Tracy Lawrence Hosts Annual “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry

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With the help of friends on Tuesday (11/20), Tracy Lawrence celebrated another successful year frying more than 500 turkeys that will be served to thousands this Thanksgiving holiday.

Since 2006, Tracy Lawrence “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry has brought in an estimated 6,500 turkeys and provided more than 40,000 meals to the Nashville Rescue Mission to feed the homeless.

Teams of volunteers and sponsors such as Sam’s Club, NFL Titans, and members of the U.S. Coast Guard worked together to accomplish the mission. The NFL Titans cheerleaders cheered as people came to make donations while Lawrence’s music friends cooked turkeys for the cause.

“I am blessed to have so many friends who share the same passion that I do for those in need during the holidays,” said Lawrence. “From volunteers who labored all day to the person who came by to drop off a turkey, they all have contributed to the success of this event and I am very thankful for them.”

Pictured with Tennessee Titans (L-R): Ryan Mouton, Nate Washington, Tracy Lawrence, Rob Bironas, and Jordan Babineaux. Photo: Alex Torrez

Lawrence with U.S. Coast Guard members Chad Phillips, Commander Bob Helton, James Alter, Kevin Nicley, Brian Hunter, and Chris Snyder. Photo: Ryan Malone

Lawrence with the Sam's Club Team Photo: Alex Torrez

Jon Pardi Seeks Ultimate Party Animal in Contest

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Jon Pardi is gearing up to award a trip for two to his “End of the World Party” in Chicago on 12/21/12 through a contest on his Facebook page.

Known for his high energy stage performances, the Capitol Records Nashville artist seeks like-minded fans to send in photos that answer the question “Are You A Pardi Animal?” Personally chosen by Pardi, the grand prize winner and guest will receive airfare and hotel accommodations for the “predicted” end of the world in a party he will host at Joe’s on Weed Street.

The top 10 finalists who receive the most fan votes by Dec. 5 will receive an autographed copy of Pardi’s single, “Missin’ You Crazy.”

“We’ve named this the Year of the Pardi and if the world is really going to end that day, I can’t think of a better place to be than Joe’s on Weed,” said Pardi.

Pardi is currently touring on the Tie One On Tour with Frankie Ballard and Miss Willie Brown in support “Missin’ You Crazy.”

Snapshots (11/21/2012)

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(L-R): Tamara Saviano, Wendy Stamberger, Jeannie Naujeck, Kay Clary, busted photobomber Sherod Robertson, Taylor Holliday, Abby White. Photo: Steve Lowry

Kay Clary and Jody Williams

BMI hosted two-parties-in-one on Fri., Nov. 16. The event was a going away party for BMI’s Executive Director, Media Relations Kay Clary and an album release party for soul singer Charles Walker. He performed with a band featuring Charles Treadway, Pat Bergeson and Pete Abbott.

After the show, a reception was held for industry members to bid farewell to Clary who exited BMI after seven years of service. BMI, VP Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI VP, Writer-Publisher Relations Jody Williams says, “Kay Clary is a treasure.” And we all couldn’t agree more.

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently (11/17) honored Billy Sanford in its quarterly series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. Sanford played on hits for the Oak Ridge Boys (“Elvira”), Roy Orbison (“Oh, Pretty Woman”), Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”), Keith Whitley (“I’m No Stranger to the Rain”) and many others. Sanford is a longtime member of Don Williams’ band.

(L-R): Bob Moore, program host Bill Lloyd, Reggie Young, Jerry Kennedy, Jimmy Capps, Chip Young, Billy Sanford, Pig Robbins, Weldon Myrick, Wayne Moss, Norbert Putnam, Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr. Photo: Donn Jones

• • • •

Monthly concert series 45rpm saluted Connie Smith during a special installment on Nov. 7. The event was held at Douglas Corner. Created by steel guitar player Mike Johnson, songwriter Jimmy Melton, and UMPG’s Cyndi Forman, 45rpm highlights the great artists, songs, songwriters and producers from the ’60s and ’70s such as Mel Street, Don Williams, Gary Stewart, Gene Watson and Tammy Wynette. The band is led by Johnson and Melton, and includes some of Nashville’s top studio musicians.

(L-R): Mark Johnson, Cyndi Forman, Mike Johnson, Connie Smith and Jimmy Melton. Photo: Lisa Melton

DISClaimer: Carrie Underwood Rules (11/21/12)

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Carrie revs up.

Carrie Underwood rules. The Oklahoma-bred gal who cleverly calls her publishing company Carrie Okie has absolutely no challengers this week. She stands tall with the undisputed Disc of the Day.

Jay Jolley is a Detroit-area keyboardist and singer who has opened for many big names in the Midwest. His “It’s a Friday Thing” earns him the DisCovery Award for this edition.

THE CADILLAC BLACK/Get Your Buzz On
Writer: none listed; Producer: The Cadillac Black; Publisher: none listed; TCB (track)
—The guys in this Southern-rock trio used to be in the super Nashville pop/rock band American Bang. Their debut as a country act sounds like they haven’t drifted too far from their roots. This rocks in a party kinda way. Look for The Cadillac Black in upcoming episodes of TV’s Nashville. (Did you catch Lindi Ortega doing her new single on the show last week?)BIG & RICH/Party Like Cowboyz
Writer: John Rich/Big Kenny; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: J. Money/Kobalt/Big Love, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.  
—And speaking of party, these two practically patented the country-boys-on-a-rampage thang. This is straight from their typical playbook, complete with sung/spoken passages, screaming guitars and stomping beats.

AMBER HAYES/Any Day Is a Good Day
Writer: Amber Hayes/Bill Diluigi/J.P. Williams; Producer: Paul Compton; Publisher: Okie Girl/888 Red/Rio Bravo/Blonde Leading Blind, ASCAP/BMI; AOK  
—Simply lovely. Her sweetly wistful singing voice is perfectly framed by an airy production and pristinely placed harmony vocals. Plus, it has a message to warm your soul. I could definitely get used to listening to this wafting through the radio speakers.

AARON WATSON/Real Good Time
Writer: none listed; Producer: Aaron Watson, Sam Seifert & Wes Hightower; Publisher: none listed; HTK 
—Aaron Watson has rounded up a bevy of impressive guest stars on his new CD. Pat Green, Elizabeth Cook, Willie Nelson, John Anderson and Kevin Fowler all drop by. But on the set’s title tune, Mr. Watson is on his own. It’s a rapid romp with a pace that’s almost tongue tripping. Guitar and fiddle notes splatter all over the place.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Two Black Cadillacs
Writer: Carrie Underwood/Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Carrie Okie/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight/Words & Music/Raylene/BMG Crysalis, BMI/ASCAP; Arista
—Very atmospheric and mysterious. The brooding, swirling production surrounds her full-throated singing of a tale about a wife and a mistress evidently teaming up to do away with the man who deceived them.

NO JUSTICE/Shot in the Dark
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; NME/Smith Entertainment 
—Country-rock music with a slightly muddy sound. I’d have upped the tempo a tad and tweaked the tuning.

BUCK NECK-ED/Backroads
Writer: Cowboy/Bad News; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Raw
—Of the song’s co-writers, “Cowboy” is Chad Kaltenberg and “Bad News” apparently doesn’t have any other name. The band sounds competent enough, but the production is dreadful. “Garage” would be a compliment. Get a studio and a producer.

JAY JOLLEY/It’s a Friday Thing
Writer: Bill Edwards; Producer: Chuck Alkazian; Publisher: Edwardsongs, ASCAP; Double J (CDX) 
—With its menacing guitar work and minor-key melody, this has a cool “outlaw” vibe. Darkly compelling. Well done.

TYLER STEPHENS/Freedom Don’t Come Free
Writer: Scott Patrick/Courtney Patrick; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Aria/Five Star Country, BMI; Big Appal (CDX) 
—He sings flat and slurs his words.

OUTBOUND ROAD/Home to Me
Writer: B. Shannon/B. Vames/A. Jannotti; Producer: Alan Stein; Publisher: Cannon Biggs, BMI; Lure (CDX) 
—It seems to take forever to get to the title line. The gist of the power ballad is that big-city life isn’t for him.

Nine North Adds Northeast Regional

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Jay McCarthy has joined the Nine North/Turnpike team as Director of Promotion, Northeast. McCarthy is on the job now, reporting to Nine North/Turnpike President Larry Pareigis.

“I could not be happier to bring a player of Jay’s caliber aboard,” Pareigis said. “We’ve all been friends a long time, so given his extensive background in Country radio, the music industry and artist management, this was a move that was absolutely hand-in-glove.”

McCarthy’s career includes radio experience in Binghamton, NY; Ocala, FL; and Phoenix, AZ. Following his time in radio, McCarthy joined the Red Light Management team in Nashville to work with Tim McGraw. He also founded sagethree, a strategic marketing and branding firm.

Congratulate him on the new gig here or at 602-321-4945.

The Insider’s View: The Peach Pickers

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(L-R): Warner/Chappell Nashville Exec. VP Ben Vaughn, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, This Music's GM/Partner Rusty Gaston

Presented by Avenue Bank, Belmont University’s Insider’s View seminar series was held earlier this month spotlighting the rise of hit songwriters the Peach Pickers (Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip) and the team that helped them achieve success. Moderated by Harry Chapman and Avenue Bank’s Sr. VP Ron Cox, Hayslip, Akins, This Music’s GM/Partner Rusty Gaston and Warner/Chappell Nashville Exec. VP Ben Vaughn spoke to the packed room about the importance of “Building a Team of Trusted Advisors.”

The Peach Pickers have penned a long list of hits including Frankie Ballard‘s “A Buncha Girls,” Blake Shelton‘s “All About Tonight,” Josh Turner‘s “All Over Me,” Joe Nichols‘ “Gimmie That Girl” and “The Shape I’m In,” Luke Bryan‘s “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” and many more.

The event took place at the Massey Performing Arts Center on the campus of Belmont and was filmed for Public Television to be aired in December and January.

McBride Helps Raise $35,000 for Musicians On Call

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Republic Nashville’s Martina McBride, performed to a sold out Hard Rock Cafe Nashville crowd on Fri., Nov. 16 with all proceeds directly benefitting Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville. The non-profit brings music to the bedsides of patients in six area healthcare facilities. Breaking MOC Nashville fundraising records for a single event, the benefit amassed over $35,000 all of which will be used to support the MOC Nashville branch and help to continue and expand its Bedside Performance Programs. The funds were raised from ticket sales, a silent auction, and a unique online auction that afforded one lucky winner the opportunity to join McBride on stage for a song to which winning bidder, Lyndsi Riley, chose “This One’s for the Girls.”

“We could not imagine a better way to celebrate our fifth anniversary in Nashville. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see such an icon perform in an intimate setting,” shared Katy Epley, MOC Nashville’s Program Director. “Martina and her entire team could not have been more gracious or supportive of our efforts to bring the healing power of music to the bedsides of patients.”

McBride, who also sang her current hit “I’m Gonna Love Your Through It,” said, “I was so happy to be a part of the fifth anniversary of Musicians On Call in Nashville. We put together an eclectic set list of hits mixed with some of our favorite album cuts for a show that was one-of-a-kind. It’s a great organization doing important work and I was proud to be a part of that very special evening.”

Visit www.MusiciansOnCall.org for more information on upcoming events or on how to donate or volunteer.

The Roys Set Sail, Join Pink Arrow Project

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Brother and sister duo, The Roys, are sounding “last call” for Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise on Carnival Cruise Line’s spectacular ship, Sensation, January 20-24. Bluegrass lovers will enjoy a seafaring festival including jam sessions and workshops. Joining Lee and Elaine Roy will be Bluegrass artists Dave Nichols Band, The Spinney Brothers, Nu-Blu and Ernie Evans & The Florida Bluegrass Band.

The vessel departs from Port Canaveral, Florida, and ports of call include the islands of Freeport and Nassau. Fans can reserve their spot here.

The Roys have also joined the Pink Arrow Project organization to help raise awareness of their cancer fighting campaign. What began as an organization of Archers Helping Archers has now expanded into helping cancer survivors and their families outside the archery community and funding ground-breaking cancer research.

“We are so proud to have brother-sister duo, Lee and Elaine Roy, help represent the Pink Arrow Project,” said Mary J. Hale, Founder and CEO of the Pink Arrow Project. “They are such sweet and talented people, and we are so happy to have them on board. We recently announced The Roys’ label-mate and acclaimed vocalist Carrie Hassler as our first musical artist to help introduce our organization to the music world. We are extremely proud to have The Roys also bringing awareness to folks that might otherwise never have known about our project. “

ole Signs Frank Myers

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(L-R): Kele Currier, Arthur Buenhora, Frank Myers, Gilles Goddard

ole has signed singer, songwriter and producer Frank Myers to a worldwide administration deal with step-up to co-pub. The arrangement encompasses existing works under his Meleva Music catalog and Futures.

The single “Piece of Me,” which is featured on the ARIA 2012 Country Album of the Year-nominated, Two Worlds Collide, by Australian country music trio, The McClymonts, is included in the deal. The catalog also includes multiple cuts on upcoming projects for various artists.

ole previously acquired a catalog from Frank Myers, which included Lonestar’s No. 1 hit single “I’m Already There,” BMI’s 2002 Country Song of the Year, which remained at the top of the country chart for seven weeks, went to No. 2 on the AC chart and earned Myers the title of Country Songwriter of the Year (with writing partner Gary Baker) from American Songwriter Magazine.

Myers’ 10 No. 1 hits also include the Grammy Award-winning crossover smash “I Swear,” recorded by both John Michael Montgomery and All-4-One, which also earned Single and Song of the Year honors at the ACM Awards and was Billboard’s No. 1 song of 1994; “My Front Porch Looking In” and “I’m Already There” by Lonestar; “You and I” by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle, a No. 1 country hit, which also reached the upper echelons of the AC and pop charts; Alabama’s “Once Upon A Lifetime;” Eddy Raven’s “I Got Mexico” and “Bayou Boys” and, most recently, Chris Young’s 2011 chart-topper, “Tomorrow.” Myers has also had 20 Top 10 hits.

Buddy Miller And Jim Lauderdale Announce Tour

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Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale are set for a slew of performances to support their new album, Buddy and Jim, coming Dec. 11 via New West Records.

Starting Wednesday (11/21), the two will play a sold out Music City Roots show, followed by a Dec. 15 Grand Ole Opry performance at the Ryman Auditorium and January Cayamo Cruise. An official tour will begin Feb. 1 hitting major cities including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City and Nashville’s Mercy Lounge on March 1.

In advance of the December release, Buddy and Jim will be available on CD and limited edition vinyl at independent record stores taking part in Record Store Day’s “Back To Black Friday” (11/23).

Bonus material is available here, including a free download of “The Train That Carried My Gal From Town.”

Buddy and Jim Track List:
1. I Lost My Job Of Loving You
2. The Train That Carried My Gal From Town
3. That’s Not Even Why I Love You
4. Down South In New Orleans
5. It Hurts Me
6. Vampire Girl
7. Forever And A Day
8. Lonely One In This Town
9. Looking For A Heartache
10. I Want To Do Everything For You
11. The Wobble