Facebook Purchases Instagram

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Facebook announced today it will be acquiring popular mobile photo-sharing app Instagram. The agreement is valued at approximately $1 billion in cash and Facebook shares, and is expected to close later this quarter.

According to a post on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s timeline, the Instagram team will be joining Facebook, but the Instagram brand will continue to be built and grown independently. Zuckerberg also noted that keeping Instagram connected to other networks than Facebook is important, and his company would be “building on Instagram’s strengths and features rather than just trying to integrate everything into Facebook.”

Instagram initially launched for Apple’s App Store in October 2010, and the Android version debuted last week on April 3, 2012.

Lionel Richie and Friends Concert Special Airing Friday

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Tim McGraw (L) with Lionel Richie (L) at the ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends - In Concert filming.

CBS will air ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends – In Concert on Fri., April 13 at 9 PM ET/PT. The event was taped at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 2 following the 47th Annual ACM Awards.

The special, which promotes Richie’s new duets album Tuskegee, features both performances from Jason Aldean (“Say You Say Me”), Luke Bryan (“Running with the Night”), Sara Evans and Marc Anthony (“Endless Love”), Martina McBride (“Still”), The Band Perry (“Penny Lover”) and Lady Antebellum (“Truly”). Tuskegee recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart, Richie’s highest charting album since 1986.

Richie will perform duets on “My Love” with Kenny Chesney, “Sail On” with Tim McGraw, “Hello” with Jennifer Nettles, “Lady” with Kenny Rogers, “Stuck On You” with Darius Rucker, “Brick House” with Big & Rich and “Dancin’ On The Ceiling” with Rascal Flatts.

Additionally, Nicole Richie will join her father at the piano for a special moment in the show.

Lionel Richie and Friends – In Concert is produced for television by dick clark productions. Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers. Ticket sales from the special will benefit ACM Lifting Lives.

Bridgestone Arena and Preds Equal Major Economic Impact

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The Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena generate an annual economic impact of approximately $410 million on Nashville, according to a report released by the groups in March. Additionally, the hockey team and venue support more than 2,350 jobs annually.

Nearly two-thirds of attendees at all Bridgestone Arena events (65.1 percent) come from outside of Davidson County, including 84.4 percent of concert-goers and 57.6 percent of Predators game attendees. In addition, many attendees come from out of state—39.3% of concert-goers, 10.8 percent of Predators attendees and 17.4 percent of overall attendees.

According to Pollstar rankings, the Bridgestone Arena is sixth in the United States for concert attendance, 20th in the world, and eighth in North America.

In 2010-11, Bridgestone Arena hosted 1.4 million guests, a 30 percent increase over 2009-10. In its history, the venue has hosted more than 18 million guests.

In 2010-11, almost 100 million viewers across America watched events broadcast from Bridgestone Arena, including the CMA Awards, CMA Country Christmas, college basketball, CMT Awards and NHL games.

Les Paul Treasures Going Up For Auction

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Julien’s Auctions and the Les Paul Foundation have partnered for an auction of instruments, equipment, and artifacts owned by the legendary musician and inventor. The Les Paul auction event will take place June 8-9, 2012 in honor of what would have been Paul’s 97th birthday.

Among the items going up for sale are a 1968 Prototype Gibson Les Paul Custom (Est. value $60k-80k), a 1951 Fender Nocaster (Est. value $40k-60k), a late ‘60s API Mixing Console (Est. value $40k-60k), and many more.

Paul left an indelible mark on music in the 20th century, from rock and roll to country and beyond. As an inventor, he produced one of the first solid-body electric guitars, which went on to become the beloved Gibson Les Paul. He also pioneered new recording techniques, including commissioning the first 8-track tape recorder. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005 and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2006. He was honored with the Grammy Trustees Award for his lifetime achievements in 1983. He won Grammys for Best Country Instrumental (Chester and Lester, 1976), Best Rock Instrumental (69 Freedom Special, 2005), and Best Pop Instrumental (Caravan, 2005).

Lady A Backstage: Going To Kansas City

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YouTube video

A short video moment from the Fan Club meet and greet where the band performed “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” with an acoustic guitar. The backstage schedule is a lot more demanding than many might imagine. Here’s Lady A’s call times from Kansas City. Sound Check 3-3:45; Dinner 5-7; Radio Lounge meet n greet 6; Lipton meet n greet 6:15; Lady A fan club meet n greet 6:30.

• • • • •

After all the meet and greets, local press, rehearsals and more, the band explodes on stage for the main event. Here, center stage, the trio sings its opening number “Own The Night.” (Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood.)

Superstar tours move from city to city like self-contained armies equipped with a caravan of 18-wheelers, a cast of technicians, musicians, engineers and full-blown catering. Like a small village of specialized craftsman, each member plays an integral part in helping to set up, present the show and then pack up and move to the next location.

Lady Antebellum’s Own The Night 2012 World Tour began Jan. 31 in Bloomington, Illinois and has enjoyed a string of sold out dates. The show travels overseas to the UK and Ireland this summer where they will open for Bruce Springsteen at the Hard Rock Calling Festival and also perform a series of headline dates.

Your Scribe reviewed the show a few weeks ago (click here) but collided again with Lady A in Kansas City on April 6. Here is a pictorial glimpse of life backstage for a superstar act and its team. (All photos and video David Ross)

These two photos were taken inside the Kansas City, Mo. Sprint Center in the dining area while everyone was socializing and relaxing a bit. Note the oil paintings from a local artist behind Hillary of artists that have performed at the venue. (Photo Left) Lady A’s Hillary Scott (R) with college friend Brittany Moses (L); (Photo right) Lady A’s Charles Kelley (R) with Steve Buchanan (L), President Opry Group, Gaylord Entertainment.

While most everything focuses on the tour and its immediate needs, artists must also look to the future. That’s why it’s not uncommon to find some of Nashville’s top songwriters tagging along working on songs with the artists. (L-R) Marv Green, who co-wrote the Kix Brooks hit “New To This Town”; Susan Stewart, South Regional Director, Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy; Tim Nichols co-writer of “Live Like You Were Dying”; Jason Sellers, who cowrote the Jason Aldean/ Kelly Clarkson duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay?”; and CMT Sr. VP Music Strategy Leslie Fram.

After the show Lady A surprised Thompson Square’s Keifer and Shawna Thompson—part of the tour—with a cake to applaud their ACM award as Vocal Duo of the Year. The playful moment took place at club La Bellum which is the tour “hangout.” Inside was a ping pong table that travels everywhere with the production plus an island bar area. (L-R) Dave Haywood, Keiffer and Shawna Thompson, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley.

Nashville Celebs Join Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament

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On April 10, Rob Bironas of the Tennessee Titans and ICM “Bluegrass Artist of the Year” The Roys will co-host the 2012 Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament for Middle Tennessee children.

Golf competitors will match with celebrity Titans players Brett Kern, Colin McCarthy and Craig Stevens and artists Troy Gentry (Montgomery Gentry), Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, Dailey & Vincent, and Doyle Lawson to win prizes and raise money for the organization.

Christmas 4 Kids Golf Tournament is presented by Prevost and will be hosted at Pine Creek Golf Course in Mt. Juliet, TN. Tee time is at Noon.

Prizes include a jar of Tennessee White Whiskey, Zoom Teeth Whitening and extra golf balls on the course. A live auction features a trip to see Montgomery Gentry in concert and a guitar signed by the Titans. Additionally, two separate Hole-In-One contests boast grand prizes including handwritten lyrics to “Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels and a separate $25,000 cash prize.

“Christmas 4 Kids decided to differentiate ourselves by combining both the sports and music industries unique to the area,” said Debbie Lamberson, president of Christmas 4 Kids. “I am proud to say the partnership is paying off because we sold out three weeks before the tournament date.”

Christmas 4 Kids has provided gifts to children in the Middle Tennessee area for over 20 years. Last year, the organization provided 450 children a ride on a celebrity tour bus, a party with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the chance to buy presents at a local Walmart. Proceeds from the 2012 Celebrity Golf Tournament will make this a reality again in 2012.

No. 1 Party: Kenny Chesney’s “Reality”

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(L-R): (front row) BMG/Chrysalis' Sara Johnson; Warner/Chappell Music's Steve Markland; co-writers Brett James and Kenny Chesney; manager Dale Morris; and Sony/ATV Music Publishing's Troy Tomlinson; (back row) ASCAP's Mike Sistad; Sony Music Nashville's Gary Overton; producer Buddy Cannon; BMI's Clay Bradley; and BNA Records' Norbert Nix. Photo: Rick Diamond

BNA Records’ Kenny Chesney and songwriter Brett James celebrated their recent co-written No. 1 chart-topper “Reality,” produced by Buddy Cannon, at Sambuca’s Sky Room on Thursday (4/5). BMI and ASCAP co-hosted the event, which honored Chesney’s 23rd trip to the top of the charts.

Presentations were made by BMI’s Clay Bradley and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, as well as Warner/Chappell’s Steve Markland, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, and BMG Chrysalis’ Sara Johnson. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox presented a financial contribution in the name of the writers to Chesney’s preferred charity, Plan!t Now.

“I’ve been very blessed with a lot of great people that have been part of a really incredible ride,” said Chesney. “The thing that makes me the happiest is when I can sit down with a guy like Brett James and create something that touches people. Thank you everybody for giving us a great reality.”

Brett James also thanked everyone for the accolades and added, “We wrote ‘Out Last Night’ and ‘Reality’ on the same day. Thank God for that day!”


YouTube video

Rascal Flatts Presents One Night Movie Event, “Changed”

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Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts

The members of Rascal Flatts celebrated their new album release on Thursday (4/5) in New York City’s AMC Theater in Times Square with Rascal Flatts-CHANGED: One Night Exclusive Movie-Theatre Event.

The movie includes concert performances from the newly released project, Changed, at Tennessee’s Franklin Theatre. New songs performed include “Banjo,” “Hot in Here,” “She’s Leaving,” “Come Wake Me Up,” and “Changed.”

The film also features performances of the group’s biggest hits such as “Fast Cars and Freedom,” “Bless the Broken Road,” “What Hurts the Most,” “I Won’t Let Go,” and “Life Is A Highway.”

Nestled between performances were in-depth personal interviews with each of the group’s members, Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus. The performers revealed how they discovered music early in their lives, which musical influences they got from their families, and how at one point, they almost called it quits.

The film also takes the audience into the homes of Gary, Joe Don, and Jay, giving viewers an opportunity to meet their families and see how they live when not performing.

The Tacklebox Films production was presented by NCM Fathom Events, Big Machine Records and AEG Network Live with executive producers Scott Borchetta, Clarence Spalding, and Sandi Spika Borchetta. Shaun Silva directed the film, which was produced by Don Lepore with musical production by Dann Huff.

Sugarland Members to Testify in Fair Case

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Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are scheduled to give video depositions this week for lawsuits surrounding the Indiana State Fair stage collapse on August 13, 2011. The tragedy claimed seven lives and caused numerous injuries.

According to the AP, Nettles and Bush will provide depositions Thursday, April 12 and Friday, April 13 in Charleston, WV. Central to this part of the investigation will be whether the band chose not to delay the Indiana concert after being informed about bad weather.

These allegations were brought to light following the deposition of Indiana State Fair Commission Executive Director Cindy Hoye, who claimed the band refused the fair’s efforts to delay the show. Sugarland’s depositions were ordered by a judge presiding over a lawsuit against Mid-America Sound Corp., who owns the staging equipment that collapsed.

Earlier, an investigation by the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded that the stagehands union, fair officials, and Mid-America Sound Corp. shared the blame and issued fines to each party.

In another previous separate investigation, the state of Indiana settled with victims for a total payout of $5 million, with the estates of the deceased receiving more than $300,000 each.

David Ross Reveals “Secrets of the List” in New Book

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Secrets of the List, the first book from MusicRow founder David M. Ross, was released last week. The longtime techie delved into the world of e-mail and online marketing for the book, which is designed to help others master their customer email lists to grow their businesses and brands. Secrets of the List explains cutting-edge online marketing strategies, and how to profit by harnessing their power. Step by step he shows how companies big and small can communicate directly with customers and market themselves effectively and economically.

“This is not just about being on Facebook or sending out an occasional Tweet,” explains Ross. “It’s dedicated to helping entrepreneurs take advantage of digital marketing opportunities using email and social media.

 At the same time, you create a consumer army of dedicated brand supporters, invaluable for feedback as your company grows and considers new offerings. Networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have become the online meeting places where friends gather, exchange news and talk about what’s on their minds. Looked at differently, these networks have become the most efficient word of mouth machine in the history of the world.”

David M. Ross

During Ross’s 30-year tenure running MusicRow, he built the company from the ground up and profitably transformed it from a print magazine to a digital medium by pioneering many of the email/social media marketing techniques revealed in Secrets of the List.

He is an award-winning journalist who received the Country Music Association’s President’s Award for Outstanding Service in 1998 and the Canadian Country Music Association’s Leonard T. Rambeau Award for International Achievement in 2003. One of Country music’s most frequently read industry analysts, Ross continues to cover the intersection between Nashville entertainment business and technology, speaking often at seminars, conferences and panels.

Secrets of the List is available on Amazon.

Click here to email David Ross or visit secretsofthelist.com.