Coke and Lady A Partner for ‘Freestyle’ Meet-and-Greet

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Lady-A-Coke-FreestyleCoca-Cola drinkers will have the opportunity to meet Capitol Nashville trio Lady Antebellum backstage on their Wheels Up 2015 Tour.

Since the band’s latest single is titled “Freestyle,” the promotion provides fans who use Coca-Cola Freestyle–a fountain dispenser that blends specific recipes–a code to enter for the grand prize trip for two to a 2015 Lady A concert of the winner’s choice. Other prizes include Lady A 747 Deluxe CDs, autographed pictures and single downloads.

“Coca Cola Freestyle encourages individuality and customization by offering unprecedented choices,” said Joel Bishop, VP/GM, Coca Cola Freestyle, Coca Cola North America. “In that spirit, we invited Hillary, Charles and Dave of Lady Antebellum to express their personal style and taste by creating their own beverage mixes for their fans to enjoy.”

The trio’s Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood each created a personal mix available only with the Freestyle beverage dispenser. Fans can look for the Lady A promo button on over 600 participating machines to choose from the three mixes, including Charles’ Smooth Rollin’ Mix, a sweet blend of Vanilla Coke and Barq’s. Dave’s Rock ‘n’ Bold Mix blends Sprite Vanilla and Seagram’s Ginger Ale. Hillary’s Southern Cherry Mix combines Coke Zero Cherry and Coke Zero Raspberry.

After fans pour their beverage, they will text the code that appears on the screen. From March 23-April 30 fans can also download the Coca-Cola Freestyle app to receive an offer to add all three Lady A mixes to their favorites. When they visit any Coca-Cola Freestyle, they can use the QR code within the app to pour any of the exclusive mixes. Push notifications within the app will allow fans to enter the sweepstakes.

For full details as well as the list of participating retailers, visit coca-colafreestyle.com and cocacola.promo.eprize.com.

Weekly Chart Report (2/13/15)

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Metro Planning Halts All Music Row Development

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1208 16th Ave S, Nashville, TN. Map data @2015 Google, Nashville Davidson County.

1208 16th Ave S, Nashville, TN. Map data @2015 Google, Nashville Davidson County.

Plans for a 135-unit apartment building in Nashville’s Music Row area were halted this evening (Thursday, February 12), after the Metro Planning Commission indefinitely deferred a zoning change request.

The vote resulted in the commission recommending halting all rezoning requests in the Music Row area for the next 12 to 18 months.

The commission recommended that the Metro Planning Department complete a study of all of the Music Row area, so redevelopment proposals in the Music Row area can be treated in a uniform fashion.

The zoning change had been requested by Brad Daniel and Gary Belz, in a pitch to redevelop in the 1200 block of 16th Ave. near Edgehill Village.

Historic Nashville, Inc., as well as the Edgehill Village Neighborhood Association, opposed the rezoning request.

Will Hoge Shares ‘Small Town Dreams’ at Nashville Preview

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Pictured (L-R): Producer Marshall Altman, Will Hoge, GAC’s Celebrity Host Nan Kelley and AMP Management’s Jordan Powell. Photo: Glen Rose

Pictured (L-R): producer Marshall Altman, Will Hoge, GAC’s Celebrity Host Nan Kelley and AMP Management’s Jordan Powell. Photo: Glen Rose

Singer-songwriter Will Hoge’s forthcoming 10th studio album may be titled Small Town Dreams, but it’s obvious his genre-blending brand of music is having a big impact far beyond one-stoplight towns. His breakout single, “Strong,” was the musical backdrop for General Motors’ 2014 Chevy Silverado ad. The song was a bonus track on his recent album Never Give In, which peaked at No. 4 on the Americana Airplay Charts. “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” co-written by Hoge and recorded by Eli Young Band, earned Hoge several nominations, including 2013 Grammy Country Song of the Year, 2013 ACM Song of the Year, and 2012 CMA Song of the Year.

Hoge invited media members for the reveal of his new album Small Town Dreams during a preview party in Nashville. Fans anxiously awaiting the album’s release weren’t left out, though, as the event streamed live online.

Backed by a four-piece band, Hoge’s raspy, emotionally-fueled voice was center stage as he sailed through several tracks. Host Nan Kelley peppered Hoge with questions about his album, artistry, and the autobiographical nature of songs “Growing Up Around Here” (an ode to hometown Franklin, Tenn.) and “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To” (a salutation to fatherhood).

“I feel like I am better as a writer when it is something I have some experience and knowledge about,” he said of his writing style. “Those songs come really naturally to me, and this batch of songs worked really well together.”

He started the preview with stomping lead single, “Middle of America.” There are also Mellencamp-esque heartland rockers such as “Til I Do It Again,” which the band performed acoustically for the first time. “This mixed my love for Hank Williams and my love for The Clash,” said Hoge.

Hoge co-wrote each of the 11 tracks on the album, alongside writers including Gary Allan, Chris Stapleton, Jessi Alexander, Hillary Lindsey, and others.

Hoge also welcomed the project’s producer Marshall Altman to discuss the recording process. Adding a producer was a slight change of pace for Hoge, who produced his previous three projects on his own. “I wanted to stay true to who I am as an artist, but I also wanted to branch out and use some more pop elements and radio friendly elements that I’m not necessarily as skilled at as a producer,” said Hoge. “But I didn’t want to turn that over to just anybody.”

Hearing two songs on the radio by fellow artists Frankie Ballard and Eric Paslay helped solidify his decision. “Both songs were produced by Marshall Altman,” Hoge said, “but they didn’t sound anything alike. I loved that. I called Marshall at two in the morning while I was driving the bus. The thing I trusted with him is there would never be a discussion of what works for radio, but only about making a great record.”

“Just Up The Road” features more rock-oriented guitar work from one of Hoge’s musical idols, Vince Gill, than country fans might be used to hearing. “I told Vince, ‘I want the 17-year-old Vince Gill that’s not a country star yet,” Hoge says of the recording. “He grabbed a different guitar, and turned up the amp louder than he probably had in a while.”

Small Town Dreams releases April 7 on Cumberland Recordings/Thirty Tigers.

Emerging Artist Photos: Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt

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Sam Hunt Visits ACM

Pictured (L-R): Bob Romeo (ACM, CEO) with Sam Hunt. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the ACM.

Pictured (L-R): Bob Romeo (ACM, CEO) with Sam Hunt. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the ACM.

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) welcomed its New Artist of the Year semi-finalist Sam Hunt to their Encino, CA offices while the UMG Nashville breakout artist was in Los Angeles to kick off his sold-out headlining Lipstick Graffiti Tour. While at the ACM, he performed his Platinum-selling, “Leave the Night On” as well as his latest radio single, “Take Your Time.” Watch a clip of the visit here.

Brett Eldredge Visits CMT Hot 20 Countdown with Cody Alan

Cody Alan (L), Brett Eldredge (R).

Cody Alan (L), Brett Eldredge (R).

Brett Eldredge recently stopped by to co-host CMT Hot 20 Countdown with Cody Alan. The all-new episode will premiere Valentines Day, Saturday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. ET/PT.

Doobie Brothers Add Additional Tour Dates

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Pictured (L-R): John McFee, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers Pictured (L-R): John McFee, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers

Pictured (L-R): John McFee, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers have added new dates to their nationwide 2015 tour, including select dates with Don Felder of The Eagles. The band are also giving fans advance access to ticket pre-sales via their recently launched “Takin’ It To the Streets Concert Club.”  Member perks also include exclusive merch and meet & greet opportunities.

Fans can join the “Takin’ It To the Streets Concert Club” here.

Newly Added 2015 Tour Dates
April 22: Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, Midland, Texas (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
April 24: Majestic Theatre, San Antonio (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
April 25: Verizon Theatre, Grand Prairie, Texas (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
April 27: ACL Live at the Moody Theatre, Austin, Texas (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
May 2: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, Alpharetta, Ga. (w/ Special Guest Don Felder)
June 14: Sigmund Stern Grove, San Francisco
June 16: Lee Schwab Amphitheatre, Bend, Ore.
July 17: Moondance Jam, Walker, Minn.
July 18: Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside, Iowa
July 19: Divot’s Conference Center, Norfolk, Neb.
Sept. 10: Lockn’ Festival, Arrington, Va.

Chief On Tour: CBS Goes Behind The Scenes

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Eric Church with CBS' Mark Strassmann Courtesy: Jill Trunnel

Eric Church with CBS’ Mark Strassmann
Photo courtesy: Jill Trunnel

CBS This Morning went behind the scenes of Eric Church’s tour recently. Reporting from Fresno and Los Angeles, Mark Strassmann showed what goes into the $19 million production: 170 tons of equipment, 100+ crew members, 18-hour days, 14 trucks, 12 buses, six-hour set up, and, as his stage manager put it, “100,000 pounds of rock your city.”

Costs of the nine-month outing are $3 million for the stage, $3.9 million for vehicles, $2.5 million for lighting video and audio, and $2 million to pay the crew, which equals about “$250,000 to show up” at a venue.

 Strassman also interviewed Church last year, showing his hometown Granite Falls, N.C. and the cabin where he wrote the songs for The Outsiders. See that here.

Artist Updates: The Band Perry, The Grand Ole Opry, Casting Crowns

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The Band Perry To Take Part in Stevie Wonder Grammy Salute

The Band Perry

The Band Perry

Republic Nashville trio The Band Perry will join several artists to salute Stevie Wonder during “Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life,” which will air Monday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS Television Network.

Other artists set to take part in the event include Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga, Jill Scott John Legend, Ariana Grande, Andrea Bocelli, Pharrell Williams, and more. The two-hour special will be presented by The Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS.

 

The Grand Ole Opry To Launch Tuesday Night Opry Performances for 2015 

grand_ole_opry_logo_20051The Grand Ole Opry will launch its 2015 Tuesday Night Opry performances on Tues., Feb. 17 with appearances by Opry members Trace Adkins, Del McCoury, and Pam Tillis along with special guests Jamey Johnson, Parmalee, and more. The Tuesday Night Opry continues through Dec. 15, the Opry’s longest Tuesday night run to date.

The artist line-up for Tues., Feb. 24 includes Opry members Bill Anderson, Charlie Daniels, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, and more.

Cracker Barrel To Release Casting Crowns’ Hymns Album

Casting Crowns CD artCracker Barrel Old Country Store® will release Contemporary Christian group Casting Crowns’ upcoming CD Glorious Day: Hymns of Faith, which will be available on March 2, exclusively at all 634 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and online at www.crackerbarrel.com.

The album features 12 songs, including six new tracks recorded especially for this collection.

Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli To Launch The Bible Tour 2015

bible tour25 Entertainment, in partnership with K-LOVE and ChildFund International have partnered for The Bible Tour 2015. The 15-city live-concert experience runs April 8 through April 26. The lineup includes Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath and Danny Gokey.

Tickets are available at thebibletour2015.com.

Bassist Michael Rhodes To Be Featured At CMHoF

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michael rhodes

Michael Rhodes

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s quarterly program series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians returns Saturday, March 7, with renowned bassist Michael Rhodes. The 2 p.m. interview, held in the museum’s Ford Theater, is included with museum admission and free to museum members.

Hosted by Bill Lloyd, the program will include an in-depth, one-on-one interview illustrated with vintage recordings, photos and film clips from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Seating for the program is limited, and program passes are required for admittance. Immediately following, Rhodes will sign limited edition, commemorative Hatch Show Print posters in the Museum Store.

Rhodes has performed live and played on sessions for many country and pop chart-toppers, including Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Steve Winwood, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Faith Hill, Wynonna Judd, the Dixie Chicks, Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, Neal McCoy, Chely Wright, Doug Stone, and many more.

He has won many awards for his musicianship—including multiple Academy of Country Music instrumental awards.

RareSpark Adds Publishing/Producer Management Talent

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Pictured (L-R): Scot Sherrod, VP/GM; Park Chisolm; Suzanne Strickland, Owner/CEO.

Pictured (L-R): Scot Sherrod, VP/GM; Park Chisolm; Suzanne Strickland, Owner/CEO.

Singer/songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Park Chisolm has signed a publishing and producer management deal with RareSpark Media Group.

A Newnan, Ga. native, Chisolm relocated to Nashville in 1996 before spending several years as a studio and road instrumentalist including time with Kevin Costner‘s band Modern West. Chisolm co-produced the band’s album Famous For Killing Each Other. Other production credits include music for the History Channel’s The Hatfields and McCoys series and CCMA artist Victoria Banks‘ album Indigo.

“Park’s talents as a writer, producer, and musician are diverse, and a very welcome addition to our RareSpark family,” says RareSpark’s Owner/CEO Suzanne Strickland of the new addition.

“We couldn’t be more excited and honored to be working with him,” adds RareSpark’s VP/GM Scot Sherrod, “Everything he works on is refreshingly authentic and second to none.”