R.O.P.E. Hosts Annual Breakfast This Week

The R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) breakfast is scheduled for Wed., June 6 at the Nashville Nightlife theater from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, located in Music Valley Village near the Opryland Hotel. The event is held annually during CMA Music Festival.

Among the artists scheduled to attend are Jim Ed Brown, Jean Shepard, T.G. Sheppard, Mel Tillis, Tommy Cash, Jan Howard, Mac Wiseman, Jett Williams and T. Graham Brown.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children age 6- 12. To purchase tickets call (615) 860-9257 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

In more R.O.P.E. news, the organization’s 25th anniversary Golden Awards show and dinner is set for Oct. 11, 2012.

Deluxe Edition of Edens Edge Album Exclusively at Cracker Barrel

The debut album from Edens Edge will hit stores June 12, and a deluxe version will be released through Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s music program the same day. The extended version will contain three tracks not available on the band’s Big Machine Records self-titled, standard edition. This marks the first time Cracker Barrel will release the deluxe version on the same day as the regular version.

Beginning June 2 all Cracker Barrel locations will distribute digital download cards redeemable for one free download of Edens Edge’s sassy new single, “Too Good to Be True.” The song is a follow-up to their Top 20 hit “Amen.”

The Arkansas-bred band is comprised of lead vocalist Hannah Blaylock; harmony vocalist, guitar and dobro player Dean Berner; and harmony singer, mandolin, banjo and guitar player Cherrill Green. Collectively, they penned half of the songs on the project as well as the three tracks for the deluxe version, which will be available in-store and at crackerbarrel.com.

Tracks on Edens Edge–Deluxe Edition
Amen (Skip Black, Hannah Blaylock, Catt Gravitt, Gerald O’Brien)
Swingin’ Door (Terry Clayton, Brett James, Ashley Monroe)
Skinny Dippin’ (Dean Berner, Laura Veltz, Vince Melamed)
Too Good To Be True (Gordie Sampson, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges)
Last Supper (Hannah Blaylock, Catt Gravitt, Danny Myrick)
Feels So Real (Angelo, Hillary Lindsey, Tia Sillers)
Who Am I Drinking Tonight (Hannah Blaylock, Laura Veltz)
Liar (Andy Stochansky, Laura Veltz)
Cherry Pie (Dean Berner, Vince Melamed, Laura Veltz)
Christ Alone (Steve Smith)

Exclusive tracks:
Roots (Cherrill Green, Catt Gravitt, Skip Black)
Little Bird (Dean Berner)
Wherever I Go (Hannah Blaylock, Joy Williams, Danny Myrick, Jennifer Schott)

Go-Kart and Golf Event to Benefit Hear the Music Live

The inaugural Celebrity Go-Go Challenge is set for 2 pm Tuesday, June 5 at Grand Old Golf (2444 Music Valley Dr., Nashville), and will benefit Hear the Music Live.

Artists participating in the go-kart & mini-golf challenge event include Love & Theft, Bucky Covington, Josh Gracin, Bo Bice, Due West, Ty Herndon, Melinda Doolittle, Katie Chance, Gwen Sebastian, Glen Templeton, Bryan White, One Night Rodeo, Sean Patrick McGraw, Mark Cooke, Lucas Hoge and more.

The fun starts at 2 pm, with open go-kart racing (entry fee $20) for fans. At 2:30 pm, celebrities will get behind the wheel and compete. At 3:30 pm, fans will be teamed in groups of four with a celebrity to play mini-golf. Entry fee is $25, and participants get a commemorative t-shirt and access to post game party. Register here.

Hear the Music Live is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing young people in foster care and orphanages with their first live concert experiences. The organization has helped more than 3,000 people attend concerts in the U.S.

Bluebird Cafe Kicks Off 30th Anniversary Celebration

The Bluebird Café is marking its 30th anniversary in 2012. The celebration starts Mon., June 4 with Kickoff Week and continues throughout the year.

Mon., June 4, 2012
Early Show: Open Mic Night
Late Show: A Songwriter’s Tribute to Garth Brooks with Pat Alger, Tony Arata, Kent Blazy, Victoria Shaw and Kim Williams

Tues., June 5
Early Show: SESAC Presents: Jon Stone, Brian White, Jim Lauderdale and Brice Long
Late Show: Bluebird 30th Birthday Party starring Kathy Mattea, Crystal Gayle and others

Wed., June 6
Early Show: ASCAP Presents: Walt Aldridge, Dave Berg, Eric Paslay and Carly Pearce
Late Show: Writers at the Bar: Vince Gill, J. Fred Knobloch, Don Schlitz and others nix the traditional format and perform while sitting at the bar.

Thurs., June 7
Early Show: BMI Presents: Sammy Arriaga, Neal Carpenter, Adam James and Haily Steele
Late Show: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame show hosted by Pat Alger, Richard Leigh, Wayland Holyfield and friends

Fri., June 8
Early Show: IBMA Presents: Marty Raybon, Pam Gadd, Chris Henry and Becky Schlegel
Late Show: 9:30 ITR Founders Celebrate 30 Years: Thom Schuyler, Fred Knobloch, Tony Arata and Jelly Roll Johnson with Don Schlitz

Sat., June 9
Early Show: NSAI Presents: Lance Carpenter, Bonner Black, John Milstead, Carolina Story
Late Show: Walt Wilkins, Jimmy Davis, Bill Small and friends

Sun., June 10
Sunday Spotlight with Jonathan Singleton and friends
Sunday Writers Night with Bluebird Favorites including Bluebird alumnus Liz Hengber, Mark Irwin and special guest Tony Arata

Reservations and details available online at www.bluebirdcafe.com.

Luke Bryan and Kimberly Perry to Host “Country’s Night To Rock” Special

Luke Bryan and The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry will team up to host the ABC television special “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock” on Monday, Sept. 17 at 7 pm/CT. Robert Deaton will once again serve as executive producer.

“We have so much fun playing at CMA Music Festival,” said Bryan. “The entire town of Nashville turns into one big party and performing at LP Field becomes one of the best shows we play all year.”

“CMA Music Fest is special to The Band Perry because we love spending time with our fans,” said Perry. “We are excited to be a part of ABC’s coverage of the four-day event, co-hosting the television special.”

Performances for the special will be filmed during the 2012 CMA Music Festival, June 7-10. This marks the eighth time ABC will be airing “Country’s Night To Rock.” Artists appearing in this special have not yet been announced.

Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line Join Stars For Second Harvest

Jake Owen

Jake Owen and Florida Georgia Line have joined the line-up of performers for the 8th Annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit set for 7:30 pm Tues., June 5th at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Tunesmiths Dallas Davidson (“I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “We Owned The Night”) and Rodney Clawson (“Drink On It,” “Amarillo Sky”) will also join host and celebrated hit songwriter Craig Wiseman onstage for the songwriter round.

Owen is currently on board for the Brothers of the Sun Tour with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, along with special guest Grace Potter and The Nocturnals.

Florida Georgia Line—the duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley—is currently on the 2012 Country Throwdown Tour and promoting the new single, “Cruise.” “Anytime we can give back and help feed the hungry in our community we jump at the opportunity” says Kelley, “We are so excited to be part of Craig’s Stars For Second Harvest Show. Hopefully we can all come together and raise a lot of money!”

This musical event features unplugged acoustic style performances and helps to raise awareness of hunger issues in Tennessee. In the last seven years, this event has raised $446,032 to feed the hungry in Middle Tennessee. Because each dollar provides four meals, the funds raised from the concerts provided Second Harvest with the resources to supply over one and a half million meals.

Florida Georgia Line

Concert tickets are on-sale now for $50 and $35 at ticketmaster.com, ryman.com or by phone at 800-745-3000. For preferred VIP seating contact the Second Harvest Food Bank at 615-329-3491. Proceeds from the concert to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in its efforts to feed hungry people and solve hunger issues in our community. For more information visit www.secondharvestmidtn.org.

Performers Added To CMT Music Awards Nationwide Insurance Stage

The 2012 CMT Music Awards performers list is growing and the latest artists who will get to play the Nationwide Insurance-branded side stage during the broadcast Wednesday, June 6, at 7 pm/CT include Lauren AlainaCasey JamesJana KramerScotty McCreeryKip Moore and The Farm.

As part of the sponsorship, CMT’s fan voted Best New Live Act will be awarded the Nationwide Insurance On Your Side Award. 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will reveal the winner during the broadcast.

Voting is open through June 4 at CMT.com for nominees Eli Young Band, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen and Thompson Square.

Toby Keith and Kristen Bell will host the Awards, which will feature main stage performances by Luke Bryan, Kenny ChesneyEric ChurchToby KeithLady AntebellumLittle Big TownWillie NelsonBrad PaisleyPistol AnniesRascal FlattsThe Band PerryCarrie UnderwoodHank Williams, Jr. and Zac Brown Band.

Rodeowave Partners with A&M/Octone to Promote Miss Willie Brown

Rodeowave Entertainment has partnered with A&M/Octone Records to coordinate all country radio promotion activities for the new country duo Miss Willie Brown and their single “You’re All That Matters To Me.” Written by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the song was produced by Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift, The Band Perry) and is the duo’s lead single from their debut album due in fall.

Bob Guerra (host, producer, and writer of the nationally syndicated Country radio show, New Music Nashville) first brought Miss Willie Brown to my attention, so I found them online and thought the music was fantastic,” said Rodeowave’s Teddi Bonadies. “The first time I heard this single, I knew it was perfect for country radio.”

“You’re All That Matters To Me” is already receiving airplay at select radio stations, and will officially impact country radio in late June as Miss Willie Brown visits stations across the US. Over 91,000 copies of the song were downloaded from iTunes when it was highlighted as a download of the week.

Lady A Plans Australian Tour; Eric Church Unveils Fall Dates

Lady Antebellum has announced the final leg of its Own The Night 2012 World Tour, which will head into Australia in September. Tickets for the events will go on sale June 15, with pre-sale available Tuesday, June 12. Scheduled dates appear below.

The multi-platinum trio has sold over 850,000 tickets on the first leg of the tour, which will hit Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Rochester this weekend.

Own The Night 2012 World Tour Australian dates:
9/25 – Melbourne – Palais Theatre
9/28 – Brisbane – Convention Centre
10/1 – Sydney – Opera House

• • • •

Eric Church has unveiled the fall leg of his headlining Blood, Sweat, Beers Tour, adding cities nationwide from Los Angeles to Amherst, MA. Special guests Justin Moore and Kip Moore will join Church for this portion of the tour. Tickets go on sale June 8 for the first dates. A full list appears below.

The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour was named No. 11 in Pollstar’s 2012 Worldwide Ticket Sales Chart for the first quarter, and it has sold out more than 25 dates since it began.

Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour newly announced dates:

9/13 – Amherst, MA – Mullins Center
9/14 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena
9/15 – Pittsburgh, PA – CONSOL Energy Center
9/20 – Frisco, TX – Dr. Pepper Arena
9/21 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
9/22 – Cedar Park, TX – Cedar Park Center
9/27 – Mankato, MN – Verizon Wireless Center
9/28 – Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center
9/29 – Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center
10/4 – Detroit, MI – Joe Louis Arena
10/5 – Moline, IL – iWireless Center
10/6 – Cincinnati, OH – US Bank Arena
10/11 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
10/12 – Milwaukee, WI – Bradley Center
10/13 – Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse
10/14 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
10/18 – Lafayette, LA – Cajun Dome
10/19 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
10/20 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Arena
10/21 – Murray, KY – CFSB Center
10/25 – Roanoke, VA – Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum
10/26 – Fairfax, VA – Patriot Center
10/27 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
11/2 – Glendale, AZ – Jobing.com Arena
11/3 – Las Vegas, NV – Mandalay Bay Events Center
11/4 – Los Angeles, CA – Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
11/6 – Bakersfield, CA – Rabobank Arena
11/8 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
11/9 – San Jose, CA – HP Pavilion at San Jose
11/10 – Sacramento, CA – Power Balance Pavilion
11/11 – Reno, NV – Reno Events Center
11/13 – Everett, WA – Comcast Arena at Everett
11/15 – Portland, OR – Rose Garden Arena
11/16 – Boise, ID – Taco Bell Arena
11/17 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center
11/28 – Charlotte, NC – Time Warner Cable Arena
11/29 – Duluth, GA – The Arena at Gwinnett Center
11/30 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena
12/1 – Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Superstore Arena
12/6 – North Little Rock, AR – Verizon Arena
12/7 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
12/8 – Wichita, KS – Intrust Bank Arena
12/13 – Tampa, FL – USF Sun Dome
12/14 – Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
12/15 – Sunrise, FL – Bank Atlantic Center

Street Closures Announced For CMA Music Festival

The 2012 CMA Music Festival is right around the corner, and the influx of people and events will mean changes in traffic flow starting today (6/1) and extending through the end of next week.

Closures beginning Friday, June 1:
• 8:00AM/CT – First Avenue South, east-most lane

Closures beginning Monday, June 4:
• 8:00AM/CT – First Avenue North, east-most lane (re-opens June 13)

Closures beginning Tuesday, June 5:
• 9:00AM/CT – Broadway from First to Second Avenues
• 9:00AM/CT – First Avenue from Demonbreun to Church Streets

Closures beginning Wednesday, June 6:
• 12:00PM/CT – Broadway from Second to Fourth Avenues
• 12:00PM/CT – Commerce Street from Fifth to Sixth Avenues

Closures beginning Thursday June 7:
• 12:00AM/CT – Fifth Avenue from Demonbreun Street to Broadway
• 7:00AM/CT – Broadway, north-most lane from Fifth to Sixth Avenues
• 7:00AM/CT – Fourth Avenue South, east-most lane from Demonbreun Street to Broadway
• 7:00AM/CT – Second Avenue, east-most lane from Demonbreun Street to Broadway and from Church to Union Streets
• 7:00AM/CT – Fifth Avenue, east-most lane from Franklin to Demonbreun Streets
• 7:00AM/CT – Fifth Avenue, west-most lane from Broadway to Commerce Street

These streets will remain closed throughout Music Festival, and will be cleared in the early morning hours of Monday, June 11.

Additionally, temporary closures will occur Wednesday, June 6 for the eighth annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade and the Seventh Annual CMA Music Festival Block Party. The following will be closed from 9 am to 2 pm/CT:

• Tenth Avenue North from Broadway to Church Street
• Commerce Street from Ninth to Tenth Avenues
• Broadway, south-most lane from Ninth to Twelfth Avenues
• Broadway from First to Twelfth Avenues (10:20AM/CT – 1:30PM/CT only)

The 2012 CMA Music Festival officially runs Thursday, June 7 through Sunday, June 10. For the latest info, check here.