T.J. Martell Remembers Walleman For Award

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tjm-logoThe T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer & AIDS research and Global Action Platform announced the Young Investigator Award for Sarcoma Research to be presented at this year’s Global Action Summit to take place in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Music City Center.
The award will be presented to Chunlei Jin from the Department of Pediatrics Research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Jin’s focus is on the mechanism of tumor metastasis in osteosarcoma, a form of cancer that claimed the life of Warner Music Nashville’s Lindsay Walleman, who lost her battle with Sarcoma in 2013. The Young Investigator Award for Sarcoma Research was created in her memory.
Walleman was a 28 years old when diagnosed with the aggressive form of cancer. Walleman’s hope was to give others with the disease a chance at living longer. During her battle, the Warner Music team rallied around her creating a promotion called “For the Linds” (FTL), having contributed more than $100,000 for the effort themselves. Len Blavatnik, owner of Warner Music Group and founder of the Blavatnik Family Foundation generously agreed to make a matching $50,000 gift to the Young Investigators Award for Sarcoma Research in memory of Walleman.
In October of this year, The T.J. Martell Foundation also awarded Jian An, Ph.D the foundation’s first annual Research Fellow Award. He is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Urology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Both the Research Fellowship Award and the Young Investigator Award celebrates the scientific research and future of the role of young scientists and medical specialists in finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. Each grant presented to the recipients is based on scientific quality and the establishment of strengthening of research collaboration with T.J. Martell Foundation’s funded institutions, an awarded Post-doctoral Fellow, the actual research and being a foreign national.
“The T.J. Martell Foundation is focused on funding of post-doctoral fellows in cancer and AIDS research who will be the leaders in scientific research of tomorrow.” said Laura Heatherly, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. “We are proud to be supporting the younger generation.”
The Global Action Summit takes place Nov. 17-18, 2014, gathering around 500 top senior-level decision makers from the corporate, government, academic, media, investments and NGO communities will attend the invitation-only summit.
“Over the years, the Foundation has funded more than $260 million of truly impactful science,” said Dr. Gregory Curt, Chair of the T.J. Martell Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee. Next year the foundation will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Sam Hunt Announces Headlining Tour

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unnamedPlatinum-selling country newcomer Sam Hunt has announced his headlining tour, the Lipstick Graffiti Tour, launching Jan. 29 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, Calif. The tour will run through mid-April, making stops across the country from Anaheim, Dallas and Denver to Chicago, Boston, New York and more.
The MCA Nashville artist recently scored his first No. 1 as an artist with his Platinum-selling “Leave the Night On,” the lead single off his debut project, Montevallo.
Support on the Lipstick Graffiti Tour will be Show Dog-Universal Music’s Native Run and Warner Music Nashville’s Michael Ray. Native Run posted a video announcing their opening slot on the tour.
Hunt’s Lipstick Graffiti Tour ticket pre-sale opens this Wednesday, Nov. 12 with public on-sale to follow Friday, Nov. 14. For ticket information, visit www.samhunt.com.
LIPSTICK GRAFFITI TOUR Dates:
Jan. 29 West Hollywood, Calif. Troubadour
Jan. 30 Anaheim, Calif. House of Blues
Feb. 5 Dallas, Texas House of Blues
Feb. 7 Jackson, Miss. Hal & Mal’s
Feb. 11 New York, N.Y. Irving Plaza
Feb. 12 Boston, Mass. Paradise Rock Club
Feb. 13 Burlington, Vt. Higher Ground
Feb. 14 Silver Spring, Md. The Fillmore
Feb. 19 Knoxville, Tenn. Bijou Theatre
Feb. 20 North Myrtle Beach, S.C. House of Blues
Feb. 21 Charleston, S.C. Music Farm
Mar. 12 Columbus, Ohio Newport Music Hall
Mar. 13 Grand Rapids, Mich. The Intersection
Mar. 14 Chicago, Ill. Joe’s Bar
Mar. 20 Lincoln, Neb. Bourbon Theatre
Mar. 21 Denver, Colo. Ogden Theatre
Apr. 2 Fayetteville, Ark. George’s Majestic Lounge
Apr. 3 Columbia, Mo. The Blue Note
Apr. 4 Milwaukee, Wisc. The Rave
*Additional Tour Dates To Be Announced

Heuerman Joins BubbleUp as VP, Marketing

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Scott Heuerman

Scott Heuerman


Music and technology exec Scott Heuerman has joined digital media and marketing agency BubbleUp as VP of Marketing. Heuerman has worked with Warner Bros. Records, Musictoday, Live Nation, and Apple/iTunes. Most recently, Heuerman led online marketing and eCommerce teams for clients including The Doors Estate, Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Kip Moore and Casting Crowns.
“Scott’s relationships and experience make him a perfect fit for BubbleUp as we continue to help artists, labels and management organizations achieve their most critical business needs; growing, engaging and activating their fan bases,” said Chief Marketing Officer Mike Newman.
“They are committed to helping partners succeed and grow their business through the effective use of technology, and they have incredibly talented leadership, account and development teams,” said Heuerman. “I couldn’t be more excited to be working with everyone at BubbleUp.”
Founded in 2004, with offices in Houston, Nashville,  and Hartford, Conn., BubbleUp’s portfolio includes Jimmy Buffett, Luke Bryan, KISS, Zac Brown Band, Landshark Lager, Alan Jackson, the Academy of Country Music, Margaritaville, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Aerosmith, Live From Daryl’s House and many more.
Heuerman is already on the job and can be reached at scott@bubbleup.com. He will be based out of BubbleUp’s Nashville office.

Artist Updates: Chris Young, Faith Hill, The Swon Brothers, Sonia Leigh

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Kidde Fire Safety joined country music stars Chris Young and Kix Brooks and fire service leaders to offer their support to new campaigns that will help protect families and assist burn-injured firefighters.
Kidde will donate 2,000 worry-Free sealed-battery smoke alarms to fire departments in select cities along Young’s 2015 A.M. World Tour and will contribute $25,000 to sponsor Phoenix Society’s new Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) program to support burned firefighters.
“One of my best friends recently became a firefighter, and the risk they take really hits home. I’m glad to be part of a cause that will help support first responders and local communities along my tour,” said Young.

Pictured (L-R): Heather Caldwell, Communications & Marketing Manager, Kidde; Chief Ronald Siarnicki, executive director, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; Chris Young, chart-topping Country Music star; Jim Ward, President, Kidde Fire Safety; Kix Brooks, chart-topping Country Music star and CMA award-winning radio personality; Amy Acton, executive director, The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors; Luis Nevarez, Tulare Fire Department, burn survivor and SOAR member; Chris Rovenstine, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Kidde Fire Safety; Chief Fire Marshall Butch Browning, president, National Association of State Fire Marshals and Commissioner & Fire Marshal Gary West, TN Department of Commerce and Insurance. Photo: Sanford Myers

Pictured (L-R): Heather Caldwell, Communications & Marketing Manager, Kidde; Chief Ronald Siarnicki, executive director, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; Chris Young; Jim Ward, President, Kidde Fire Safety; Kix Brooks; Amy Acton, executive director, The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors; Luis Nevarez, Tulare Fire Department, burn survivor and SOAR member; Chris Rovenstine, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Kidde Fire Safety; Chief Fire Marshall Butch Browning, president, National Association of State Fire Marshals and Commissioner & Fire Marshal Gary West, TN Department of Commerce and Insurance. Photo: Sanford Myers

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Faith Hill has completed filming on indie crime drama Dixieland. This marks the Country singer’s second film after 2004’s Stepford Wives, in which she made her big screen debut opposite Nicole Kidman.

The movie is set in Mississippi, and follows the story of a young man, recently released from prison, who falls in love with a troubled girl next door. Hill plays the mother he moves back home with. Hill stars alongside Riley Keough, who has appeared in Magic Mike and Runaways, and whose grandfather was Elvis Presley.

 

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Country duo and outdoor enthusiasts The Swon Brothers have been chosen as NRA Country’s Featured Artist for November. The announcement comes during a busy time as they recently launched their highly-anticipated, self-titled debut album.
“We grew up in Oklahoma, the heartland of our great country, where our dad first took us hunting and fishing and taught us to appreciate the outdoors. Now it’s our passion, it’s how we unwind and recharge. There’s nothing better than a holiday hunting trip followed by mom’s home cooking, spending time with family and some great Country music. We are living our dream.”
As part of the NRA Country promotion, fans can make plans to join NRA Country and The Swon Brothers on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11th at 7 p.m. ET for an exclusive online StageIt concert. The intimate show will feature a live Q&A and performances of music from the duo’s new album.

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Sonia Leigh continues to make headlines as she announces a partnership with Tennessee based Prichard’s Distillery. As part of the partnership, Leigh’s name and likeness will be used for upcoming promotions, including a billboard along Nashville’s I-65 Highway.
 
 
 
 
 

UMPG Hires Performing Rights Special Advisor

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Richard Conlon

Richard Conlon


Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has tapped Richard Conlon to serve as Special Advisor on Performing Rights. Conlon is well versed in the field, having spent more than 20 years with BMI, most recently as Sr. Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Communications & New Media. Conlon will counsel UMPG on matters related to advocating, protecting and maximizing the value of performing rights.
He previously spearheaded BMI’s digital new media licensing divisions and directed global communications efforts. During his tenure with the performing rights organization, he launched both the corporate strategy and digital business units, licensing the rights to more than 8.5 million musical works and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Conlon also managed negotiations with digital properties ranging from YouTube to Spotify and Pandora. Under his management, licensed properties grew to more than 10,000 sites and digital income consistently drove corporate revenue growth.
In the new role, he will report to Michael J. Sammis, UMPG EVP Operations and CFO, and David Kokakis, SVP/Head of Business & Legal Affairs and Business Development. Sammis said, “It is, indeed, an interesting time in the evolution of the performing rights business and Richard’s expertise in developing systems and strategy will be extremely valuable towards maximizing the value of performing rights for UMPG and its songwriters.”

Cumulus' NASH Country Brand Partners with Music Choice

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NASH Icon music choice

Beginning Nov. 24, Cumulus’ NASH Country Music and lifestyle brand will launch a partnership with video-on-demand provider Music Choice.
The partnership will feature a dedicated NASH television category of video-on-demand programming, which includes original content extending from NASH’s radio segments including “America’s Morning Show with Blair Garner,” “NASH Nights Live,” and new programming such as “NASH Grits & Hits” cooking show and “NASH Lash” style segment. Music Choice’s “Today’s Country” and “Country Hits” will include NASH and NASH Icon programming daily from 6-9 p.m. ET. Additionally, the “Today’s Country” video channel on Music Choice will be co-branded as “Today’s Country: NASH TV” and will feature programming from the NASH campus as well as Music Choice videos.
Cumulus will also promote Music Choice programming on radio stations nationwide. Cumulus is building out a dedicated Music Choice section of the NASH campus.
Dave Del Beccaro, President and CEO of Music Choice stated: “Country has always been one of the most popular formats for us at Music Choice. We are thrilled to be getting content from NASH that complements our robust video and music library and entrenches us deeper in the Country music lifestyle.”
“Our partnership with Music Choice to distribute NASH content to 57 million homes across America is yet another important platform in establishing NASH as the definitive lifestyle and entertainment brand for fans of country music,” said Lew Dickey, CEO of Cumulus.
Cumulus and Music Choice will co-sponsor several marketing events each year, and Music Choice will also provide promotional support on its properties for the first-ever American Country Countdown Awards, airing live Monday, Dec. 15, 2014 on FOX.
 

Musicians Hall of Fame Celebrates Roy Orbison Exhibit Grand Opening

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Part of Roy Orbison exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Part of Roy Orbison exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum


Nashville’s Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the grand opening of its newest exhibit commemorating Roy Orbison, and the 50th anniversary of his classic song, “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
The exhibit includes prescription glasses that became Orbison’s trademark, a 1957 Gibson Byrdland guitar, and a 1961 Gibson 335 guitar, owned by studio musician Jerry Kennedy and used in the recording of “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
“Roy’s impact on popular music as a writer, singer, and musician is immeasurable,” said Joe Chambers, Founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. “He influenced artists such as the Beatles, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen, just to name a few, and his iconic guitar intro to “Oh, Pretty Woman” continues to inspire musicians of all ages.”
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Charlie Daniels & Friends Announce Christmas 4 Kids Concert Lineup

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Charlie Daniels Christmas 4 kidsThe official talent lineup for the annual Charlie Daniels & Friends Christmas 4 Kids benefit concert will include The Charlie Daniels Band, Phil Vassar, Andy Griggs, Ty Herndon, Jamie O’Neil, The Roys and Ryan Weaver. The show will take place at the historic Ryman Auditorium on on Monday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.
“It just feels good to get together with friends and do something worthwhile that brings so many smiles to faces that don’t really have a lot to smile about,” says Daniels.
The funds generated by the concert and the Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event are used to give over 400 children from 29 different schools a day-long shopping excursion.
“Christmas 4 Kids wants to extend a special ‘thank you’ to Charlie Daniels for headlining our concert for the 14th year,” says Christmas 4 Kids President, Linda O’Connell.  “He holds a special place in the hearts of this organization.”
Tickets are $60 and $36.50 and are available for purchase now online at www.christmas4kids.org.

Round Hill Music Acquires Big Loud Shirt Industries Song Catalog

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round hill music1Round Hill Music has acquired Big Loud Shirt Industries’ song catalog. The companies will form a joint venture.
The Big Loud catalog contains 32 hit songs by writers including Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Joey Moi, Matt Dragstrem, Chris Lane, Sarah Buxton, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Cory Battan, Deanna Bryant, Tyler Hayes, Mike Reid, Jenn Schott, Nicole Witt, and Big Loud founder Craig Wiseman.
The catalog includes such songs as Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”; Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away” as well as George Strait’s “I Saw God Today.”
The deal also includes an alignment with Big Loud Bucks administration and Information, the music admin arm of Big Loud Shirt. Wiseman and his team will also work with Round Hill Music going forward.
big loud shirt111The deal follows the recent Round Hill Music acquisition of the catalog of Roots 49, including songs from Danny Myrick. Earlier this year, Round Hill Music acquired Big Tractor’s catalog.
“Craig has nurtured this amazing culture at Big Loud Shirts, which is based on family and creative freedom,” Round Hill Music president Neil Gillis said in a statement. “It is this culture that has helped generated the unprecedented success the company has attained.”
Big Loud Shirt founder Wiseman says he was impressed with how the Round Hill Music team has “a serious passion for creating a modern music company.” He added, he is “happy to be independent with our new Round Hill partners.”

Rascal Flatts Return For Final Performance at Nashville's Fiddle & Steel Bar

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Rascal Flatts (Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney) returned to the Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar, where they began their career in 1999, for a private concert last night (Nov. 6).
SiriusXM hosted the exclusive concert for listeners at the Nashville bar, which is slated to close at the end of the year as new construction begins in Printer’s Alley. “Rascal Flatts REWIND—Back to Where It All Began” also aired live via satellite on SiriusXM’s new Y2Kountry (Channel 57) with multiple re-broadcasts scheduled throughout Q4 on The Highway, Y2Kountry & Prime Country.

Pictured (L-R): Rascal Flatts Jay DeMarcus, SiriusXM's Storme Warren, Rascal Flatts Gary LeVox, TODAY's Lester Holt, SiriusXM's John Marks and Rascal Flatts Joe Don Rooney

Pictured (L-R): Rascal Flatts Jay DeMarcus, SiriusXM’s Storme Warren, Rascal Flatts Gary LeVox, TODAY’s Lester Holt, SiriusXM’s John Marks and Rascal Flatts Joe Don Rooney. Photo: Terry Watt


NBC TODAY anchor Lester Holt sits on bass with the Supergroup during their new single “Riot”

NBC TODAY anchor Lester Holt sits on bass with the Supergroup during their new single “Riot.” Photo: Terry Watt