Primetime ‘Nashville’: Episode 105

Cast members from “Nashville” were part of SESAC’s 30th anniversary salute to the legendary Bluebird Café, the setting for many scenes in the popular series. Pictured at the SESAC Nashville Music Awards on Oct. 28 (L-R): Todd Truley ("Marshall Evans"), Jonathan Jackson ("Avery Barkley"), Charles Esten ("Deacon Claybourne") and Sam Palladio ("Gunnar Scott"). Photo: Peyton Hoge

Episode 105, titled “Move It On Over” in honor of the Hank Williams classic.

Rayna stars in a cosmetics commercial.

Nashville needs a bombshell—and I’m not talking about Hayden Panettiere’s looks. Since its premiere, the show has set the stage for drama with plenty of juicy storylines, but fallen short with few gasp-worthy moments. Ratings ticked up slightly from last week’s season low (6 million/5.8 million), according to Zap2It.com. ABC has yet to order a full season of the sudsy drama.

Last night’s episode was packed with fantastic new music from the characters. Juliette (Panettiere) pulled an all-nighter in the studio while recording “Yellin’ From the Rooftop” (written by Busbee, Sarah Buxton).

Rayna starred in a beauty product commercial featuring her song “American Beauty” (Bob DiPiero, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman). But this led to the latest bump in her rocky relationship with Deacon, when the cosmetics maker wanted to change a lyric in the song she and Deacon wrote. At first he refused, but by the end of the episode he came around, hoping to give Rayna’s bank account a much needed boost. In another scene, Rayna nabbed lunch from the Riffs food truck downtown.

Deacon debuted “Sideshow” (Aaron Scherz, Brad Tursi) at the Bluebird, and Sam Bush was among the musicians accompanying him. When a drunk yelled out that he preferred Rayna’s singing, Deacon was clearly annoyed. He took out his frustrations by punching the guy in the parking lot and ended up in jail. Rayna refused to bail him out, but Juliette came to his rescue.

Click to see Juliette's awesome new digs in Oak Hill. Listed for $2.75 million.

After all, he’d saved her earlier in the episode. Juliette caught her druggie mom passed out in bed with a stranger, and Deacon, given his own struggles with addiction, convinced her to check into rehab. Rather than deal with the unpleasant memories tied to her current mansion, Juliette decided to move. In real life, Panettiere’s single “Telescope” has been released to radio by BMLG, and the video was recently directed by Taillight’s TK McKamy.

Meanwhile at South Circle Music, the fictional publishing company which signed Gunnar and Scarlett, producer Paul Worley was looking for songs for Lady Antebellum, although Worley and the band didn’t actually appear in the episode. Gunnar and Scarlett performed “Loving You is the Only Way to Fly” (Rodney Crowell, Sarah Buxton, Jedd Hughes) for the producer, but Avery hijacked the song with some super annoying guitar noodling and ruined their chances of getting the cut.

As the episode closed, Rayna recorded a song she wrote alone, “Buried Under” (Chris DeStefano, Natalie Hemby). During the final montage, we saw Mr. Rayna, err Teddy, meeting with old flame Peggy (played by Kimberly Williams Paisley). They are guilty of bank fraud in a property deal gone bad and are at risk of being exposed in more ways than one. The Feds are auditing the bank which could reveal their secret, and they are being followed and photographed by a private investigator.

Things to look forward to in coming weeks: The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach produced Rayna’s version of the Lucinda Williams song “Bitter Memory.” And Wyclef Jean will guest star.

Also, a special thanks to BMLG’s Amber Holguin for helping spotlight the songwriters behind the show’s music. If you have news about Nashville, email [email protected].

Holiday Express

Nettles on CMA Country Christmas.

CMA Country Christmas will receive multiple airings on ABC in the days leading up to Christmas: Thursday, Dec. 20 (9:00 PM/ET), Saturday, Dec. 22 (9:00) and Sunday, Dec. 23 (4:00 PM/ET). Hosted by Jennifer Nettles for the third year, the special features songs and stories by Dierks Bentley, Colbie Caillat, Katherine Jenkins, Lady Antebellum, John Legend, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Nettles, The Band Perry, and Keith Urban.

Trace Adkins will appear on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 22. Also joining the festivities will be Colbie Caillat, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Flo Rida, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Isaak, Carly Rae Jepsen, Mannheim Steamroller, Jennette McCurdy, Don McLean, Neon Trees and more.

Lady Antebellum is preparing for the holiday season with the premiere of a playful music video for “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Directed by TK McKamy and shot in Nashville, the video follows a little boy at a holiday party on a mission to get his Christmas wish. Get a sneak peak here. The song is on Lady A’s collection On This Winter’s Night. The trio will perform with the symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center Dec. 3 and GAC will air the concert Dec. 5 at 7 PM/CT.

An Average Joes Muddy Christmas features music by Colt Ford, The LACS, Montgomery Gentry, John Anderson and more.

• Among the new holiday singles are Craig Wayne Boyd’s “My Heart Melts,” Lorrie Morgan’s “Wrapped Up In Love,” and Erica Nicole’s “Come on a Sleigh Ride.”

Scotty McCreery is in the holiday spirit thanks to his new Christmas album. Gloriana, Jana Kramer and Brett Eldredge joined him to tape "Christmas With Scotty McCreery & Friends," premiering Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 p.m./EST on GAC. (L-R:) Brett Eldredge, Jana Kramer, Scotty McCreery, Gloriana’s Rachel Reinert, Tom Gossin, Mike Gossin. Credit: Ed Rode

McCreery Partners With Bojangles

Bojangles’ restaurant chain has announced a new partnership with American Idol star and Mercury Nashville artist Scotty McCreery, who will be featured in the company’s multimedia ad campaign.

As part of the campaign, fans can get a free song download of “First Noel,” “Jingle Bells” or “O Holy Night” from McCreery’s new album Christmas with Scotty McCreery. Cards with a unique download code will be available beginning Nov. 26.

TV spots and radio commercials include the singer’s “Water Tower Town” remixed as “Bojangles’ Town,” in addition to in-store posters and counter cards featured across the company’s 10-state footprint.

“I’m proud to partner with a great Southern brand like Bojangles’ that’s been such a big part of my life growing up in the Carolinas,” said McCreery.

McCreery, a longtime fan of Bojangles, has previously been seen sporting an “It’s Bo Time!” t-shirt and eating Bojangles’ meals throughout his time on American Idol.

The young singer recently wrapped with Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality Tour 2012, and is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at N.C. State University.

Initial MerleFest 2013 Lineup Announced

The late Doc Watson and his musical legacy will figure prominently into MerleFest 2013, scheduled for April 25-28 on the campus of Wilkesboro Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The popular annual roots music festival (or “traditional plus,” in Watson’s words) was founded in honor of Watson’s son Eddy Merle, who passed away in 1985.

“This year’s festival will celebrate the life and music of our dear friend Doc Watson, who passed away on May 29,” says Ted Hagaman, MerleFest director. “For the past 25 years he has been the artistic and spiritual center of this festival, so this year, we will come together as a family to pay special tribute to the man and the musician who meant so much to us all.”

Headliners initially announced for the event include Charlie Daniels Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and a special all-star tribute to the late Watson assembled by mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush. Also scheduled to play are Matraca Berg, The Greencards, Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Quebe Sisters Band, Bryan Sutton, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, and many more.

“This initial lineup shows that the festival will definitely live up to its ‘traditional plus’ motto, with a strong collection of internationally-known touring artists from many genres, as well as a collection of local North Carolina folk and bluegrass artists,” says Steve Johnson, MerleFest artist relations manager. “And, MerleFest fans know, as the lineup continues to develop in the coming months, it will offer quite a few surprises – let’s just say it’s going to be a big year!”

Tickets go on sale November 13. See the full lineup here.

Chesney Announces Stadiums for 2013 Tour

Kenny Chesney has announced 17 stadium dates for his 2013 No Shoes Nation Tour, which kicks off March 16 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.

The tour offers a variety of special guests including Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Kacey Musgraves and Zac Brown Band (see dates below). Additional dates will be added in the coming months.

“I believe what we’ve created on the road is something special,” says Chesney, “the fans, myself, the band, the crew. But it’s really the fans who have given us a wonderful, unique life.”

Once again, the tour offers VIP packages from CID Entertainment including hotel and shuttle accommodations, Sandbar or Premium Reserved seating entrances and exits, access to the pre-game tailgate party, and new gift items.

For on-sale information, visit https://tickets.kennychesney.com.

Chesney, who’s played an impressive 85 stadiums over his 20-year career, is a finalist for Billboard’s ‘Top Package’ Award at tonight’s (11/8) Touring Awards, which he has received six-times prior. The recognition marks the year’s top-grossing tour overall for which Chesney’s The Brothers Of the Sun grossed roughly $100 million.

No Shoes Nation Dates:

Mar 16 – Tampa, FL -­ Raymond James Stadium^
May 4 – Columbia, SC – Williams Brice Stadium*
May 11 – Dallas, TX — Dallas Cowboys Stadium^
May 18 – Milwaukee, WI — Miller Park^
May 25 – Landover, MD — FedExField^
Jun 1 -­ Seattle, WA ­ CenturyLink Field^
Jun 8 – Philadelphia, PA — Lincoln Financial Field^
Jun 15 – Kansas City, MO — Arrowhead Stadium^
Jun 22 – Pittsburgh, PA ­- Heinz Field^
Jun 29 – Columbus, OH ­ Crew Stadium^
Jul 12 – Minneapolis, MN — Target Field*
Jul 20 – Denver, CO — Sports Authority Field at Mile High^
Jul 27 – Anaheim, CA — Angels Stadium^
Aug 3 – Atlanta, GA — Georgia Dome*
Aug 10 – East Rutherford, NJ — MetLife Stadium^
Aug 17 – Detroit, MI — Ford Field^
Aug 24 – Foxboro, MA — Gillette Stadium^

* with Zac Brown Band, Eli Young Band, and Kacey Musgraves
^ with Eric Church, Eli Young Band, and Kacey Musgraves

Tracy Lawrence to Host 7th Annual “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry

The 7th Annual “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry, hosted by Tracy Lawrence, takes place 8 am – 5 pm Tuesday, Nov. 20 in the parking lot of the Nashville Rescue Mission (639 Lafayette Street). This year’s mission is to fry over 500 turkeys for Nashville’s homeless and hungry.

“The Nashville Rescue Mission is a blessing to our community,” says Lawrence. “Each year I am humbled by the outpouring of support from friends who give their time to be part of the Turkey Fry. This special day allows us the opportunity to help raise awareness of the great services the Mission provides everyday to the homeless and those in need.”

Since launching in 2006, the “Mission Possible” turkey fry has brought in nearly 6,000 turkeys and provided more than 35,000 meals to help Nashville Rescue Mission. Lawrence routinely gets assistance from his celebrity friends for the event, and this year Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas and the Titan Cheerleaders will be present.

The event is free and open to the public, and donations are appreciated. More information here.

Charlie Daniels Releases Christmas Album

Buffets, Inc. and Country icon Charlie Daniels have partnered to launch a new Christmas album called Hallelujah It’s Christmas Time Again, which is already in stores.

Available exclusively in Buffets, Inc. restaurants (Ryan’s, Old Country Buffet, HomeTown, and more) for $8.99, Hallelujah… includes a mix of holiday classics and originals including “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Hallelujah,” and more. Profits from the sale of the album will be donated to the Armed Services YMCA for Operation Outdoors, a camp program for the children of military personnel.

“The Buffets, Inc. brands are providing a way to celebrate Christmas through music and help the children of our military at the same time,” says Daniels. “It’s important to remember the reason for this season.”

Find restaurants here.

Craig Morgan on GAC ‘Origins’

Craig Morgan is the subject of a new installment of GAC series Origins. Premiering Wed., Nov. 14, 9 p.m./CST, the show features interviews with his family, former Army commander, and manager.

Also on the show, Morgan will offer acoustic performances of his hits including “More Trucks Than Cars,” “Love Loves a Long Night,” “Redneck Yacht Club” and “This Ole Boy,” at his old stomping grounds, the Grand Ole Hatchery in Dickson, TN where he lives.

As a veteran, Morgan is avid supporter of the military and will serve as the national spokesperson for Operation Ride Home, a campaign led by the Jack Daniel Distillery to help service members and their families travel from bases to home this holiday season. Visit www.jdoperationridehome.com to contribute.

Albright & O’Malley Elevates Becky Brenner

Country Radio veteran Becky Brenner has been elevated to full partner of consulting firm Albright & O’Malley, which she joined in January 2012. Following Brenner’s promotion, the company will now be renamed Albright & O’Malley & Brenner.

“We knew that this would be the perfect addition of yet another first team player to Albright & O’Malley’s arsenal of strategic and tactical weapons for our clients,” says partner Jaye Albright. “Becky has done everything including morning drive personality, promotions, marketing, programming, operations and new media manager, during her illustrious 35 year career at CBS Radio, ARS, EZ Communications, Broadcast Programming and Midwest Family.”

Brenner was previously the longtime Program Director/Digital Web Manager for KMPS-FM and the CBS Radio Seattle cluster, from 1982-1992 and 1995-2011. She was named as one of the top PDs in the country (all formats) for multiple years, and recognized as Country’s No. 1 programmer five times by Radio Ink.

Brenner will continue to be based out of her Seattle home office. Congratulate her here.

Faith Hill to Debut New Music Video

Faith Hill

Faith Hill is set to premiere the official music video for her latest single, “American Heart” tomorrow (11/8) during a uStream event on FaithHill.com and Facebook at 9 pm ET.

The simulcast event is Hill’s first music video in nearly five years and will offer fans exclusive behind the scenes footage (preview below) from the shoot. The songstress filmed the video, which features 10-year-old T.J. Jones as a sidekick, in Nashville last month with director Trey Fanjoy.

“American Heart” was co-written by Jonathan Singleton and Jim Beavers, co-produced with Byron Gallimore and Hill and recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios. “When I first heard this song I was brought to tears,” said Hill. “I not only knew I had to record it, but I almost immediately saw it visually.”

The single is currently available on iTunes as the singer plans to begin a headlining Las Vegas series at the Venetian Hotel and Casino through the spring of 2013 with husband Tim McGraw.