Alabama Twin Creeks Farm Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 9-Macon, Georgia Midway at Central City Park Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
Oct. 10-Valdosta, Georgia MJ Taylor Farms Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Chancie Neal, DJ Rock
(dates & cities subject to change)

The Bayer Presents Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2015 is also sponsored by Samsung, Red Gold, Cabela’s, Citi, Miller Lite, and ATG (Alliance Tire Group). Parking starts at 2 p.m. and gates for the shows will open at 5 p.m. so fans are encouraged to come early and enjoy the “Red Gold Tailgate Party.”

‘Winston Dog Celebrates Dogs And Music’ With Nashville Party

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Stephanie Cox, Renee Bell and Celia Froehlig

Pictured (L-R): Stephanie Cox, Renee Bell and Celia Froehlig

Winston Dog boutique owner and former music executive Renee Bell recently launched a signature CD entitled, Winston Dog Celebrates Dogs and Music. The album consists of 11 songs written, performed and published by members of the Nashville music community. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, she invited the songwriters from the album to a private CD release party at Winston Dog boutique in Nashville. Everyone gathered in the boutique to snack on hors d’oeuvres from Bacon and Caviar Catering, listen to the album and celebrate the release of the CD. “Having worked in the music industry for more than 30 years, it felt very natural to do something with Winston Dog and music while in the process of jumpstarting our mission to give back to the do animal community,” said Bell. “I am consistently amazed by the generosity of the music community. Each writer and publisher provided the songs for this album as gratis to help our fur babies in need.”

Pictured (L-R): Jon Mabe, Connie Harrington, Lance Carpenter.

Pictured (L-R): Jon Mabe, Connie Harrington, Lance Carpenter.

The album release party was hosted to thank the publishers, songwriters and the music community for rallying around Winston Dog and joining on its mission to help pups in need. Since opening in June, Winston Dog has donated proceeds to Tiny But Mighty, Nashville Humane Association, and soon to add Agape Animal rescue and Clover for Rover.

Whitney Daane, Travis Meadows and Renee Bell

Pictured (L-R): Whitney Daane, Travis Meadows and Renee Bell

Albums can be purchase at Winston Dog Boutique. The cost is $10 and 100% of proceeds will benefit various pet charities. Winston Dog is located at 4015 Hillsboro Pike Ste. 310 and is open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm. For more information click here.

Hirings: BMLG, New Heartland Group, Latigo Shore Music, South X Sea

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Elizabeth Santana

Elizabeth Santana

BMLG Hires Director of Southeast Promotion

Elizabeth Gregg Santana has been named Director of Southeast Promotion for the BMLG roster. Effective Sept. 7, Santana will begin promoting the label’s roster of artists including Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Cassadee Pope and A Thousand Horses. She fills a role vacated by Stacy Waugh, who will leave BMLG in early September to pursue other opportunities.

“Liz has worked simultaneously with the media and a wide range of clients to connect artists and radio at events across the southeast to raise awareness and funds for some outstanding organizations,” said Big Machine Label Group Vice President Promotion Matthew Hargis. “This makes her the perfect candidate for this position as the music business continues to evolve and broaden.”

“I look forward to bringing my years of experience to Republic Nashville/The Big Machine Label Group from my prior business. I have worked hand in hand with so many of the great radio stations in the Southeast and look forward to meeting everyone!” said Santana.

Santana is a graduate of the University of Florida where she earned a degree in Public Relations. She most recently worked as a PR consultant in Palm Beach, Fla., and for the American Cancer Society. She can be reached at liz.santana@bmlg.net and will be based in Orlando, Fla.

 

New Heartland Group Appoints Managing Director

Shari Dennis

Shari Dennis

Brand building and consumer engagement agency New Heartland Group has added Shari Dennis in the role of Managing Director. Dennis has over 25 years of agency experience at well-known advertising and marketing firms. At New Heartland Group, she will lead agency growth initiatives, staff development and bring senior-level strategic thinking to all accounts. Dennis will serve as senior account leader and assist the account management team with high-level strategic counsel to better service their clients.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shari to the NHG team. Her experience in building highly successful account teams and streamlining agency operations is exactly what we need to continue to serve our great client roster,” said New Heartland Group President Paul Jankowski. “More important than her experience however, is her passion for building brands and helping her team grow professionally.”

She has held senior-level positions in agencies of varying sizes, from founding her own agency to working at large, global agencies such as BBDO.  She has worked with a broad array of clients, ranging from AT&T to Capital One to Procter & Gamble.  Dennis was most recently EVP Director of Brand Development, Account Management at The Buntin Group.

 

Latigo Shore Music Adds Creative Director

Christina Wiltshire

Christina Wiltshire

Latigo Shore Music publishing company has added Christina Wiltshire to the position of Creative Director. Latigo is represented by the early catalog of hit songwriter, Andrew Dorff, along with active writer, Jeston Cade.

As Creative Director, Wiltshire will develop new writers, set up co-writes, as well as evaluate and pitch songs to producers, artists, A&R execs, and film/television music supervisors.

Wiltshire previously served as Creative Coordinator at Patrick Joseph Music.

“We are so excited to have Christina heading our Nashville office. She brings a lifelong passion and a deep understanding of what makes a song great. I am excited for her to contribute her creative flair and proven track record of creating successful partnerships to Latigo,” says Latigo Shore President Steve Dorff.
 
The new home for the company is located in the RCA Studio A Building, 30 Music Sq. W. Ste. #103. Wiltshire can be contacted at at christina@latigoshoremusic.com

 

South X Sea Expanding East Nashville Offices

southxseacroppedMusic and merchandising company South x Sea is set to expand its East Nashville offices and hire 11 full-time staff positions in its screen printing production facility.

Originally founded in Seattle, the South x Sea merchandising division was launched to print t-shirts for touring bands, before adding corporate, high school, and collegiate divisions. In addition to merchandising, South x Sea also has new ventures in the music industry, including an independent record label and music publishing division.

Those interested in applying for a position can submit resumes to kirk@southbysea.com.

Industry Pics: Frankie Ballard, LOCASH, Art of the Game

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Frankie Ballard Celebrates No. 1 Single

Frankie Ballard gives a No. 1 sign as his latest single “Young & Crazy” becomes his third consecutive No. 1 song. His debut album Sunshine & Whiskey has also yielded the chart-toppers “Helluva Life” and “Sunshine & Whiskey.” 

Pictured (L-R): Co-manager Christian Svendsen, Way Entertainment; Ballard and  Danny Montana of WIL-St. Louis.

Pictured (L-R): Co-manager Christian Svendsen, W.A.Y Entertainment; Ballard and Danny Montana of WIL-St. Louis.

LOCASH Honors SirusXM’s John Marks

Reviver Records’ Gator Michaels and David Ross presented SiriusXM’s John Marks with a plaque commemorating LOCASH’s latest single, “I Love This Life,” reaching No. 1 on The Highway’s Hot 45 Weekend Countdown.

“This means a TON to us,” said LOCASH’s Chris Lucas. “It’s unbelievable. Our fans, they’re diehard fans, man…they’re great. We owe them for everything in our career and for getting us to this point. We’ve always dreamed about getting a No. 1. I know our team, Reviver Records, is going nuts right now! We thank you guys.”

LoCash with John Marks

Pictured (L-R): Gator Michaels, SVP Promotion, Reviver Records; John Marks, Sr. Director of Country Programming, SiriusXM, David Ross, President and CEO, Reviver Records.

Fraser’s ‘The Art of the Game’ Celebrates 15 Years

Doug Fraser

Doug Fraser

Doug Fraser‘s The Art Of The Game, Inc., is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Founded in 2000, the company specializes in crafting national event marketing and brand campaigns, incorporating live music, visual art, live television, and more into its events.

In 2015, the company has provided musical talent for events including Super Bowl XLIX’s NFL Experience Presented by GMC and the NFL Super Bowl XLIX Game Day Fan Plaza, and MLB’s 2015 Monday Night Baseball Opening Night on ESPN. The company currently maintains offices in Franklin, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga.

Dickinson Wright Expands Entertainment Practice

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dickinson wrightDickinson Wright PLLC recently added five attorneys to its Entertainment Law Practice Group. They will be based in the Las Vegas office and will work closely with the firm’s attorneys across the U.S. and Canada, including those in Nashville’s Music Row office, which is led by attorney Derek Crownover.

“We are lucky to have this new group from Vegas,” said Crownover. “They have a deep knowledge of the trademark, branding, television and sports worlds. They expand our reach across the country, but more importantly, they help us provide top-tier service to our artist, acting and sports clients who enter these worlds as they grow their brands in new mediums.”

Jennifer Ko Craft joins Dickinson Wright as a Member in the firm’s Intellectual Property Department and Entertainment Law Practice Group. She focuses on contracts for personal appearances, endorsement, licensing and personal management, as well as managing sophisticated worldwide trademark and copyright portfolios and overseeing enforcement. Craft represents clients such as the Kardashian and Jenner families, the Estate of Michael Jackson, Sylvester Stallone, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shaquille O’Neal, Alex Rodriguez, Shane Victorino, George Lopez, Trisha Yearwood, Amar’e Stoudemire and Matt Barnes.

Michael Feder joins Dickinson Wright as a Member in the firm’s Litigation Department and Entertainment Law Practice Group. He has extensive experience representing and counseling clients in commercial and business litigation matters involving, among others, contracts, copyright infringement, corporate law, employment law, entertainment and sports law, franchise law, fraud, patent infringement, trademark infringement, securities law, shareholder and partnership disputes and unfair competition. His clients include the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Top Rank, among numerous others.

Eric Hone joins Dickinson Wright as a Member in the firm’s Litigation Department and Entertainment Law Practice Group. He has extensive experience representing and counseling clients in commercial and business litigation matters involving shareholder and partnership disputes, contracts, corporate law, employment law, entertainment and sports law, gaming, copyright and trademark infringement, patent, real estate, securities law and unfair competition.

John Krieger joins Dickinson Wright as a Member in the firm’s Intellectual Property Department and the Entertainment Law Group. He concentrates his practice on intellectual property litigation in both state and federal court. He has extensive experience litigating cases involving the infringement of intellectual property rights over the Internet and has also litigated matters involving the infringement of trademarks, trade dress and copyrights at international Las Vegas trade shows, including obtaining emergency seizure orders and permanent injunctive relief. His clients include the Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as artists, actors, authors, musicians and reality show participants.

Joanna Myers joins Dickinson Wright as an Associate in the firm’s Intellectual Property Department and the Entertainment Law Group. She focuses her practice on IP trademark development, enforcement and prosecution matters, as well as entertainment law. Myers has negotiated over 50 trademark, copyright, rights of publicity and other IP disputes.

Dickinson Wright employs 28 attorneys in Nashville within a wide range of practices. Headquartered in Michigan, the firm has over 400 attorneys in 15 offices throughout the United States and Canada.

Industry Ink: BMLG, ASCAP, Off The Record

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allison jones111

BMLG’s Allison Jones

BMLG’s Allison Jones To Be Featured in Music Industry Workshop

BMLG Sr. VP/A&R Allison Jones will be the special guest during a free music industry workshop hosted by Rick Barker on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The workshop will be held at the Big Machine Store, located at 122 3rd Ave. S. in Nashville from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Jones will discuss what label A&R looks for in new artists, as well as the best routes for getting noticed by labels.

 

ASCAP Names Sperling as VP, Strategy and Business Development

Mark Sperling

Mark Sperling

ASCAP has announced Mark Sperling as Sr. VP, Strategy and Business Development. Sperling will spearhead strategic initiatives and lead business development efforts. He will report to Alice Kim, Chief Strategy and Development Officer.

Sperling previously spent 16 years with Allen & Company LLC, a boutique investment banking firm dealing in the media, entertainment, and digital media industries.

 

Tribe Kelley, The Showroom Designs To Be Featured at Nashville’s Off The Record Fashion Event

Off The RecordFlorida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and wife Brittney Kelley will showcase designs from their 2016 Tribe Kelley collection during the upcoming high fashion event, Off The Record, in Nashville. The event is slated for Nov. 1, and will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Tennessee.

“My wife Brittney and I are honored that Tribe Kelley will be a part of Volume 1 Off The Record,” expressed Kelley. “This will be the first show that Tribe Kelley will send both men’s and women’s designs down the runway. It is humbling to be one of the featured local designers in Nashville and we are eager to see the future development of the Fashion industry in our community.”

The Showroom, a joint project that combines the couture design services of ani&ari and services of veteran LA stylist Kristin Geyser, will display their collection at the fashion show as well. The Showroom’s clientele have included Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert and Cassadee Pope.

Also showing off collections are Spinelli Kilcollin, S. Carter, and Graziela, sponsored by Jamie Inc. of Nashville.

For tickets, visit offtherecordnashville.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Aldean Stands By Decision To Pull Music From Spotify

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Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean

In November 2014, after the release of his latest album Old Boots, New Dirt, Broken Bow Records artist Jason Aldean pulled the project from popular music streaming service Spotify. Nine months later, he stands by that decision, telling the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “As artists, we don’t make crap off of streaming.”

Aldean also praised fellow artists that have removed their music from the service, including BMLG acts Taylor Swift, Brantley Gilbert, and Justin Moore.

“Honestly, there’s been so much stuff about that, and I’ve been misquoted. The ultimate goal is I want fans to have the best experience they possibly can. I want fans to hear my music whenever they want. But there’s also a right and wrong way to do it.

“It’s easy for everybody to stand back and not take a stand. They think there will be a backlash or don’t understand how it works. It’s easier to go along with what everybody else is doing. For me, I got a lot of friends who make a living writing songs, and those guys are getting cheated.

“Taylor Swift, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore and myself, a lot of guys are starting to see that as well. That’s all it was about. You want it to be fair. As artists, we don’t make crap off of streaming. Lots of major record companies are part owners in Spotify, so they’re gonna get their money regardless. I’m more about the small guy. I’m on a smaller label. I’m an indie guy. I’m not the big commercial grocery store. I’m the mom-and-pop store.

“I don’t want to see this affect the music biz for the long term, but I was always taught to stand up for what I believe in. Spotify has changed their stance a little bit, and that’s cool. I’m starting to see that. But my stance hasn’t changed at all.”

Belmont Unveils New Academic and Dining Complex

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Belmont

Belmont University officially cut the ribbon celebrating the grand opening of a new $87 million multi-functional complex on Saturday, Aug. 22. Named in honor of longtime trustee and Bridges to Belmont Endowed Scholarship creators, the new R. Milton and Denice Johnson Center will house the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, the media studies program and a vibrant new 950-seat cafeteria. The 1:25 ceremony start time marked the University’s 125th Anniversary celebration during the 2015-16 academic year.

The building will include a Multipurpose Media Focus Lab/Entertainment Industry Research Center to study audience reaction, interaction with media technologies and consumer consumption. Area includes one-way windows for observation and media control.  Additionally, music history display cases which will initially house a selection from Dr. T.B. Boyd’s private guitar collection, “Breaking Boundaries: R.H. Boyd Publishing and the Influence of African American Music.” The collection represents more than 50 years of African American music with instruments signed by such legends as Dr. Bobby Jones, CeCe Winans and Isaac Hayes.

 

BelmontInterior

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “From top to bottom, this building reflects innovation, excellence and a strong commitment to setting our students up for success. Our Curb College and media studies majors will be privileged to work with equipment and in settings that meet or exceed industry standards, preparing them to not simply achieve their career goals but to lead their respective industries. It’s only appropriate that we should name this building in honor of a man who is at the forefront of his industry and a couple who generously support education with their time, energy and resources.”

 

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HCA Chairman and CEO Milton Johnson

HCA Chairman and CEO Milton Johnson said, “Belmont is a world-class learning environment experiencing tremendous growth, and it is a privilege for Denice and me to be a part of the school’s tradition of excellence. This new center will help Belmont provide its students with the technology and other resources needed to become the best in their fields, while also enhancing campus life for all students.”

Weekly Register: Luke Bryan Stays On Top

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luke bryan album 2015Luke Bryan hangs on to the top country spot in the second week of release of Kill The Lights. The album had sales of 83K, and total activity of 99K this week. Release to date, it has sold 404K units.

Following at No. 2 is Elvis Presley with 27K. The King had the top debut with Elvis Forever, a collection from the United States Postal Service via RCA/Legacy.

Pat Green’s latest, Home, debuted at No. 5 country with 8.9K.

On the tracks chart, the top debut goes to The Band Perry and their decidedly pop-sounding new single “Live Forever,” which comes in at No. 14 country, selling 19K.

Top 5 Country Albums this week (albums only)
Luke Bryan 83K
Elvis Presley 27K
Sam Hunt 14K
Zac Brown Band 10K
Pat Green 8.9K

Top 5 Country Tracks this week
Sam Hunt “House Party” 45K
Luke Bryan “Kick The Dust Up” 39K
Chris Janson “Buy Me A Boat” 35K
Thomas Rhett “Crash And Burn” 34K
Cam “Burning House” 34K

YTD Albums
Overall -3.5%
Overall Digital +.5%
Country -3.1%
Country Digital +4.9%

YTD Tracks
Overall -9.9%
Country -15.6%

The Judds To Reunite For Vegas Residency

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The Judds

The Judds

Legendary mother-daughter country duo The Judds are set for their first performance in five years. Naomi and Wynonna Judd will reunite for nine shows at Las Vegas’ Venetian.

Titled Girls Night Out (also the title of their 1985 hit), the show will launch Oct. 7, with shows following on Oct. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23 and 24.

Tickets go on sale Aug. 28 at all Venetian box offices and start at $59.50. 

“Over the years people have asked me about a Judds reunion and I have always said the door is open,” Wynonna shared. “When this opportunity was presented to me, I looked at it as an incredible chance to celebrate my mom. I have a new album coming out soon and this is the perfect way to honor the roots that gave me the wings to fly.”

“This show is for the fans – the fans that I have missed every single day since leaving the stage,” added Naomi. “Every artist goes through a time in their career where they feel that it’s time to call it quits, but once it’s in your blood and you’re still able to do it, you can’t not do it. It will be the thrill of my life to join Wynonna on the stage again in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world!”